Latest news with #Amrani
Ya Biladi
29-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking
From the ancient streets of Fez to training platforms across the Gulf, and from the lecture halls of the Faculty of Arts to the book-signing tables of the Sharjah International Book Fair, Moroccan professional Hicham Amrani has traced a unique path, where a love for learning meets human connection, and where self-discovery fuels a drive to make an impact. From Fez to the United States Born in Fez in 1975, Hicham Amrani pursued his higher education in the English Department at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. After graduating in the summer of 1999, he took a leap and joined a cultural exchange program in Orlando, Florida, working for a year as a cultural representative at Disney—a formative experience that would open new and unexpected doors. In an interview with Yabiladi, he recalled: «After that year, thanks to a generous scholarship, I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania», where he pursued a master's degree in political science while also studying Arabic and other subjects. «It wasn't easy», he admitted, «but I overcame the challenges because studying in the U.S. had always been my dream». Amrani later enrolled in a PhD program in international relations at the London School of Economics. However, due to personal circumstances, he had to pause his studies. That decision led him to a new chapter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). «I initially went to visit my brother», he said, «and ended up working in public relations, strategic communication, and marketing for two years». He then moved to Canada, spending three and a half years in the financial sector. «I obtained several certificates and diplomas in finance, which helped a lot professionally. But I knew deep down that finance wasn't my final path, I've always been drawn to more creative fields». Serendipity and a Thousand Appointments Amrani eventually returned to the UAE, motivated by three things: his existing network, his fluency in English, and the region's dynamic economic and technological environment. He joined APCO Worldwide, a global strategic communications firm, working with local and federal government institutions. There, he began to gain recognition in the Gulf as a communications expert. «One event changed everything», he said. «We received a call from a high-level official preparing to speak at a global forum. He needed a coach to help him with his speech. My director assigned me the task, and I accepted without hesitation. I've always believed there's no room for 'I don't know' in our field. I encourage my team to embrace challenges because growth starts with courage». At the time, Amrani was training media professionals to handle cameras and tough interview questions. After a week of coaching, the official delivered his speech and personally thanked Amrani. He later recommended him to other influential figures. «Within eight months, my role shifted significantly, from consultant to trainer». He gradually began coaching high-profile clients and soon became a certified trainer for several major figures in the region. «With God's grace and my parents' blessings, I carved out a place for myself in the training field», he said. «I continued my education and earned multiple certifications in a field that values communication as a powerful tool, not just for delivery, but for shaping perceptions and public opinion». In 2015, Amrani founded his own firm dedicated to training and strategic consulting in communication and leadership. His services soon expanded to clients across the Gulf. Writing During Lockdown «When the COVID-19 lockdown hit, I found myself, like many, with a lot of unexpected free time», he said. «One night, I just opened my laptop and started writing. In a single session, I finished ten pages. Two days later, I reread them and realized I had the beginning of something bigger». He shared the draft with a British friend who encouraged him to continue, saying: «This deserves to be published». By 2023, Amrani had completed and polished his first book, SPEAK LIKE A VIP: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Art of Public Speaking. It debuted in November 2024 at the Sharjah International Book Fair. «What made it even more special», he said, «was the incredible coincidence : Morocco was the guest of honor that year». Amrani said the warm reception from the Moroccan pavilion team was deeply meaningful and reinforced that the effort had been worth it. The book generated strong interest, and many readers later sought out training based on its contents. He also launched an Instagram page to promote the book. «Many clients who read it came back to me asking for coaching and workshops related to its themes». He is now working on translating the book into Arabic and plans to launch the Arabic edition at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair. «I hope to also organize a book signing in Morocco, whether at the Rabat International Book Fair or another cultural event, that would be an honor». For Deeper and More Impactful Training This year, Amrani enrolled in a master's program in neuroscience and psychology at King's College London. «This is a natural extension of my work», he explained. «A large part of what I do involves understanding human behavior, especially how people react under stress or pressure. I touched on that in the first part of my book». «Studying how the brain works and how it influences decision-making allows me to offer training that's grounded in science, not just intuition|, he added. Despite his international career, Hicham Amrani remains deeply connected to Morocco. «Whenever I have the chance, I talk about Morocco—its history, its culture, its people. I truly believe that every person abroad, even unofficially, is an ambassador for their country». In 2018, he organized his first conference in Morocco, The Conference on Happiness and Human Development, in Casablanca. «The turnout and engagement were incredible», he said. «I wanted to continue the series, but juggling logistics between two countries made it difficult», he regretted.
