Latest news with #Facultyof
Biz Bahrain
03-06-2025
- Health
- Biz Bahrain
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain Expands Research and Clinical Training Partnerships with Leading Academic and Healthcare Institutions in Thailand
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain has taken a significant step in advancing its international outlook by formalising a new partnership with the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, as part of its ongoing commitment to expanding international academic and clinical collaboration. On May 23rd, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. The agreement facilitates our students' participation in clinical and research electives across a broad range of medical specialities at Ramathibodi Hospital and opens the door to future collaboration in academia, exchange and joint initiatives. Professor Ungkanont, commented on the agreement: 'We believe that through this collaboration, both institutions will grow stronger—by learning from each other, sharing resources and supporting one another in the pursuit of global health equity and the development of future healthcare leaders.'This landmark agreement was part of a wider strategic visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, during which the University delegation also held high-level discussions with Associate Professor Dr Taveesin Tanprayoon, Chief Medical Officer, and Ms Artirat Charukitpipat, Chief Executive Officer of Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok. Discussions focused on establishing clinical elective opportunities in cardiology and exploring avenues for collaborative research in key areas such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and genomics. Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Professor Otoom stated: 'The MoU with Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and our productive discussion with leading healthcare institutions in Thailand represent an important milestone in our mission to provide world-class clinical and research opportunities for our students. These efforts reflect RCSI Medical University of Bahrain's commitment to academic excellence, global health engagement, and the advancement of medical education through strategic international alliances. These developments follow the recent visit of His Excellency Sumate Chulajata, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of Bahrain, to the University campus. During that meeting, held earlier in May, the University outlined its intention to strengthen ties with Thai institutions through formal partnerships and mutual engagement. Further reinforcing this strategic direction, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain participated in the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025 in Thailand in April. A group of faculty and students contributed actively to scientific discussions and presented impactful research findings, highlighting the importance of regular ophthalmologic screening for pre-diabetic patients. Their research revealed that signs of diabetic retinopathy may be evident at HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4%, a lower threshold than previously assumed. As RCSI Medical University of Bahrain continues to strengthen its network of global partners, the University remains focused on enhancing the academic experience and clinical training of its students, while fostering impactful research that addresses global health challenges.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's Eid El-Fitr and Tourism: A Celebration Amid Economic Turbulence
Beyond Eid El-Fitr cultural significance, this festive season greatly impacts the Egyptian economy, particularly tourism. The extended public holiday triggers a surge in travel to popular local destinations. However, economic challenges and the devaluation of the Egyptian pound are reshaping domestic travel in Egypt. Yet, Egypt's tourism sector is adapting to these dynamics through targeted campaigns and the country's appeal to regional and international tourists. This evolving landscape underscores the interplay between economic conditions and tourism trends, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for Egypt during this festive season. Impact on Domestic Tourism The Eid El-Fitr holiday has traditionally been a peak season for domestic travel in Egypt, with families traveling for leisure and reunions. However, economic headwinds have noticeably impacted Egyptian families' engagement in domestic tourism in recent years. Ibrahim Hamdy Sheta, holder of PhD in Applied Economics from Western Michigan University, USA and Assistant Professor of Economics at Faculty of Commerce, Mansoura University, and College of Business Administration, Taibah University in Saudi Arabia, explains: "The continuous devaluation of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar since November 2016 has resulted in a persistent inflation and high unemployment (stagflation), leading tohigher poverty rate and eroding the middle class.' 'Rising costs of essentials such as food, healthcare, education, transportation, housing, etc. have left little room for leisure spending. As a result, domestic tourism, especially to middle-class destinations like Ras El Bar, Damietta, Port Said, and Alexandria, has declined during national and religious holidays such as Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Sham El-Nessim,' Sheta notes. This highlights a crucial link between macroeconomic factors and household spending patterns. Inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations have prioritized essential expenditures, leaving less disposable income for discretionary activities like domestic travel during Eid. Sheta further points out that in previous years, remittances by Egyptians working abroad used to partially compensate for this decrease in spending on domestic tourism. However, now, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is actually applying the managed floating exchange rate policy, which sets the dollar at around EGP 50, while the inflation rate continues to rise. 