Latest news with #Al-Rubaie
Kuwait Times
30-07-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Towers join Arab architectural heritage list
The Kuwait Towers. BEIRUT: The Kuwait Towers have been officially added to the Arab Heritage List under the modern architecture category, the Arab Observatory for Architectural and Urban Heritage announced Wednesday at the close of its 9th regional forum in Beirut. The inclusion comes after Kuwait's National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) submitted the towers as a cultural property of national significance. The iconic towers were among 19 sites added to the Arab Heritage List this year. Mahmoud Al-Rubaie, an engineer in the council's historic building restoration department, represented Kuwait at the event. 'The council nominated the Kuwait Towers because they represent a unique human experience and a major national urban landmark,' Al-Rubaie told KUNA. 'The idea behind the towers was to solve a growing logistical issue — supplying water to the expanding city and suburbs — but they were designed with such creativity and beauty that they became a cultural icon.' While many of the entries on the heritage list are ancient stone structures, the Kuwait Towers stood out as part of the modernist category. Al-Rubaie explained that they weren't just water tanks — they were envisioned as a forward-looking infrastructure project that merged function with art. 'They embody a futuristic outlook and have become inseparably linked with Kuwait's image in the modern era,' he added. Al-Rubaie noted the submission was prepared with support from his colleague Dalal Alnoumas, their department head Zahraa Ali Baba, and under the supervision of NCCAL Secretary-General Dr Mohammad Al-Jassar. The Arab Observatory operates under the Arab League's educational and cultural arm (ALECSO) and is tasked with identifying and preserving architecturally significant sites across the region. Mohammad Abu Saadi, who heads the committee reviewing submissions to the heritage list, said the Kuwait Towers met several key criteria. 'This is a structure that began with a clear utility and transformed into a symbol and identity — a unique mark for Kuwait,' he said. 'Its architectural beauty, strategic location, and multi-functional use gave it all the elements needed to be recognized as a heritage landmark.' — KUNA
Saba Yemen
30-06-2025
- Business
- Saba Yemen
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries discusses its plan for Year 1447 AH
Sana'a – SABA: A meeting was held today in Sana'a, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, Dr. Radwan Al-Rubaie, to discuss the ministry's plan for the year 1447 AH. The meeting, which was attended by ministry officials and heads of its affiliated bodies and institutions, reviewed the efforts made by these entities during the past period and discussed programs aimed at expanding agricultural and fishery production. Discussions also focused on the role of these bodies in enhancing food security—particularly through the production of staple crops—as well as on groundwater recharge projects, rainwater harvesting, and the major challenges facing the implementation of development plans. Attendees explored ways to turn these challenges into opportunities through coordinated efforts and role integration among various stakeholders. Minister Al-Rubaie stressed the vital role of the agricultural and fishery sectors in reducing import costs. He emphasized the importance of aligning with the directives of the Leader of the Revolution, the President of the Supreme Political Council, and the Change and Development Government Program as key foundations for preparing and implementing agricultural and development plans—especially through the value chain methodology. He described contract farming as a promising opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency in various crops, promote exports, and substitute imported goods with locally produced ones. The meeting was enriched with discussions and proposals offering practical solutions to overcome challenges and accelerate agricultural and fishery development. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
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.
