Marathon Des Sables confirms Jordan as the 2025 venue for the fifth year in a row
As a host of the Marathon des Sables, Jordan marks a milestone in its emergence as a leading destination for international sporting and adventure tourism. More than just a race, it offers a transformative experience that blends endurance, culture, and exploration against the breathtaking backdrop of Wadi Rum's desert landscapes. As global interest in adventure travel continues to rise, MDS Jordan positions the country at the forefront of this growing sector, attracting high-value international visitors and supporting the national tourism strategy by showcasing Jordan's natural beauty, heritage, and hospitality on the world stage.
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Jordan Times
11 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Jordan readies for 31st FIBA Asia Cup
AMMAN — The national basketball team has been announced in the final stretch as they prepare to play the 31st FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia less than a week away. There has been much debate among observers and fans after Jordan ended participation in the Beirut Tournament last week losing 89-79 to Lebanon, Egypt 70-60 and Iran 70-61. As the coach announced the final roster, it was confirmed that many stars like Ahmad Duweiri and Ronday Jefferson and others would be missing the upcoming competitions. The make-up of the Jordan squad leaves much to debate as incoming Canadian coach Roy Rana has to grapple with attaining results while building a new base for the national team which has had to undergo a revamp at a critical time with many players aging, uncommitted or not being in top form. Now, the new squad has to try to keep up Jordan's impressive Asian record at the August 5-17 FIBA Asia Cup to which they advanced with an unbeaten record. Jordan will play in Group C alongside China, Saudi Arabia and India Group A: Qatar, Australia, South Korea, Lebanon, Group B: Guam, Japan, Syria, Iran Group D: Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Iraq, the Philippines. Group winners will qualify to the quarters while the second and third teams will play to advance. Jordan is now 35th in FIBA rankings, 8th in Asia and the 2nd best Arab team. Jordan has qualified to the FIBA Asia Cup 17 times. In the last edition in 2022, Jordan finished 4th. Previously, their best position was finishing runner-up in 2011 and 3rd in 2009. Jordan is also the 2023 Asian Games silver medalist and three-time qualifier to the World Cup, 2010, 2019 and 2023. Earlier this year, Spaniard Juan Manuel 'Piti' Hurtado replaced Wisam Al-Sous, in the last qualifying stage before Rana was named the senior men's team coach for the upcoming Asia Cup. Rana who helped Egypt qualify to the 2023 World Cup and the Olympic qualifiers 2024 and was assistant to the German team during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has had to grapple with the roller coaster ride of the game lately, which after years of a temporary committee leading the game, took time until a new board was assigned only to be followed by delaying starts to all national squad preparations. Lagging results by most national teams were followed by reports that JBF Chairman Ahmad Hanandeh submitted his resignation after the U19 men's squad failed to impress at their second time at the World Cup. Jordan had qualified to the U19 World Cup after a 4th place finish at the U18 Asia Cup in 2024 about 30 years after first qualifying in 1995. Jordan lost all their matches, finishing last after an unimpressive competitive form. In the first Round, Jordan lost the Dominican Republic and Switzerland and abstained from playing against Israel. In the Round of 16, they lost to the US and Mali in the matches deciding 9-16 spots. In their last match, they again lost to the Dominican Republic to finish last. In addition, Jordan's women's team finished third in the Arab Championship. In the U16 WABA women's tournament, which ended Wednesday, Jordan lost to Iran 69-4, Lebanon 64-45 and Syria 61-52. In the U16 WABA men's tournament, Jordan lost all three matches to Iran 96-88, Lebanon 88-68 and Syria 88-66 as Lebanon won the title.
