Latest news with #AlObaidli
Al Etihad
06-05-2025
- Al Etihad
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre delivers two lectures in Moscow
6 May 2025 22:47 MOSCOW (WAM) As part of an official visit to Moscow, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) organised two lectures titled 'Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A Place for All, Creativity in a Specialised Field' at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and Moscow State by the Director-General of SZGMC, Yousif Al Obaidli, the lectures formed part of a broader cultural visit involving meetings with senior officials from prominent Russian academic and cultural by around 100 students, including Emiratis, the sessions outlined the Centre's strategic role in conveying the mosque's civilisational message of tolerance and intercultural dialogue. Al Obaidli emphasised the mosque's unique position as a global place of worship, drawing more than six million annual visitors—81 percent of whom are international tourists—and regularly ranking among the world's top cultural noted that these achievements reflect the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who envisioned the mosque as a cultural bridge. Architectural features such as the lunar illumination system symbolise the Islamic calendar's connection to lunar cycles and represent a shared heritage across Obaidli presented several of the Centre's youth-focused initiatives under the Al Shabab Al Banie programme, including Ibn Al-Dar, Junior Cultural Guide, Future Guide, and youth discussions, alongside immersive visitor experiences such as Diya – A Universe of Light, the El-Delleel multimedia guide, and the Bari Al Jami' Centre also offers over 5,400 multilingual guided tours annually and has extended its programming to include night highlighted the Spaces of Light photography award, valued at Dh850,000, which has drawn more than 9,400 photographers from 70 countries. The award celebrates the role of visual art in fostering cross-cultural understanding and elevating the mosque's universal Obaidli also discussed Ramadan at the Mosque, which hosts over 1.8 million visitors annually and distributes more than 2.15 million Iftar meals, alongside lectures and traditional reviewed SZGMC's global outreach through international travel exhibitions and its participation in events such as Asia Travel Market, World Travel Market, ITB Berlin, and the China International Fair for Investment and Trade. Mosque models have been exhibited in over 20 embassies and institutions a rise in average visitor stay from one to six hours, Al Obaidli credited this to exceptional service quality. The Centre employs 515 professionals and records more than 1.17 million annual work hours to manage comprehensive infrastructure, including tunnels, elevators, lighting systems, and visitor the visit, SZGMC met with leaders from MGIMO, the Russian State Library, and the Fund for Support of Islamic Culture, Science and Education to explore cooperation in cultural dialogue and museological exchange, including through the Light & Peace delegation also visited leading institutions such as the Kremlin Museums, the State Museum of Oriental Art, and the Russian State Library to observe best practices in museum visit featured the unveiling of a Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque model, the Light & Peace mobile library, and the Spaces of Light exhibition at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. These events were held under the Jusoor Programme's Minarets of the Two Capitals initiative, which has launched over 21 mosque models globally since 2012 in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Al Etihad
06-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Plans on to make Challenge Sir Bani Yas a flagship global triathlon event
6 Apr 2025 23:56 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)With the success of the first Challenge Sir Bani Yas in Abu Dhabi, plans are on to make it a flagship global triathlon event, officials from the organising team told Aletihad. Held on April 5-6 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Challenge Sir Bani Yas contributes towards Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global sports hub, said Ahmad Shaker, Chief Executive Officer of Capital 360 Event Experiences, part of ADNEC Group, which is a co-organiser of the editions of the challenge could include additional race categories, community programmes, and robust partnerships across the UAE, creating a legacy that will promote wellness, tourism, and global visibility for the region, Shaker Al Obaidli, COO of ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, said the distinctive triathlon on the island "shines a spotlight on the Al Dhafra region, driving visitation, encouraging longer stays, and supporting local businesses"."With athletes, spectators, media, and support teams travelling to the area, the event stimulates demand for several industries such as hotels, F&B, logistics, and leisure experiences. We have seen a surge in hotel occupancy thanks to this event that will contribute to the local economy," Al Obaidli said. "More importantly, it positions Al Dhafra as a destination for adventure and eco-tourism, opening new opportunities for sustainable economic growth," he added. Sir Bani Yas Island had been chosen for the first long-distance triathlon in the Middle East because of its "unmatched setting", Shaker said. "With its pristine nature reserves, rugged terrain, and open waters, it provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop that challenges athletes while showcasing the UAE's natural beauty and commitment to sustainability," he added. Hosting a full-distance race under the Challenge Family brand solidifies the emirate's reputation in several aspects, from sport tourism to organising world-class events. "At ADNEC Group, we are committed to delivering world-class sporting experiences that reflect the UAE's vision for active, healthy communities and dynamic tourism offerings. Bringing a full-distance triathlon to the MENA region was a natural next step in expanding our sports portfolio," Shaker measures were taken to ensure race days were smooth. "ADNEC Group's Operations and Events teams, in collaboration with local and international partners, have implemented a comprehensive event management plan that prioritises athlete safety, smooth logistics, and exceptional hospitality. From transportation and accommodation coordination and on-course support, every detail has been considered," Shaker said. Al Obaidli said the Challenge Family had worked towards enhancing the event's global reputation and credibility. The gathering of elite athletes, media, and international spectators had bolstered the prestige of the UAE residents also stand to benefit from it being a qualifier for the 2025 World Championships to be held in Australia. "From the outset, ADNEC Group has prioritised community engagement. We have launched dedicated campaigns to encourage participation from Emirati athletes and regional triathlon clubs, and we have worked closely with local vendors to integrate their services into the event. A vibrant Race Village, cultural activations, and family-friendly activities ensured the event offered something for everyone-whether racing, supporting, or simply experiencing the island."
Zawya
28-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: ‘All funds paid for residential units will be under direct supervision'
Doha: Chairman of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat), Eng. Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, stated that the Authority was able, within a short period of time, to implement laws related to real estate development, including the escrow account, which represents a qualitative leap in this sector as it enhances transparency and investor confidence. Al Obaidli added, in press statements on the sidelines of the first banking forum organised by the Authority, that the escrow account will be under the supervision of the Authority, meaning that all funds paid for residential units will be under the direct supervision of the Authority. In the same context, he pointed out the approval of the initial bond, that will be available for all residential units sold off-plan under the Authority's license and direct supervision. The Chairman confirmed that the first meeting with the banks aims to communicate with the private sector and banks to consider mechanisms and procedures to stimulate the real estate sector and provide incentives and distinguished products. He pointed out that the Authority benefited from some of the proposals and information provided by bank officials and representatives to enhance cooperation to advance the real estate market. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