Ya Biladi
28-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Diaspo #395 : Hicham Amrani, the Moroccan training Gulf leaders in the art of public speaking
From the ancient streets of Fez to training platforms across the Gulf, and from the lecture halls of the Faculty of Arts to the book-signing tables of the Sharjah International Book Fair, Moroccan professional Hicham Amrani has traced a unique path, where a love for learning meets human connection, and where self-discovery fuels a drive to make an impact. From Fez to the United States Born in Fez in 1975, Hicham Amrani pursued his higher education in the English Department at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University. After graduating in the summer of 1999, he took a leap and joined a cultural exchange program in Orlando, Florida, working for a year as a cultural representative at Disney—a formative experience that would open new and unexpected doors. In an interview with Yabiladi, he recalled: «After that year, thanks to a generous scholarship, I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania», where he pursued a master's degree in political science while also studying Arabic and other subjects. «It wasn't easy», he admitted, «but I overcame the challenges because studying in the U.S. had always been my dream». Amrani later enrolled in a PhD program in international relations at the London School of Economics. However, due to personal circumstances, he had to pause his studies. That decision led him to a new chapter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). «I initially went to visit my brother», he said, «and ended up working in public relations, strategic communication, and marketing for two years». He then moved to Canada, spending three and a half years in the financial sector. «I obtained several certificates and diplomas in finance, which helped a lot professionally. But I knew deep down that finance wasn't my final path, I've always been drawn to more creative fields». Serendipity and a Thousand Appointments Amrani eventually returned to the UAE, motivated by three things: his existing network, his fluency in English, and the region's dynamic economic and technological environment. He joined APCO Worldwide, a global strategic communications firm, working with local and federal government institutions. There, he began to gain recognition in the Gulf as a communications expert. «One event changed everything», he said. «We received a call from a high-level official preparing to speak at a global forum. He needed a coach to help him with his speech. My director assigned me the task, and I accepted without hesitation. I've always believed there's no room for 'I don't know' in our field. I encourage my team to embrace challenges because growth starts with courage». At the time, Amrani was training media professionals to handle cameras and tough interview questions. After a week of coaching, the official delivered his speech and personally thanked Amrani. He later recommended him to other influential figures. «Within eight months, my role shifted significantly, from consultant to trainer». He gradually began coaching high-profile clients and soon became a certified trainer for several major figures in the region. «With God's grace and my parents' blessings, I carved out a place for myself in the training field», he said. «I continued my education and earned multiple certifications in a field that values communication as a powerful tool, not just for delivery, but for shaping perceptions and public opinion». In 2015, Amrani founded his own firm dedicated to training and strategic consulting in communication and leadership. His services soon expanded to clients across the Gulf. Writing During Lockdown «When the COVID-19 lockdown hit, I found myself, like many, with a lot of unexpected free time», he said. «One night, I just opened my laptop and started writing. In a single session, I finished ten pages. Two days later, I reread them and realized I had the beginning of something bigger». He shared the draft with a British friend who encouraged him to continue, saying: «This deserves to be published». By 2023, Amrani had completed and polished his first book, SPEAK LIKE A VIP: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Art of Public Speaking. It debuted in November 2024 at the Sharjah International Book Fair. «What made it even more special», he said, «was the incredible coincidence : Morocco was the guest of honor that year». Amrani said the warm reception from the Moroccan pavilion team was deeply meaningful and reinforced that the effort had been worth it. The book generated strong interest, and many readers later sought out training based on its contents. He also launched an Instagram page to promote the book. «Many clients who read it came back to me asking for coaching and workshops related to its themes». He is now working on translating the book into Arabic and plans to launch the Arabic edition at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair. «I hope to also organize a book signing in Morocco, whether at the Rabat International Book Fair or another cultural event, that would be an honor». For Deeper and More Impactful Training This year, Amrani enrolled in a master's program in neuroscience and psychology at King's College London. «This is a natural extension of my work», he explained. «A large part of what I do involves understanding human behavior, especially how people react under stress or pressure. I touched on that in the first part of my book». «Studying how the brain works and how it influences decision-making allows me to offer training that's grounded in science, not just intuition|, he added. Despite his international career, Hicham Amrani remains deeply connected to Morocco. «Whenever I have the chance, I talk about Morocco—its history, its culture, its people. I truly believe that every person abroad, even unofficially, is an ambassador for their country». In 2018, he organized his first conference in Morocco, The Conference on Happiness and Human Development, in Casablanca. «The turnout and engagement were incredible», he said. «I wanted to continue the series, but juggling logistics between two countries made it difficult», he regretted.
