Latest news with #Al-Rubaie
Kuwait Times
07-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Gulf unity is ‘key to tackling humanitarian challenges': KRCS
KUWAIT: Secretary-general and board member of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), Fahad Ahmad Al-Mandeel, reaffirmed the long-standing commitment of Gulf Red Crescent societies as 'active forces in humanitarian work at both regional and Gulf levels.' His remarks came during the 21st Meeting of the Presidents of Red Crescent Authorities and Societies in GCC Countries, held in Kuwait on Wednesday. Al-Mandeel stressed that unity and complementarity among societies are essential to achieving greater impact and long-term sustainability. 'What gives us even more confidence and pride is the complete consensus among us,' he noted. Al-Mandeel honored the memory of eight staff members from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society who lost their lives while serving in Gaza. 'Today, we are witnessing suffering across several Arab countries—Gaza under siege, Sudan and Somalia in crisis, Syria and Lebanon struggling—where humanity is being tested and lives are on the line,' he said. Faced with these growing challenges, Al-Mandeel emphasized the urgent humanitarian responsibility of the Red Crescent societies to act. 'Our humanitarian responsibility compels us to establish unified Gulf coordination and adopt practical, integrated mechanisms that elevate joint action,' he urged. He added that the meeting will discuss key topics aimed at strengthening the humanitarian and relief roles of Red Crescent organizations across the GCC. 'Our collective efforts and full alignment give us strength and hope,' he said. Presidents of Red Crescent authorities and Societies in GCC Countries pose for a group photo. Strategic vision for 2025 Delivering the second address, Abdullah Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, outlined the strategic priorities of the meeting. Central to the discussions is the implementation of the 2025 Strategic Plan, based on nine main pillars. These include expanding volunteer efforts, building human capacities, strengthening cooperation with regional organizations, and enhancing the Gulf Red Crescent's role in humanitarian, relief, and development sectors. 'Your decisions today are vital to advancing our joint humanitarian and economic efforts toward true integration,' said Al-Rubaie. He also stressed the importance of coordinated media strategies, joint disaster response frameworks, and the celebration of Gulf Red Crescent Day as a symbol of unity and shared humanitarian vision. The 21st edition of the meeting comes at a time of mounting pressure on relief agencies, as the region continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, under the leadership of Ambassador Khaled Mohammed Al-Mughamis, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with fellow GCC Red Crescent societies and the GCC General Secretariat, particularly the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector led by Al-Rubaie. Together, Gulf Red Crescent organizations aim to boost visibility and operational effectiveness across the region, ensuring that collective humanitarian action remains strong, responsive, and united in the face of growing challenges.
Shafaq News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi MP's male-only marathon call sparks gender row
Shafaq News/ Iraqi lawmaker Ahmed Taha Al-Rubaie on Thursday urged organizers of the upcoming Basra International Marathon to limit participation to men, citing the need to safeguard what he described as the Islamic and tribal identity of the province. In a statement, Al-Rubaie, who represents Basra in Parliament, said, 'While we support sports and athletes in the province, we are equally committed to upholding the honorable religious and tribal character of our people.' He emphasized that the marathon, scheduled for Friday, April 25, should proceed without gender mixing, warning that such events risk 'undermining the historical identity of the province.' Al-Rubaie also called on sponsors to align their support with 'the principles and values of Islamic society and authentic Arab traditions,' and cautioned against what he termed as 'inappropriate activities,' including loud music or religious violations. He warned that any breach would be 'unacceptable' and carry legal consequences for those involved. This is not the first time female participation in public events in Basra has been curtailed. In February 2024, women were also barred from taking part in a previous marathon, a decision that prompted widespread criticism. At the time, Basra's local authorities justified the move based on 'tribal customs' and claimed it was done 'to preserve women's dignity.' The event was subsequently held as a men-only competition. More broadly, Iraq has witnessed the cancellation or restriction of numerous cultural and public events in recent years, often under the pretext of upholding religious or tribal values. These measures are frequently accompanied by strongly worded warnings from political or religious figures and have fueled concerns over the increasing role of conservative forces in shaping public life. Political and civil actors who oppose clerical influence in state affairs view such restrictions as attempts to enforce social control through moral policing, particularly targeting women's visibility in public spaces. Despite these challenges, Iraqi women's sports have a proud legacy dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. In recent years, women's teams and individual athletes have returned to regional competitions in sports like football, boxing, weightlifting, volleyball, and cycling, signaling resilience in the face of mounting social restrictions.
