Latest news with #Hamed
Al Etihad
27-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
AI risks and opportunity for news industry take centre stage at Arab Media Summit
28 May 2025 00:41 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (DUBAI)The transformative power of AI in the media landscape dominated the agenda at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, with top regional officials and thought leaders urging media institutions to embrace emerging technologies or risk being left at one of the forum's headline panels, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, stressed that adapting to emerging technologies and understanding how to deal with them determines the global competitiveness and relevance of media Hamed noted the global shift from traditional media to technology-driven platforms, emphasising the need for media entities to embrace this transformation.'Media platforms that fail to adapt to modern technologies will vanish,' Al Hamed said, adding the landscape continues to evolve rapidly. He called for the responsible and conscious use of modern Hamed stressed that the media must stay at the forefront of technological change to remain relevant and continue engaging younger against complacency amid rapid tech advancements, he added: 'If you don't learn it today, it will be hard to learn it tomorrow.'Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information of Bahrain, highlighted the dual-edged nature of AI's rise in the industry. 'Arab media is at a critical stage due to the entry of AI,' he said. 'There is an opportunity for us to elevate our industry but also the potential to go backwards.'Al Noaimi stressed that successfully integrating AI would depend on more than just innovation, saying that institutional commitment and human adaptability were essential to ensure the proper and ethical utilisation of the technology. He called for comprehensive workforce transformation led by institutions embracing AI from the very top. 'The AI is there to help people, so we need to help them understand it and learn to use it — we need to bring people along.' Credibility amid Faster News Cycles With information cycles moving at a pace that's faster than ever, the media must also deal with the changing expectations of news consumers, said Abdulrahman Al Mutairi, Kuwait's Minister of Information and Culture.'Today, the speed of news is very important, but it must have credibility and accuracy,' Al Mutairi said. 'AI can help in that and should therefore be welcomed — although it needs to be implemented in the right way to ensure this.' Irreplaceable Human Element From a technological perspective, Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, envisioned a future where AI lowers barriers to entry and fuels creativity. 'There will be one-person start-ups,' he predicted, highlighting how AI tools could democratise media creation and entrepreneurship. While he acknowledged the novelty and disruptive force of current AI advances, he reminded attendees that humans would remain central. 'Despite all of this advancement, the future will definitely still be human-based.' That human focus was further emphasised by Hamad Al Shirawi, Director of Projects at Dubai Future Foundation, who likened fears surrounding AI to early internet anxieties. 'When you talk about your concerns, it's only natural — just like when the internet came out,' Al Shirawi said. 'It is a wave that we will have to ride, and we will have to learn.' Once considered an optional edge, AI is now a core requirement for success, he added, calling on media professionals to see it as a change to up their game rather than a replacement for their talent. 'It used to be a secret weapon. Now it's a weapon that you must have,' said Al Shirawi. 'Don't be afraid of AI. Embrace it.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Owner of multiple CT businesses admits to defrauding COVID relief program out of over $2.3M
A Woodbridge man has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a scheme to defraud a COVID-19 pandemic relief program out of more than $2.3 million. Yasir G. Hamed, 60, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty during a hearing last Friday in federal court in Bridgeport, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut. He pleaded guilty to bank fraud and engaging in illegal monetary transactions. The charges expose Hamed to a combined 40 years in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for Aug. 8. According to federal officials, the fraud occurred between June 2020 and September 2021 when Hamed submitted fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of multiple companies with which he had an affiliation. Authorities said the fraud involved overstating employee numbers and average monthly payroll, and making other phony representations. As part of the applications, he submitted false tax filings that had never been filed with the IRS, according to officials. Hamed had an ownership interest or representative relationship with several New Haven-based businesses including Access Consulting and Professional Services Inc., Connecticut Medical Transportation Inc., Arabic Language Learning Program Inc., Institute for Global Educational Exchange Inc., Access Medical Transport Inc., Ikea Car & Limo Inc., Center of the World Tours, North America LLC and Sudanese American Friendship Association Inc., officials said. Hamed, an accountant, also reportedly submitted PPP loan applications on behalf of companies owned by his clients. In at least one instance, officials said Hamed