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Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Renowned Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim dies at 88
Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim, famed for his critiques of political repression, neoliberalism and Western hegemony, has died at the age of 88, the culture ministry announced on Wednesday. Ibrahim "passed away today, leaving behind an immortal literary and humanitarian legacy," Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno said in a tribute, calling the writer a "pillar of modern Arabic literature". Born in Cairo in 1937, Ibrahim was famed around the Arab world as a chronicler of social injustice, known for his sparse, documentary-style prose and his fierce independence. His writings — which blurred the line between the personal and the political — captured the struggles of the Arab world in the postcolonial era, particularly those of his native Egypt. Arguably his most famous novel, "Zaat" (1992), tells the story of Egypt's modern history — from the overthrow of the monarchy in 1952 to the neoliberalism of the 1990s under president Hosni Mubarak -- through the eyes of an ordinary, middle-class woman. It was adapted into a prime-time television series in 2013, bringing Ibrahim's scathing portrayal of power to a new generation of Egyptians in the aftermath of the Arab Spring uprising that ousted Mubarak. A dissident through and through, Ibrahim was first jailed for his leftist politics in 1959, under then president Gamal Abdel Nasser. His five years in prison would form the basis for his debut 1966 novel, "That Smell", which was initially banned. Ibrahim's renown later saw many of his works translated into English and French. In 2003, he refused to accept a prestigious literary prize from the Mubarak government charging that it "oppresses our people, protects corruption and allows the Israeli ambassador to remain while Israel kills and rapes". The last was a reference to alleged Israeli abuses in the occupied territories during the second Palestinian intifada or uprising. Among Ibrahim's most celebrated works are "The Committee" (1981), a Kafkaesque allegory of bureaucracy and surveillance, and "Stealth" (2007), a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood during World War II. Generations of Arab writers found inspiration in his minimalist style, heavy with irony and rooted in everyday life.
Zawya
12-08-2025
- Zawya
AI is becoming key tool for potential travelers to Middle East: Report
Mubasher: AI is becoming a key tool for travelers planning trips to the Middle East, with nearly six in 10 have used AI for travel planning and with 21% using it before their most recent trip, according to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM). With the growth of AI adoption, it is expected to play an increasing role in delivering personalized recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travelers. Moreover, travel firms are harnessing AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact. The report further indicated that 60% of travelers in the UAE trust AI to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travelers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits. On the other hand, the rise of AI in the business events (MICE) sector is delivering significant gains in efficiency and insight, with the global meetings and events industry set to reach $945 billion in 2025 and projected to exceed $2.30 trillion by 2032, the need for scalable, intelligent tools has never been greater. Data-led personalization is now critical to driving attendee engagement and loyalty, with AI helping to automate sourcing, translate content in real time, and generate tailored event experiences. Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, Danielle Curtis, said: 'When it comes to travel and tourism innovations, the most effective technologies are those that amplify human interactions, improve efficiency and respond directly to customer needs.' Curtis concluded: 'The industry has a shared commitment to responsible innovation by placing people at the centre of every technology solution.'
Tourism Breaking News
06-08-2025
- Tourism Breaking News
60% of UAE travellers rely on AI to plan trips, human connection remains vital
Post Views: 41 According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits. According to the report, AI is becoming a key tool for travellers planning trips to the Middle East. Nearly six in ten have used AI for travel planning, with 21% using it before their most recent trip. As AI adoption grows, it is expected to play an increasing role in delivering personalised recommendations and booking experiences for tech-savvy travellers. The research also confirmed that travel firms are harnessing AI to enhance customer service and drive economic impact. Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. In line with the digital transformation within travel and tourism, ATM 2025 provided a platform for experts across the technology, hospitality and events industries to discuss the implications for human connection as AI-powered tools, personalised service platforms, and data-led design become more prevalent. Speaking during the event, Amy Read, VP Innovation at Sabre Hospitality, said: 'It is important to recognise that human connection is at the core of hospitality. When we think about innovation within hospitality, we try to find ways that amplify those key moments, rather than replace them. We want to free up staff time so that they can engage in more meaningful interactions.' Read acknowledged that it is vital for the industry to recognise that technology has changed guests' expectations of hospitality providers as they now seek instant gratification and swift responses. This has led to the development of innovative solutions such as SynXis Concierge AI, which uses generative AI to transform customer service for hoteliers, providing immediate, detailed, and accurate responses to specific queries, reducing the reliance on individual staff knowledge and ensuring consistent, high-quality service around the clock. Other examples include Miral's AI concierge, Majd Al, which is utilised at attractions such as Yas Bay Waterfront and Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The service offers tailored suggestions based on individual preferences, helping visitors maximise their experience.