Ya Biladi
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Polo team triumphs over US in Newport International Series Opener
The Moroccan national polo team achieved a remarkable victory over its American counterpart, winning 14–6 in a match held on June 7, 2025, at the prestigious Newport Polo Club in the United States. This win marks a strong start to the Newport International Polo Series, an international tournament running until September 27, 2025, featuring top global teams including England, Italy, Scotland, and Australia. The opening match was attended by Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, who praised the Moroccan team's outstanding performance during a ceremony held in his honor in the state of Rhode Island. Proud to witness Morocco's national polo team secure a resounding 14–6 victory over the U.S. at the opening of the prestigious Newport International Polo Series in #RhodeIsland. A second consecutive win, during which I was honored to highlight how this achievement reflects His… — Youssef Amrani (@youamrani) June 8, 2025 At the end of the match, Ambassador Amrani emphasized the significance of the national team's participation in this international sporting event, highlighting its key role in promoting polo in the Kingdom. He also underscored the importance of sports in fostering mutual understanding and cultural connection between nations. This victory marks Morocco's second consecutive win over the U.S. team, following their recent triumph in the Mohammed VI International Polo Cup three weeks earlier. Morocco's participation in the Newport tournament also celebrates 250 years of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States.
Phone Arena
21-05-2025
- Phone Arena
So, where do stolen iPhones go? Turns out, there's a whole building for that
Apparently, there's a building in Shenzhen that sports a rather curious nickname: "The stolen iPhone building". The unassuming Feiyang Times tower in Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district has been found to have been a major hub in a global network of trafficking stolen iPhones, according to a Financial Times investigation (via MacRumors). Sam Amrani, a London tech entrepreneur, unfortunately, had his iPhone 15 Pro stolen. The device was taken by two men on electric bicycles. But Amrani did not hesitate, and he tracked the iPhone's journey using Apple's Find My. The iPhone ended up in a repair shop in London, then flew to Hong Kong, and finally, settled in Huaqiangbei. Amrani told the Financial Times that the process was quick, organized, and seemed "kind of targeted". In London, law enforcement estimates phone theft is a huge criminal activity, a £50 ($63.5 million) annual criminal industry. Similar estimates have been reported in Paris, France, and in New York. Now, back to the building in question. Reportedly, the fourth floor of the Feiyang building specializes in selling second-hand iPhones from Western countries. Yep, not all of these are stolen; some are legitimate phones that were traded in. However, traders have allegedly admitted that even remotely locked phones have their "market price." According to the FT investigation, Hong Kong is considered a critical intermediary in this supply chain. And more specifically, an industrial building at 1 Hung To Road in Kwun Tong is said to house hundreds of wholesalers advertising iPhones that are labeled "iCloud locked". Various messaging platforms allow the sellers to advertise those. Be careful when using your iPhone in a crowded place. | Image Credit - PhoneArena A Shenzhen-based seller that was visiting Hong Kong explained that the passcode-locked iPhones were probably stolen or snatched from users in the United States. These are, according to the seller's words, then sold to Hong Kong and then on to other countries, including countries in the Middle East. Basically, the Huaqiangbei building is especially valuable as there, thieves can find buyers for every iPhone component. This includes phone screens, circuit boards, and chips. Of course, if the iPhone is locked, it's impossible to use as a regular phone, but it can be taken apart and still be profitable for thieves if its parts get sold. Meanwhile, there are many theft victims who receive messages from people in Shenzhen, trying to urge them to remove the affected iPhone from Find My. Usually, when you put your iPhone in Lost Mode, a contact number for anybody finding the iPhone can be added, so it seems this is the main way these people find contact information. Understandably, they can use all sorts of scammy techniques to get the theft victim to remove the iPhone from Find My. If they manage to convince the user to do that, this would significantly increase the value of the stolen iPhone (as it could be sold as a functioning device, not for parts). According to the Financial Times report, this criminal network takes advantage of Hong Kong's status as a free trade port. As such, there are no import taxes, which means traders can move stolen devices into mainland China and avoid electronics tariffs. