Latest news with #Adham
CairoScene
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Elita Records: Egypt's First Online Store for International Records
You can now get a physical copy of your favourite international CD, cassette or vinyl without breaking the bank. Apr 01, 2025 If my brief journey in the music industry had taught me a couple of lessons, one of them is that unconventional music tastes are accepted as long as it's not mainstream pop. It's fun and not shameful that you need to hide behind a dumpster every time someone asks you, 'What's your favourite genre?'. However, what has become somewhat of a nightmare for me is that 'guilty' pleasure of collecting international pop records. The country's limited record shops, concentrated in Cairo, with a very exclusive record collection of psychedelic rock and electronic, offer little to no respite for those seeking contemporary pop releases. So, the chance of finding a physical copy of my favourite pop albums, whether CDs, Cassettes or vinyls of old or new releases, was not only highly unlikely but nearly impossible. This changed when I first came across Elita Records whilst scrolling aimlessly through my Instagram explore page –an online purveyor based in Alexandria that provides an extensive catalog of international records at price points that diverge sharply from the often exorbitant costs of overseas acquisitions. I no longer needed to purchase records from online record stores abroad that usually cost an arm and a leg –and, mind you, might never make it to me in one piece. Intrigued, I spoke with Elite's owner, Adham Fawzy, to uncover how the store got its start. Inspired by the famed American record shop, Spin Me Round, Adham aimed to create an affordable outlet for music heads across Egypt to acquire physical copies of their favourite artists and build their own collections. 'The main concept behind Elite Records is to make collecting different physical formats of international records more accessible in Egypt.' He tells SceneNoise, 'Unfortunately, many Middle Eastern artists have stopped producing physical formats of their releases. I aim to change that eventually and revive the record collecting culture.' What initially started as a small curated outlet reflecting his personal niche taste turned into a full-fledged store that caters to all kinds of music, with a focus on contemporary international releases, from pop to alternative, rock and hip-hop. 'Despite them being more expensive, that's what appeals most to Gen Z.' Adham tells SceneNoise. However, he still thrifts older records from time to time for those who might be interested. 'At Elita Records, we don't just stock records –we take custom orders. If someone is looking for a specific vinyl or CD that we don't have, we'll source it for them.' Browse Elita Records' collection on Instagram
Forbes
31-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Hope On Wheels: UNICEF Mobile Teams Deliver Health Care In Yemen
Four-year-old Adham eats from a packet of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) after being diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition supplied by a UNICEF-supported mobile team in Dhamar, Yemen. © UNICEF/UNI736173/Haleem After 10 years of war, Yemen is gripped by malnutrition, disease outbreaks, lack of access to health care and other urgent services, and other life-threatening risks to the most vulnerable — all evidence of a full-scale humanitarian crisis. One in two children under 5 are acutely malnourished; over 537,000 suffer from severe acute malnutrition, a condition that is agonizing, life-threatening and entirely preventable. In addition, 1.4 million pregnant and lactating women are malnourished, perpetuating the cycle of intergenerational suffering. 'Mothers and children are the foundation of any society. When they are healthy, the whole country is healthy.' UNICEF and its donors support the implementation of many interventions in Yemen, helping people in the war-torn country get access to health and nutrition services, safe water and education. UNICEF's mobile teams are one example of a vital service platform bringing essential health and nutrition services directly to families in remote parts of the country. 'Mothers and children are the foundation of any society. When they are healthy, the whole country is healthy,' says Khawla Ahmed Abdullah Al-Hilmani, a 29-year-old midwife who works on one of the mobile teams. A UNICEF-supported mobile team provide services from a building in Dhamar, southwestern Yemen, for families who cannot reach health centers. © UNICEF/UNI736179/Ahmed Haleem. All rights reserved. Support from the Swiss National Committee for UNICEF has enabled the deployment of mobile teams in several governorates, including Hajjah, Hodeidah, Taiz, Dhamar and Al Dhale`a, reaching the most vulnerable including children under 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Jamila Ali Al-Moshki, a midwife from Dhamar, explains why the deployment of mobile teams is so important for the local population: 'Before this mobile team, we had no appropriate place to accept patients, screen and treat them for malnutrition and other minor illness or vaccinate children. I hope this project continues, as it helps so many people here.' In Yemen, UNICEF-supported clinics staffed by mobile teams target malnourished children whose families cannot take them to health centers. © UNICEF/UNI736208/Ahmed Haleem. All rights reserved. In Hajjah governorate, for example, mobile teams are deployed to work in places where fixed health centers are inaccessible or non-functional. Every day, these UNICEF-supported mobile teams reach thousands of families, doing medical check-ups, nutritional screening and vaccinations and providing nutritional support and consultations. Munira, 4, is screened for malnutrition by a UNICEF mobile team member. © UNICEF/UNI736157/Ahmed Haleem. All rights reserved. Dr. Ali Abdullah Aziz Al-Khader, Director of the Health Office in Dhamar District, explains why the mobile team in Dhamar is extremely important: 'Dhamar is located between two governorates, so a team here is easily accessible for many people who otherwise would not be able to get the medical help they need,' he says. 