'Therefore, Egyptians working abroad have been struggling with inflation, just like those at home. Given all of these analytical facts and results, this has led to a significant decrease in spending on domestic tourism, not just during holidays, but throughout the year,' he says. "As remittances lose their ability to cushion economic hardship, the tourism sector faces further strain, especially in key holiday seasons like Eid El-Fitr. Consequently, while some segments of the population may still partake in Eid travel, the overall volume and spending on domestic tourism during this time are likely to be considerably lower than in pre-economic turbulence eras,' Sheta adds. In contrast to this analysis of economic constraints, Abdel Haris Abu Zaid, a tour operator, shares a different perspective with Arab Finance: "Domestic tourism during Eid in 2024 increased by 50%. Travel destinations depend on the season, so if Eid falls in winter, Egyptians prefer Luxor and Aswan, where Nile cruises are fully booked. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab are also popular." The reported increase suggests a potential dichotomy within the domestic tourism market, where some segments are still able and willing to travel during Eid, particularly to popular destinations. Impact on Arab/Regional Tourism Egypt stands out as an attractive tourism destination for regional tourists, not only during Eid vacations but throughout the year. In the first half of 2024, Egypt welcomed a record-breaking 7.1 million visitors, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. "Regarding Arab tourism, most Arab tourists prefer nightlife, shopping malls, and similar activities over historical sites. To this demand, Egypt has expanded its modern attractions, building malls and developing new cities like New Alamein. These efforts have helped boost Arab tourism by 70% in 2024," Abu Zaid highlights. Meanwhile, Marwa Omar, Assistant Professor of Economics at Helwan University, tells Arab Finance: 'Egypt has gained a competitive advantage over other MENA countries grappling with economic and political instability.' 'This relative stability makes Egypt a more attractive destination for regional travelers. Additionally, the currency devaluation has encouraged foreign and Arab investment in Egypt's tourism sector,' she clarifies. To further attract regional tourists, the country is launching strong promotional campaigns. On March 1st, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Egyptian Tourism Authority, launched a promotional campaign as a key tourist destination. The campaign targets both the Egyptian and Arab markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain. This month-and-a-half-long campaign promotes Egypt's tourism experiences, encouraging Arab travelers to visit Egypt during Ramadan and Eid El-Fitr. It also promotes domestic tourism, inviting Egyptians to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the holy month in their homeland. Eid El-Fitr remains a cherished cultural and social celebration in Egypt, bringing families and communities together. However, economic challenges like inflation, currency devaluation, and rising costs of living have reshaped the way Egyptians experience this festive season. Despite these hurdles, Egypt's tourism sector has shown resilience by leveraging its appeal to regional tourists and implementing targeted promotional campaigns to attract visitors. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Independent
31-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Serbians march in 4 cities against government pressure and hate speech
Thousands of Serbians marched in four cities on Monday protesting government pressure and hate speech directed at university students and professors behind months of anti-corruption protests shaking populist President Aleksandar Vucic. The marches were organized a day after a woman attacked a faculty dean in Serbia's south with a knife, which protesters blamed on a hate campaign that they say is fueled by top officials and pro-government media. Increasingly authoritarian Vucic has struggled to quell persistent demonstrations triggered by a train station canopy collapse in November, which killed 16 people. Critics have blamed the deadly crash on rampant government corruption leading to sloppy and unsafe renovation work on the station building. Serbian university students and their professors have been a key force behind the nationwide demonstrations also reflecting a wider discontent with Vucic's rule. He has accused protesters of working against the state interests. Serbia is formally seeking European Union entry but Vucic has maintained close ties with Russia and China while facing accusations of stifling democratic freedoms. Ivan Videnovic, assistant professor at Belgrade University's faculty of physics, said he joined the march Monday in the capital city 'because of repression against people ... because of physical and verbal attacks on university professors and deans.' Natalija Jovanovic, dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Nis on Sunday, suffered a hand injury in Sunday's knife attack in the southern city of Nis. She blamed the attack on Vucic, who has repeatedly branded her a 'criminal.' Last week, a senior government official called for the arrest of Vladan Djokic, the head dean of the University in Belgrade. Apart from Belgrade, demonstrations were held in the northern city of Novi Sad, the central city of Kragujevac and Nis, in the south. The four cities are the university centers in the Balkan country.
