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Kuwait Times
a day ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Towers added to Arab Heritage List
TUNIS: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization's (ALECSO) Director of Culture Department Humaid Al-Nofali announced that the inclusion of Kuwait Towers on the Arab Heritage List affirms their status as a distinguished architectural landmark. The towers, recognized under the modern architecture category, were selected for their prominence in contemporary Arab heritage. Al-Nofali told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the decision was based on their unique engineering design, creative vision, and aesthetic appeal, qualifying them for entry into ALECSO's 'Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries' register. He noted that the jury unanimously acknowledged the towers' embodiment of a modern architectural approach representing a pivotal stage in the evolution of Arab architecture. The iconic structures, he added, present a rare blend of cultural identity and modernity, enhancing their value as both a cultural symbol and a tourist attraction. Al-Nofali underscored the significance of ALECSO's heritage register, which offers a distinct perspective compared to those maintained by international bodies such as UNESCO and ISESCO. The register focuses on the urban growth of cities, particularly ancient urban centers that have preserved their historical character. Several such cities, he said, have been listed after meeting the organization's criteria. The initiative, he stressed, aims to safeguard Arab architectural and urban heritage amid challenges posed by exceptional circumstances, natural disasters, and human-made threats. Beyond preservation, the register seeks to raise public awareness of this heritage's importance and integrate it into sectors such as tourism, the economy, and traditional crafts, thereby supporting sustainable development. — KUNA
Arab Times
3 days ago
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait Towers, a beacon of modern Arab architecture: ALECSO
TUNIS, Aug 9: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) has officially recognized Kuwait Towers as a significant modern architectural landmark, placing them on its Arab Heritage List under the category of 'modern architecture.' In an exclusive interview with KUNA, Humaid Al-Nofali, Director of ALECSO's Culture Department, announced the inclusion, attributing the decision to the Towers' distinctive engineering, creative design, and aesthetic appeal. He emphasized that the Kuwait Towers stand as a symbol of the evolution of Arab architecture in the modern era, successfully blending national identity with contemporary design elements. The announcement was made during ALECSO's ninth regional forum held in Beirut on July 28, where the Observatory of Arab Architectural and Urban Heritage, affiliated with the organization, confirmed the Towers' inclusion. Al-Nofali highlighted that the site received broad approval from ALECSO's evaluation jury for its embodiment of a forward-looking architectural vision within Arab urban culture. Describing the Towers as a model of contemporary heritage, Al-Nofali noted that their recognition not only enhances their cultural and tourism value but also reflects a broader appreciation of modern Arab architecture. He remarked that this listing underscores a growing effort to preserve structures that marry tradition with innovation. Al-Nofali went on to explain the broader significance of ALECSO's Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries. Unlike international registers maintained by UNESCO or ISESCO, ALECSO's list places special emphasis on the creative dimension of architecture and the historical continuity of Arab cities, particularly those that have retained their traditional character amid modern expansion. The register also aims to preserve architectural heritage in regions facing natural or man-made threats. According to Al-Nofali, it serves not only as a tool for protection but also as a platform for raising public awareness about the value of heritage in shaping national identity and promoting sustainable development. By integrating heritage into key sectors such as tourism, the economy, and traditional industries, the register aims to create opportunities for communities while preserving their cultural legacies. Al-Nofali further explained that selection into the register is based on rigorous technical criteria established by a committee of Arab experts. Each nominated site must appear on a national preliminary list and meet defined scientific and methodological standards. The inclusion of sites like the Kuwait Towers reflects a strategic effort to acknowledge modern structures of architectural significance across the Arab world. He concluded by stressing that recognition on the list offers practical benefits. It enhances efforts to preserve and promote listed sites, opening avenues for cultural visibility, economic growth, and participation in sustainable development initiatives. The Kuwait Towers, already a national symbol and tourist attraction, now stand firmly among the Arab world's most valued examples of modern architectural heritage.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Arab Heritage List officially adds four historic sites in Oman, including mosques and forts
Four of Oman's historic landmarks are officially inducted into the Arab Heritage List/Image: Holidify TL;DR: Four historic sites in Oman : Al Hamoudah Mosque , Suhar Fort , Nizwa Fort , and Al Shawadhna Mosque have been added to the Arab Heritage List . These sites were recognized for their architectural, cultural, and historical significance during the 10th meeting of the Arab League's Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage. Each site represents a unique facet of Oman's heritage, ranging from religious architecture to major defensive fortresses. Oman's commitment to cultural preservation received a boost as four of its historic landmarks were officially inducted into the Arab Heritage List. The addition, made during the recent meeting of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), not only honours Omani achievements in heritage conservation but also magnifies the country's profile on the regional and international stage. Which sites were added? Al Hamoudah Mosque (Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, South Ash Sharqiyah): Also known as the 'Domes Mosque,' Al Hamoudah is famed for its traditional Omani Islamic architectural style. As