Al Bawaba
12 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Sharjah Islamic Bank Promotes a Culture of Saving Among the Younger Generation in Collaboration with 'Sharjah Children'
As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance financial awareness across society, Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) organized a series of specialized workshops in collaboration with Sharjah Children, a subsidiary of Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators. The initiative aimed to instill core concepts of saving and sound financial planning among children, equipping them with practical money management skills from an early initiative received wide participation from various Sharjah Children centers, where 13 awareness workshops were held across Sharjah and surrounding areas, engaging more than 260 children aged 9 to 12. Delivered in a fun and engaging educational environment, the workshops used interactive methods to simplify financial messages and make them appealing and memorable for Aware Generations: An Investment in Society's FutureHassan Al Balghouni, Head of Corporate Communications; Customer Awareness at Sharjah Islamic Bank, stated: "At SIB, we believe that financial literacy starts at a young age. Building financially aware generations is a true investment in the future of our society. These initiatives lie at the heart of our social responsibility strategy, as we continuously support awareness programs that promote a culture of saving and embed financial planning and responsible resource management in children's mindsets."He added: 'Through these workshops, we aim to deliver simplified educational content that enables children to understand and handle money responsibly. This early exposure can positively shape their financial behaviors and help prepare future generations to make thoughtful financial decisions.'Hands-On Learning That Reflects Real-Life ScenariosThe workshops were designed to suit the age group, starting with storytelling-based educational sessions about basic saving principles. These were followed by hands-on activities simulating real-life scenarios, helping children internalize positive financial behaviors. Each session concluded with a prize draw to reward engagement and encourage the adoption of smart financial her side, Noura Al Shamsi, the Deputy Director of Sharjah Children of Rubu' Qarn, emphasized the importance of the collaboration with Sharjah Islamic Bank, saying: "This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to promoting financial awareness among children and creating interactive learning environments that reinforce saving and sound planning from a young age."She added: 'At Sharjah Children, we aim to build a generation that is aware, capable, and equipped with essential life skills. Financial literacy is a cornerstone of that goal, and we regularly integrate such programs into our institution's development pathways.'Al Shamsi continued: 'This collaboration empowers children with essential financial basics such as responsibility, personal budgeting, and balancing spending with saving. We use interactive tools tailored to their age group to ensure these lessons stay with them as they grow.'She concluded: 'We believe that introducing these concepts in an inspiring and simplified way helps build genuine awareness that aligns with the needs of the modern world and supports the UAE's vision for financial sustainability and knowledge-based development.'A Leading Role in Spreading Financial AwarenessThese workshops are part of a broader series of initiatives led by the Customer Education and Awareness Unit within SIB's Corporate Communication Department. The unit plays a pivotal role in implementing community engagement programs and advancing financial literacy across different population recent months, the unit has successfully delivered a diverse range of impactful programs aimed at enhancing financial literacy across various segments of the community. These included awareness lectures under the 'Zoud' campaign targeting government employees; financial freedom sessions held in collaboration with Badiri Academy, the educational arm of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment; and a summer awareness lecture for children in partnership with Al Bataeh Club. Additionally, the unit launched the interactive 'Hafiz Ala Feloosek' initiative during Sharjah's Dhai Festival, engaging the general public, and produced the financial education radio program 'Your Financial Advisor' in collaboration with the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. These initiatives align with SIB's ongoing commitment to support national efforts aimed at empowering individuals with sound financial planning tools and promoting long-term financial sustainability across the UAE community.
Al Bawaba
19 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Azizi Developments' Beach Oasis Nears Completion at 94%, Final Works Underway
Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has announced that construction at Beach Oasis - its vibrant mixed-use community in the dynamic, rapidly growing Dubai Studio City - has reached 94% completion. The project is progressing as scheduled, with its handover set for Q3 blockwork, and internal plastering works have all been completed, while tiling, HVAC, and MEP activities now stand at 94%, 99%, and 94% respectively. Façade and swimming pool works are nearing completion at 98% and 88%, with overall finishes at 90%. Elevator installations have reached 71%, and external procedures are progressing steadily at 44%. A total of 1,325 personnel are currently deployed on-site to ensure timely, high-quality 476 studios, 200 one-bedroom, and 36 two-bedroom residences spread across two buildings, Beach Oasis is a modern low-rise residential community that features an outstanding array of amenities, including a large beach-like swimming pool - the highlight of the project's central courtyard - fully equipped gymnasiums, landscaped gardens, children's play areas, and a central square with a multitude of retail options for the convenience of its Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of the Azizi group of companies, said: 'We are thrilled with the momentum at Beach Oasis, and we look forward to its imminent handover. This development reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality homes on schedule and with outstanding attention to detail. With its prime location and lifestyle-focused amenities, Beach Oasis is shaping up to be one of Dubai Studio City's most sought-after communities.'Situated on Hessa Street near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Studio City is a strategic location with excellent accessibility. Residents benefit from a wide range of nearby amenities, including schools and colleges, medical facilities, sports and leisure attractions, and much more. Major attractions in proximity include Dubai Autodrome, the Els Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai International Stadium, Football Academy Dubai, Sports Park, ICC Academy, and Miracle Garden, among many others. Azizi Developments' Sales Gallery can be visited on the 13th floor of the Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road.
