Latest news with #Al-Hajjaj
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi comedy film ‘Ambulance' to get sequel
DUBAI: A sequel is already in the works for 'Esaaf' ('Ambulance'), the new comedy starring Saudi actor and stand-up comedian Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj and directed by British filmmaker Colin Teague. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The film premiered on Tuesday, making history as the first Arabic-language movie to be released by Imax. A post shared by بيت الكوميديا (@houseofcomedysa) The plot revolves around two Saudi paramedics who discover a briefcase containing holding SR2 million (around $533,300) and find themselves caught up in a dangerous kidnapping scheme. The movie is written by Alberto Lopez and produced by Al-Hajjaj's House of Comedy, Saudi producer Talal Anazi's Black Light Operations and former MBC Studios chief Peter Smith in tandem with Saudi Media Company. The film marks Al-Hajjaj's first major release since 'Sattar,' the 2023 wrestling film which grossed over $30 million, primarily from Saudi audiences.
Arab Times
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Gulf Bank Shortens Working Hours to Support Employee Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
KUWAIT CITY, Apr 17: As part of its ongoing efforts to create an ideal work environment that reflects its deep commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance, Gulf Bank has announced a reduction in daily working hours by half an hour. This change will take effect starting May 1, 2025, and stands as a testament to the Bank's continued dedication to fostering a supportive and balanced workplace. On this occasion, Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank, stated:'We firmly believe that achieving a healthy balance between professional and personal life is a key factor in enhancing employee performance and productivity. This initiative reflects the Bank's genuine care for the physical and mental wellbeing of its employees.' Mrs. Al-Hajjaj emphasized that this change will not affect branch operating hours, which will continue as per the existing schedule, ensuring uninterrupted services and a consistently high standard of customer experience. She added:'Recent studies have shown that shorter working hours contribute to higher job satisfaction and help reduce stress and fatigue—an outcome that Gulf Bank actively strives for, as our employees are the backbone of our success and a core part of our reputation as a leading bank in the Kuwaiti banking sector.' She further noted that this step reinforces the Bank's commitment to building a supportive work culture, where every employee feels valued and respected and is given the space to grow both professionally and personally. 'We believe that when employees feel fulfilled and supported, they're empowered to be more innovative, engaged, and productive. That's why we remain committed to introducing initiatives that enrich our workplace culture and inspire our teams to reach their full potential,' she explained. Mrs. Al-Hajjaj concluded:'At Gulf Bank, we take great pride in being a leader in human capital investment—whether through cultivating a positive work environment or through the continuous development of our employees. By partnering with top local and international institutions, we ensure our teams receive world-class training and access to the latest industry knowledge, equipping them to thrive amid the dynamic changes shaping the banking sector both locally and globally.' Gulf Bank aims to be Kuwait's leading bank, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to deliver exceptional customer service while contributing sustainably to the community. Through its extensive branch network and innovative digital services, the Bank empowers customers to conduct banking transactions conveniently and efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience. In alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, "New Kuwait," and its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, Gulf Bank is dedicated to driving robust sustainability initiatives across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. The Bank is committed to implementing strategically selected and diverse sustainability programs both internally and ex-ternally.
Arab Times
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
From Al-Hajjaj to Bashar: a torrent of anger destroys the oppressors
Over the past three decades, the Arab world has experienced several events that have significantly reshaped its societies, and led to increased poverty and hardship for its people. During that era, several rulers clung fiercely to power, and refused to heed the advice of even their wisest citizens. Some of these rulers believed they were invulnerable to change, because they were under the impression that their dictatorial regimes were too entrenched to be overthrown. They practiced horrific forms of repression, and silenced dissent. Among such rulers were Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi , Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and most recently, Bashar al-Assad. These rulers failed to grasp a simple truth: no matter how long people may endure under tyranny, there will inevitably come a day when they will rise up. They did not realize that the dams of oppression can only hold back so much before they break, unleashing a flood of anger too powerful to contain. History has shown us the fate of those who fail to learn from the past. Saddam was executed after fleeing for sometime. Gaddafi met an even more brutal end. And Bashar al-Assad too found himself escaping under the cover of darkness one night. Perhaps these rulers should have reflected on the story of Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi (660-714 AD). Al-Hajjaj was a ruthless dictator. Although he was the governor of Iraq and not the Caliph of the Muslims, his cruelty knew no bounds. He showed no mercy, not even to the elderly or the weak. His oppression reached such extremes that he even used a catapult to strike the Ka'aba itself. The story of Al-Hajjaj is a stark reminder of what happens when rulers ignore the counsel of wise men. When Al-Hajjaj appointed Saeed ibn Jubayr as the court judge, the latter spent time in Baghdad, where he witnessed the suffering caused by Al-Hajjaj's rule and heard countless complaints from the oppressed. Ibn Jubayr approached Al-Hajjaj Al-Thaqafi and asked him to ease the harshness of his rule. The two engaged in a long conversation, during which Ibn Jubayr presented the grievances of the people. Al-Thaqafi , seeking further clarification, impulsively asked, 'What did you say, Ibn Jubayr?' The judge responded, 'I said what you have just heard.' Dismissively, Al-Thaqafi replied, 'I would like you to repeat it to me. Such talk should not be heard only once.' Ibn Jubayr said, 'May God forgive the governor. The people's complaints are no trivial matter. Injustice has spread, and