one of the oldest mosques in the region, it embodies distinctive local design principles and is revered for its multiple domes and intricate interior elements. Suhar Fort (North Al Batinah): Suhar Fort stands as one of Oman's oldest coastal fortresses. Historically, it played a pivotal role as an administrative and political center through various eras. Its imposing walls and central location near the Gulf underline its importance in Omani maritime and trade history. Nizwa Fort ( Al Dakhiliyah ): Nizwa Fort is perhaps the most prominent symbol of Omani defensive architecture and one of the country's main tourist attractions. Built in the 17th century, it was both a military bastion and a seat of learning and governance. Its massive cylindrical tower dominates the local skyline and offers insights into the military engineering of its time. Al Shawadhna Mosque ( Al Aqr , Nizwa, Al Dakhiliyah): Located in the historic village of Al Aqr, this mosque is celebrated for its beautiful gypsum mihrab and ornamental features. It reflects the best of traditional religious architecture in Oman and remains an active site for worship and community activity. About the Arab Heritage List and ALECSO The Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage is a program under the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). It documents and promotes significant architectural and urban sites in Arab countries, encourages exchange of expertise, and supports joint preservation initiatives. Gaining Arab Heritage List status places Oman's landmarks in a formal network recognized for cultural identity and historical value throughout the region. Why these sites matter National Identity: The recognition honours Oman's architectural heritage and underlines the nation's role in preserving Arab-Islamic culture. Cultural Tourism: Inclusion on the list shines a spotlight on these sites for regional and international visitors, supporting Oman's tourism sector and local communities. Preservation and Awareness: The move highlights the importance of ongoing conservation work, contributing to sustainable development and cultural education for future generations. Community Impact: These sites serve as anchors for local identity and pride, continuing to play active roles in education, worship, and social life. Official statement and regional recognition: Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism hailed the inclusion as proof of 'the country's ongoing efforts to showcase its architectural and historical features' and a testament to its robust heritage protection policies. By placing Al Hamoudah Mosque, Suhar Fort, Nizwa Fort, and Al Shawadhna Mosque on the Arab Heritage List, Oman cements its position as a guardian of Arab and Islamic heritage. These designations not only honor the country's diverse historical tapestry, but also promise new opportunities for cultural tourism, international recognition, and deeper preservation efforts in the years to come.
Arab Times
28-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Arab cities must revive, not just restore, heritage buildings: forum
BEIRUT, July 28: Lebanese Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh emphasized on Monday the vital importance of preserving and reviving heritage sites in Arab cities, stating that restoration alone is insufficient to maintain their relevance and vitality. His remarks came during the opening session of the 9th Regional Forum of the Architectural and Urban Heritage Observatory in Arab Countries, organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and held in Beirut. In his address, Salameh highlighted that heritage preservation in Arab cities is both a long-standing and necessary pursuit. 'It is not enough to restore historical buildings,' he stated. 'We must also revive them by reintegrating them into daily life—be it through housing, workplaces, or social activities—so that they remain living elements of our communities.' He stressed that the true challenge lies not merely in conserving stone structures, but in ensuring these historic areas continue to serve people and society. Salameh further praised ALECSO's efforts and called for more Arab heritage sites to be documented, protected, and revitalized, encouraging active use and community engagement rather than passive restoration. Speaking at the same event, Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director General of ALECSO, noted that the forum brings together leading experts and academics to explore strategies for preserving architectural and urban heritage in the face of rapid urbanization, uncontrolled development, and economic pressures. Dr. Ould Amar emphasized the importance of effective tools for documentation, monitoring, and protection. He said the observatory serves not only as a technical instrument for tracking heritage sites, but also as a cultural platform for launching initiatives and encouraging public participation. 'We must establish a new cultural outlook on heritage,' he stated, 'one that acknowledges how preserving our past enriches both our present and future.' He underscored the necessity of building strong partnerships between government, civil society, and academic institutions to support heritage preservation. The ALECSO chief also underscored the value of regional cooperation in the face of shared challenges, such as conflict and natural disasters, and praised the growing number of Arab heritage sites recognized by UNESCO's World Heritage List. He reaffirmed ALECSO's readiness to support Arab nations in preparing nomination files for additional sites. Representing Kuwait at the forum, Mahmoud Al-Rabiah, an engineer from the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (Historic Buildings Restoration Department), told KUNA that the forum annually discusses each Arab country's contributions to preserving historic buildings and urban heritage. He noted that participating countries submit documentation files for evaluation by the observatory in preparation for their inclusion in the Arab Heritage List. The forum serves as a platform for countries to present heritage sites of significant architectural and historical value. It also provides an opportunity to share experiences, assess preservation methods, and coordinate regional efforts to safeguard urban heritage. The event is set to conclude on Wednesday, at which point ALECSO will announce the selected sites to be added to the registry of architectural and urban heritage, a list maintained by the Economic and Social Council of the League of Arab States.