Al-Ahram Weekly
30-03-2025
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Coptic Orthodox Church mourns passing of Metropolitan Elder Pakhomious - Society
Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church mourned on Sunday the passing of Metropolitan Elder and Acting Patriarch Pakhomious, who died at nearly 90 years old after a lifetime of devoted service to the church and the nation. As the metropolitan of Beheira, Matrouh, and the five western cities and abbot of St. Macarius of Alexanderia's Monastery in Mount Al-Qalali, Behira, Pakhomious dedicated over 70 years to serving the church through various roles. He served as a consecrated deacon, monk, bishop, and metropolitan, with approximately 54 years spent in episcopal ministry. Bidding final farewell Pope Tawadros II, accompanied by metropolitans and bishops, will preside over the funeral prayers at 3:00pm on Sunday at St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo's Abbasiya district. After the service, his body will be moved to Damanhour to rest in St. Mark the Apostle's Church (Diocesan Headquarters). His congregation will have the opportunity to pay their final respects from 8:00 pm until midnight. On Monday, the Divine Liturgy will be held from 6:00 to 9:00am, followed by the funeral service at 10:00am. After that, his body will be transported to St. Macarius of Alexandria's Monastery, where the burial rites will take place at 2:00pm. Life and legacy The late revered father, Pakhomious, was born as Samir Kheir Sokar on 17 December 1935 in Shibin El-Kom, Nile Delta. He graduated from the Faculty of Commerce, Ain Shams University, in 1956. He was the first deacon to serve in Kuwait in 1961, at the invitation of the late Pope Kyrillos VI, in the first Coptic church to be established abroad. He entered monastic life at the Virgin Mary's Monastery, known as Deir El-Sourian, in Wadi El-Natroun, in Egypt's western desert. On 11 November 1962, he was ordained a monk and took the name Antonius El-Souriani. Although he did not seek a priestly rank in the monastery, he was ordained a priest on 2 January 1966. He also served in Sudan from 1967 to May 1971 and was ordained a hegoman priest there on 28 July 1968. Then, late Pope Kyrillos VI sent him to serve in Ethiopia in 1971. Pakhomious represented the Coptic Church in several religious conferences and was a member of the World Council of Churches, the Middle East Council of Churches, and the Council for Churches in Africa. On 12 December 1971, he was ordained the bishop of Beheira, Matrouh, and the five western cities, alongside the late Metropolitan Yoannis, who served as the former metropolitan of Gharbia. Their ordination was significant as they were the first bishops consecrated by the late Pope Shenouda III, less than a month after he ascended the See of St. Mark. Pakhomious was later promoted to a metropolitan on 2 September 1990. Following Pope Shenouda III's passing on 17 March 2012, he became the acting patriarch (after Metropolitan Michael of Assiut apologized due to his advanced age). He remained in the position for approximately eight months, from 22 March to 18 November 2012, guiding the church through a critical transitional period until His Holiness Pope Tawadros II's enthronement in November of the same year. His tenure was distinguished by wisdom and effective leadership, earning him widespread recognition and deep respect in Egypt and internationally. Throughout his ministerial journey, Metropolitan Pakhomious played an instrumental role in shaping generations of clergy, who later became priests, monks, and bishops — including Pope Tawadros II. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