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong police has told the Financial Times that it will take action when necessary to respond to specific occurrences in accordance with the law. For any person who'd like to protect their iPhone from getting stolen and ending up in the "stolen iPhone building", here's some basic guidance. First off, avoid using your iPhone in crowded places where it can easily get snatched (this includes not having your iPhone in your back pocket at the subway). Always be aware of your surroundings when outside and using your iPhone, especially if it's brand new. If, after all, your iPhone ends up falling prey to a sneaky thief, don't remove it from Find My following dubious requests for you to do so. At least, the thief shouldn't be able to sell it as a functioning iPhone. Here's more information on how to protect your iPhone from thieves and scammers.
Morocco World
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Belgian General Commends Morocco as Key Player in Countering Sahel Terrorism Threats
Rabat – Morocco's counterterrorism capabilities continue to attract international endorsement. Strategic advisor to the Commissioner General of the Belgian Federal Police Saad Amrani has described the North African country's expertise in combating terrorist threats as 'unique and distinctive,' particularly in the face of growing challenges from the Sahel region. Amrani described Morocco's approach to counterterrorism as standing among the most effective worldwide, combining a careful balance of judicial, social, and religious elements. His comments come following the recent successful operation by Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) that foiled a 'highly dangerous' terrorist plot seeking to undermine the country's stability. The operation demonstrated Morocco's sophisticated intelligence capabilities and led to thwarting a terrorist plan reportedly orchestrated by a prominent ISIS leader in the Sahel region. The BCIJ's investigation revealed a logistical support base for weapons and ammunition in a mountainous area intended for the terrorist cell. BCIJ seized firearms including two Kalashnikov rifles, two shotguns, ten individual handguns of different types, a large quantity of cartridges, and ammunition of different calibers. Amrani noted that 'Unlike some countries, Morocco has addressed the religious aspect of counter-terrorism with intelligence and depth.' Morocco's counterterrorism efforts are particularly significant given the mounting terrorist activity in the Sahel region. According to the Global Terrorism Index, 48 percent of worldwide terrorist attacks occur in the Sahel, positioning Morocco at the frontline of this security challenge due to its geographic location. Morocco's success lies in its development of precise knowledge about terrorist movements and distinguished analytical capabilities. 'The collection, processing, and sharing of information are crucial elements in this type of approach,' Amrani added, pointing out that Moroccan agencies have 'skillfully managed the challenge of information sharing, achieving tangible results.' Morocco's expertise has become increasingly invaluable for international security cooperation. Given its unique experience in successfully handling terrorist threats, Amrani stressed the importance of Morocco sharing its model's lessons with other countries, particularly European nations. The ongoing threat in the Sahel remains significant, with radical ideological narratives continuing to serve as primary tools for terrorist groups to expand their operational reach. 'The radical ideological offering remains present and, along with other factors, supports terrorist movements and enables their spread across different operational theaters,' Amrani warned. BCIJ's latest operation led to the arrest of 12 suspects aged between 18 and 40 in simultaneous operations in the cities of Laayoune, Casablanca, Fez, Taza, Tangier, Azzemmour, Oulad Teima, and Tamsna on the outskirts of Rabat. As the Sahel region faces mounting security challenges, Morocco's comprehensive counterterrorism strategy, combining security measures with social and religious approaches, offers valuable insights for global efforts to combat extremism. Amrani concluded with a note of caution: 'We must remain vigilant and quick in our response to these threats.' Tags: BCIJ and ISISBCIJ MoroccoCounterterrorismmorocco counterterrorism