Mid East Info
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Empowering the Future: Huawei Showcases Comprehensive Digital Transformation Solutions for Education Sector
ThinkAI: Smart Education Forum of Huawei showcases comprehensive digital transformation solutions for the education sector. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, May 23, 2025, Huawei hosted the 'Think AI: Smart Education Forum' on May 19, part of the 2025 Tech Carnival & Partner Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Under the broader theme 'Accelerating the Intelligent World,' the forum showcased innovations to drive digital transformation in educational institutions throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. In his opening address, Cong Liang, Chief Strategy Officer, Middle East & Central Asia, Huawei, emphasized Huawei's commitment to accelerating digital transformation in education through innovative, intelligent ICT solutions. 'Our mission extends beyond providing technology. We are building the foundation for future-ready learning environments that prepare students for tomorrow's digital economy,' said Cong Liang. 'At Think AI: Smart Education Forum, we stand at the crossroads of innovation and impact. Today's education must be flexible, immersive, and intelligent. We are not only shaping talents for intelligence but also empowering intelligence to serve talents. Together, we are building a smarter, more inclusive future for learners everywhere.' Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Vice Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Rustam Karimjonov, highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in building the future of digital education. 'Empowering our youth with digital skills is a national priority. Our partnership with Huawei has been instrumental in making this vision a reality. From launching ICT Academies at 15 leading universities to supporting international certification and competitions, Huawei has helped us take education beyond the classroom. Together, we're enabling young talents to thrive in AI, cloud, 5G, and more, and turning digital inclusion into real-world impact,' he added. The forum featured a notable contribution from Prof. Mohamed Jemni, Director of the ICT Department, Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), Vice president of the government board of UNESCO-IITE, who presented on 'AI-Driven Digital Transformation of Higher Education in the Arab Region.' His presentation highlighted the ongoing collaboration between UNESCO and Huawei to jointly promote global education development, focusing on ICT talent cultivation. Mehedi Hasan Limon, Vice President of Huawei MECA Public Sector, introduced Huawei's Smart Education 1+3 All-Scenario Solution, showcasing core advantages across digital training, smart classrooms, scientific research, and smart campus solutions. The presentation emphasized how Cloud and AI applications are revolutionizing educational transformation. 'With our solutions already deployed in 2,800+ universities and 500,000 schools worldwide, we're committed to making digital education more accessible, connected, and future-ready,' said Limon. 'Digital Training 2.0, which we have officially launched in the Middle East & Central Asia region at this forum, provides institutions with the scalable, intelligent technologies they need to nurture the next generation of ICT professionals.' Digital Transformation Across Critical Sectors: This event underscored Huawei's unique approach to digital transformation. Huawei's education solutions are future-proof and scalable, designed to grow with institutional needs. They are easy to deploy and operate, reducing implementation complexity and technical barriers. The solutions are adaptable across industries, leveraging cross-sector expertise in ICT implementation. All offerings are backed by extensive expertise, drawing on Huawei's global experience and partner ecosystem. As educational institutions face growing pressures to reduce costs while improving efficiency and outcomes, Huawei remains committed to co-creating solutions with partners to reshape the future of these essential services. Think AI: Smart Education Forum is an integral component of the broader Tech Carnival, which brought together over 1,500 industry leaders, technology experts, partners, and stakeholders to explore cutting-edge technologies driving digital transformation across diverse sectors. With more than 30 exhibition sites and engaging forums, the event provided a comprehensive platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business collaboration.