'Yes, we face many difficulties, but we never stop working because for many people this team is the only chance for treatment and recovery.' Despite all the challenges — logistical hurdles, ongoing conflict and the constant need for medical supplies — they continue working with support from organizations like UNICEF and their donors, saving one life after another. Learn more about UNICEF's work for children in Yemen Located in southwestern Yemen, the city of Dhamar lacks sufficient health care services. © UNICEF/UNI736209/Ahmed Haleem. All rights reserved. For many families, the mobile teams are more than just vehicles carrying medical supplies and people who share advice on how to take care of their babies. They are a beacon of hope. 'My son is three years old and suffers from malnutrition,' says Ishraq Mohammed Al-Masnai, a young mother from Dhamar. 'I am grateful to the doctors in this team. Thanks to them, my son and I receive all the necessary treatment.' In Dhamar, 4-year-old Adham (top photo) receives treatment from a mobile team operating under the supervision of the Health and Environment Office. He is just one of the hundreds of children who receive help and lifesaving care from the mobile team in the area. A doctor prepares to vaccinate a child in a UNICEF-supported health clinic in Dhamar, Yemen. © UNICEF/UNI736197/Ahmed Haleem. All rights reserved. Khawla Ahmed Abdullah Al-Hilmani, a midwife, says, 'We help pregnant women and young mothers, educate them about nutrition and reproductive health, and provide antenatal and post-natal services. However, sometimes people do not fully understand the idea of vaccination and regular check-ups.' Two-year-old Ibtisam, who suffers from malnutrition and receives treatment from the same team, has made remarkable progress, thanks to the care she has received. She and other young children who suffer from malnutrition get regular check-ups along with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and micronutrient supplements distributed by the mobile team. Their parents get qualified advice about proper care and nutrition for their children along with vaccinations and other medical services they may need. Three-month-old Nawaf is vaccinated by a UNICEF mobile team member in Dhamar, Yemen. © UNICEF/UNI736192/Ahmed Haleem. All rights reserved. Despite impressive achievements and support from local and international partners, these initiatives face many challenges. Insecurity, fuel shortages, funding cuts and disrupted supply chains make it hard to predict how and whether the project will develop, reaching more families in need. While the mobile teams have dramatically increased health care access in Yemen, not all regions receive the comprehensive care they need due to funding gaps. However, UNICEF, along with its partners, remains optimistic and dedicated to their goals, expanding these services further and building on the success already seen in governorates like Al Hodeida, Hajjah and Raymah. 'In 2025, we continue to support 3,200 health facilities, the treatment of 600,000 malnourished children, 70 mobile teams, 42,000 community health workers and 27 therapeutic feeding centers," UNICEF Representative in Yemen Peter Hawkins said on March 25. "For this to continue, we need sustained funding. Otherwise, 7.6 million people in Yemen risk not having access to primary health care." Related: Foreign Aid Funding Cuts Harm the World's Children Some of the children benefiting from the assistance provided by a UNICEF-supported mobile team in Yemen. © UNICEF/UNI736184/Ahmed Haleem. All rights reserved. These mobile teams are not just about delivering health and nutrition services; they represent a powerful commitment to reach every child, every family and every community in need, saving the future of Yemen one life at a time. 'Yemen's children cannot wait another decade," said Hawkins. "They need peace. They need justice. But above all, they need us to act — now. Let us not fail them.' Right now, the lives of the most vulnerable children hang in the balance as conflicts and crises jeopardize the care and protection that they deserve. Dependable, uninterrupted and effective foreign aid is critical to the well-being of millions of children. Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to support ongoing U.S. investments in foreign assistance. Help UNICEF reach more children in need. Donate today. This story was adapted from
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: OCCI forum highlights role of financial policies in underpinning economic growth
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) held on Monday, March 17, 2025, an insightful discussion on the role of financial policies in supporting sustainable economic growth and enhancing the business environment. The event, held as part of the Chamber's Ramadhan Evening series, was titled 'Taxes and Their Impact on Economic Development.' It was attended by a host of prominent figures, including Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). Shaikh Faisal began the evening with a keynote address, emphasising the importance of taxes as a key financial tool for financing public expenditure. He explained that taxes are not merely a source of revenue but are also pivotal in driving economic development and guiding the economy towards growth and stability. He emphasised that directing tax revenues to infrastructure and services would boost the business environment, living standards and investment. However, he warned that imbalanced tax policies could reduce incentives