Asharq Al-Awsat
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamas Calms Gazan Public Anger but Faces Administrative Challenges
Hamas has been facing growing discontent from Gaza's residents over its continued rocket attacks, which provoke Israeli retaliation, leading to mass displacement. Many also demand that Hamas relinquish power in hopes of securing a ceasefire that would ease their suffering amid relentless Israeli bombardment. Unlike past demonstrations, recent protests did not trigger a strong crackdown from Hamas forces, leading some to speculate that the group's power has waned due to Israel's ongoing strikes. One young man who helped organize a protest in Gaza's Shuja'iyya neighborhood on March 27 told Asharq Al-Awsat that demonstrators had expected to be repressed but were surprised by Hamas' lack of response. Fear of Future Retaliation The protester, who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal, suggested that Hamas' restraint might be due to Israeli airstrikes targeting any visible members of the group. However, he speculated that once Hamas regains its strength, it might retaliate against protest organizers, as seen after previous ceasefires. Protesters were particularly alarmed by the case of Odai Al-Rubaie, a resident of Tel Al-Hawa, who was reportedly killed by Hamas militants after leading anti-Hamas demonstrations. While no official statement has been issued by the group to confirm or deny its involvement, Al-Rubaie's family claims he was kidnapped, tortured, and then executed by an armed group linked to Hamas' military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades. Chaos Following Assassinations Asharq Al-Awsat has observed growing administrative disarray in Gaza, exacerbated by Israeli assassinations and the disappearance of key Hamas officials, some of whom have gone into hiding or switched off their phones. This has disrupted the work of police forces, security agencies, and even the Ministry of Education, where confusion persists over whether schools should remain open. Additionally, government employees, including those in Hamas' political and military wings, have not received salaries or financial stipends—something the group had maintained even throughout 15 months of war and previous ceasefires. Some analysts see Hamas' current struggles as a sign of growing weakness under intense Israeli military pressure. However, Hamas insiders reject this notion. Senior Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that while the group is experiencing difficulties in managing certain affairs due to relentless Israeli targeting, it remains strong and cohesive. The sources admitted that political and military leaders still inside Gaza have been forced into hiding, but they insist that Hamas' authority will be restored once a ceasefire is secured. Hamas believes that a ceasefire would allow it to reassert control over Gaza until a political agreement determines the future governance of the territory. The group has already agreed to the formation of the Community Support Committee, which is expected to assume administrative responsibilities. However, Israel continues to assert that it will not allow the group to be part of any governing authority in Gaza. Israeli officials have linked any permanent ceasefire to the disarmament of Hamas and the departure of its leadership from the Strip—conditions Hamas firmly rejects.
Times of Oman
27-03-2025
- Times of Oman
'Fak Kurbah' initiative frees hundreds of indebted individuals
Muscat: The humanitarian initiative "Fak Kurbah" has achieved the release of 999 indebted individuals since the commencement of its 12th edition, launched just prior to the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative continues its mission to provide hope and relief to those burdened by debt and their families. The release of these individuals was accomplished in two phases: the first phase saw the release of 511 cases, followed by the release of 488 cases in the second phase, bringing the total to 999. Dr. Hamad bin Hamdan Al-Rubaie, Chairman of the Omani Lawyers Association, stated that the initiative's organisers are committed to releasing even more individuals. He also acknowledged the substantial support received from various institutions, companies, and individuals. Dr. Al-Rubaie expressed his appreciation to all those who have contributed to the initiative's success, both directly and indirectly, and encouraged continued support as Eid Al-Fitr approaches. Since its establishment in 2012, under the slogan "Because We Believe Everyone Deserves a Second Chance," the "Fak Kurbah" initiative has facilitated the release of over 7,110 individuals, marking a significant humanitarian achievement.