their grievances are growing louder.' Al-Thaqafi retorted, 'We have entrusted you with resolving disputes among the people, not with addressing the governor's matters. Focus on the task assigned to you and meet the people's needs.' Ibn Jubayr answered, 'The complaints and injustices have multiplied. I see and hear them, and I have come to offer you counsel to ease their suffering. This is a matter that demands attention.' Al-Thaqafi responded, 'I turn a deaf ear to it. I don't care about their hearts, only their loyalty and their swords when needed.' Ibn Jubayr replied, 'Obedience is earned through compassion and mercy.' Al-Thaqafi retorted, 'No, Ibn Jubayr. If I give the people what they love, and they realize I am merely flattering them, they will turn against me and seek my death. That's why I believe strictness in politics is more beneficial.' Ibn Jubayr said, 'I don't agree with the governor's opinion.' Al-Thaqafi firmly stated, 'You may not agree with me, but you will follow my orders. I remind you, the governor's decisions are not open to dispute.' Ibn Jubayr persisted, 'My request is to replace harshness with gentleness, and to replace cruelty with kindness.' Al-Thaqafi , unmoved, said, 'I know more than you about these people and how they are governed. Stay in your position as a judge, and do not meddle in this matter again.' Ibn Jubayr replied, 'My ultimate goal is to uphold and establish justice.' Al-Thaqafi angrily retorted, 'Woe to you! I used to teach people the Qur'an.' Ibn Jubayr responded, 'You have brought the Qur'an from your heart to your tongue. But true justice is achieved by establishing fairness among people.' Al-Thaqafi dismissively said, 'Leave justice among the people to those in power.' Ibn Jubayr, growing frustrated, said, 'I hope you will excuse me from my position as a judge, for I can no longer bear to hear these complaints.' Al-Thaqafi replied, 'The Qur'an is the Book of God, the Almighty and Wise. It commands obedience to those in authority.' Ibn Jubayr countered, 'God is the Almighty, the Wise, the Compassionate, the Merciful to His servants.' Al-Thaqafi repeated, 'Woe to you... I used to teach people the Qur'an.' Ibn Jubayr stood his ground, saying, 'Don't threaten me. It is my wish to meet my Lord not as an oppressor.' Al-Thaqafi , furious, declared, 'No, you will not stay in your home. I will not allow you to do so since you have revealed what is in your heart.' The conversation ended with Al-Thaqafi angrily saying, 'I swear, I will kill you in a way that differs from how I have killed and will kill anyone else.' Ibn Jubayr replied, 'O God, I beg You not to make my blood permissible for him. Do not allow him to kill anyone after me.' It is said that Ibn Jubayr was slaughtered from the back of his neck, and that God answered his prayer. Al- Thaqafi indeed suffered from mental illness, and his body was consumed by disease. He repeatedly said, 'What do I have to do with Ibn Jubayr?' To understand life, visit hospitals, prisons, and cemeteries. In hospitals, you will learn that nothing is more precious than health. In prisons, you will realize the meaning of freedom. In cemeteries, you will understand that life is fragile, and that you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gulf Bank signs a strategic partnership with GUST to support youth development
As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering and equipping young professionals – and reinforcing its position as a preferred employer in Kuwait's financial sector – Gulf Bank has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) to enhance training and employment opportunities for students. Under the agreement, Gulf Bank will offer distinguished training programs to GUST students in various banking fields, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world work environment. Additionally,Gulf Bank will consider employment opportunities for GUST's top talent upon graduation. The partnership also includes Gulf Bank's active participation in initiatives, events, and career fairs organized by GUST, providing students with valuable networking opportunities with potential employers and insights into their future career paths. Furthermore, as a part of the strategic partnership, Gulf Bank employees will have access to exclusive packages for continuing their higher education at GUST. This initiative reflects the bank's commitment to investing in its workforce's professional growth, providing opportunities to enhance skills, expand knowledge, and advance careers through quality academic programs. Following the signing of the agreement, Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank, stated: 'We are excited about our partnership with GUST, as it aligns with our commitment to supporting education and youth development in Kuwait. This collaboration highlights our dedication to equipping young talents with the necessary skills and expertise to excel in the private sector, particularly in banking, thereby contributing to Kuwait's economic growth.' She added, 'This strategic partnership is part of Gulf Bank's ongoing efforts to build strong collaborations with esteemed universities in Kuwait, aiming to provide students with comprehensive training programs that equip them for the job market, support their career growth, and offer employment opportunities after graduation.' Mrs. Al-Hajjaj emphasized Gulf Bank's commitment to Kuwait Vision 2035, which prioritizes employment in the private sector and youth empowerment. She noted that the Bank's continuous investment in national talent has led to significant growth in its Kuwaiti workforce over recent years. 'We take pride in being one of the leading banks that generously invest in human capital to enhance employees' competencies. Our people are at the core of our strategic vision, and we are committed to equipping them with the latest skills and expertise needed to navigate the ever-evolving banking industry,' she added. Mrs. Al-Hajjaj concluded by highlighting Gulf Bank's commitment to economic sustainability through employment, training, and development – focusing on hiring and empowering Kuwaiti talent, fostering their growth, and preparing them to lead in the private sector. Gulf Bank aims to be Kuwait's leading bank, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to deliver exceptional customer service while contributing sustainably to the community. Through its extensive branch network and innovative digital services, the Bank empowers customers to conduct banking transactions conveniently and efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience. In alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, "New Kuwait," and its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, Gulf Bank is dedicated to driving robust sustainability initiatives across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. The Bank is committed to implementing strategically selected and diverse sustainability programs both internally and externally.