for work and investment, leading to capital flight and economic slowdown. Over-taxation could also drive investments to countries with lower rates, while tax evasion would hinder development project financing. Shaikh Faisal further highlighted that fair and equitable tax policies encourage compliance and enhance the business climate, which is crucial for sustainable economic growth. HH Dr Adham bin Turki al Said, Chairman of the Chamber's Economic Committee, presented a paper on the impact of financial and tax policies in Oman. HH Dr Adham outlined the country's financial policy framework, which includes development and industrial strategies. These strategies have seen the government invest in infrastructure, establish free zones to attract foreign investment and promote non-oil sectors, all while controlling public spending. HH Dr Adham discussed the impact of tax policies on economic growth and investment, noting increased foreign investment and diversification. However, he highlighted challenges like global oil price fluctuations, which make growth fragile. He called for a clear, balanced financial and tax policy that considers both economic and financial dynamics. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
18-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
OCCI forum highlights role of financial policies in underpinning economic growth
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) held on Monday, March 17, 2025, an insightful discussion on the role of financial policies in supporting sustainable economic growth and enhancing the business environment. The event, held as part of the Chamber's Ramadhan Evening series, was titled 'Taxes and Their Impact on Economic Development.' It was attended by a host of prominent figures, including Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). Shaikh Faisal began the evening with a keynote address, emphasising the importance of taxes as a key financial tool for financing public expenditure. He explained that taxes are not merely a source of revenue but are also pivotal in driving economic development and guiding the economy towards growth and stability. He emphasised that directing tax revenues to infrastructure and services would boost the business environment, living standards and investment. However, he warned that imbalanced tax policies could reduce incentives for work and investment, leading to capital flight and economic slowdown. Over-taxation could also drive investments to countries with lower rates, while tax evasion would hinder development project financing. Shaikh Faisal further highlighted that fair and equitable tax policies encourage compliance and enhance the business climate, which is crucial for sustainable economic growth. HH Dr Adham bin Turki al Said, Chairman of the Chamber's Economic Committee, presented a paper on the impact of financial and tax policies in Oman. HH Dr Adham outlined the country's financial policy framework, which includes development and industrial strategies. These strategies have seen the government invest in infrastructure, establish free zones to attract foreign investment and promote non-oil sectors, all while controlling public spending. HH Dr Adham discussed the impact of tax policies on economic growth and investment, noting increased foreign investment and diversification. However, he highlighted challenges like global oil price fluctuations, which make growth fragile. He called for a clear, balanced financial and tax policy that considers both economic and financial dynamics.
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘GCC turns oil crisis into economic diversification opportunity'
Muscat: A sharp decline in oil prices in recent years led to budget deficits and impacted credit ratings of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, instead of seeing this as a setback, the region used the crisis as an opportunity to accelerate economic diversification efforts, according to H H Sayyid Dr Adham bin Turki al Said, Chairman of Economic Committee at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). Speaking at a symposium titled 'Economic Diversification in the Gulf States: Measurement Indicators and the Role of the Private Sector', H H Sayyid Dr Adham emphasised the importance of reducing dependence on oil revenues. 'Oman Vision 2040 has identified key sectors – industry, logistics, food security and tourism – as the foundation for economic diversification,' he said. He added that other sectors, such as healthcare, education and information technology, also hold potential for growth. Organised by the Economic Committee of OCCI in collaboration with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Regional Programme Gulf States and Smart Portal for Investment and Consulting, the symposium focused on assessing economic diversification efforts across the region. Experts from Oman, Germany, the GCC and other countries participated in discussions to evaluate progress and identify challenges. H H Dr Adham stressed that the private sector plays a critical role in driving diversification. 'The sector finds many promising opportunities in market trends. This symposium aims to analyse the current landscape and challenges while introducing mechanisms to enhance economic diversification efforts across the Gulf,' he said. He highlighted the role of the Economic Diversification Platform in raising awareness and assisting policymakers in formulating strategies to support long-term economic growth. The second day of the symposium featured round-table discussions with specialists from the GCC, Germany, European countries and the United States. The sessions explored key economic variables influencing growth in the Gulf, methods for measuring economic diversification, and potential areas for improvement in the composite index used to track progress. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