convinced the owner of a business that was not active and had no employees to seek PPP funding. Hamed prepared the paperwork for the application and then took a 'significant portion' of the loan proceeds, authorities said. According to federal authorities, Hamed obtained more than $2.3 million in PPP loans for his businesses and for his clients. His cut reportedly totaled more than $1 million 'for himself and his family, and significant kickbacks from his clients,' the U.S. Attorney's Office wrote in a statement. Hamed reportedly used the money for personal expenses, including education expenses for a family member, and for a down payment on an $880,000 house in Woodbridge that he purchased in October 2020. As part of the plea deal, he agreed to pay a little more than $2.3 million in restitution. Hamed was arrested in November 2024 and is free on a $500,000 bond while he awaits sentencing.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woodbridge man pleads guilty to COVID fraud scheme
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) — A Woodbridge man last week pleaded guilty to offenses connected to a scheme to defraud a COVID-19 pandemic relief program of more than $2.3 million, according to the office of Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Marc Silverman. Yasir Hamed, 60, waived his right to be indicted on May 9 in front of a judge in Bridgeport. He pleaded guilty to bank fraud and engaging in illegal monetary transactions. Woodbridge Animal Control searching for information on abandoned dogs He faces up to 30 years in prison for the first charge and 10 years for the second. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 8. Information from court shows as an accountant, Hamed had an ownership interest or representative relationship with several New Haven-based businesses. From June 2020 to September 2021, he's accused of submitting false PPP loan applications on behalf of the companies, overstating employee numbers and average monthly payroll, and making other fraudulent representations. Throughout the scheme, Silverman's office says Hamed gained $2.3 million in PPP loans for his businesses and his clients. He used some of the funds for personal expenses, including education expenses for a family member and a down payment on a $880,000 house in Woodbridge he bought in 2020. According to Silverman's office, Hamed agreed to pay $2,384,772 in restitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Observer
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
'Cinderellas of Muscat' explores the complex lives of five Omani women
In an ever-evolving literary landscape buzzing with creativity and bold experimentation, Omani author Huda Hamed has just released her captivating new novel, 'The Cinderellas of Muscat.' This refreshing tale blends the fantastical elements of magical realism with the charm of traditional folk storytelling, offering a glimpse into the rich inner lives of Omani women navigating an age of rapid change. At the heart of the novel lies a brilliant concept: a secret monthly gathering that unites five Omani women from various villages and walks of life. These meetings become a sanctuary where they can freely express their thoughts, worries, and aspirations. Unlike the classic Cinderella story, there's no quest for a prince or a lost shoe. Instead, these women are on a journey of self-discovery, reclaiming parts of their identities that society often holds back. Huda Hamed shares the spark that ignited her novel. She had a few different ideas swirling around, but the one that truly stood out was Zubaida, a writer grappling with the fear that her creative well might run dry—much like her grandmother, who was once brimming with stories before losing her memory to Alzheimer's. Meeting these women reignites Zubaida's imagination and fuels her creative spirit. The novel elegantly contrasts two distinct realms: the public world, constrained by tradition and societal pressures, and the private sphere, where emotions, dreams, and untold stories come alive. Through her varied characters—from a village woman facing daily struggles to a mother wrestling with her relationship with her children—Hamed reflects a reality that resonates with many women across the Arab world today. 'Cinderellas of Muscat' explores the complex lives of five Omani women Hamed draws from the tradition of magical realism, which she holds in great admiration. Omani stories are brimming with depth, and it's high time they escape local confines and reach global audiences—whether through novels or adaptations into films and dramas. She reinterprets the Cinderella myth, focusing on two key ideas: physical transformation—where the women become 'fairies'—and a strict timeframe—the night of their gathering. But in a modern Omani context, the tale shifts from finding a prince to a quest for self-liberation. "This novel is an invitation for women to claim their own personal space," Hamed explains. The struggles of Arab working women, who balance professional lives with traditional roles as wives and mothers, are at the forefront. There's an urgent need for safe havens where women can simply breathe and be themselves. The translation of 'The Cinderellas of Muscat' into English marks a significant step in bringing the nuanced experiences of Omani women to an international audience. Hamed reflects on this personal journey, noting, "This isn't my first brush with translation; I've previously explored Omani history and its links to Africa. I'm delighted that this novel has been embraced, and I hope it presents a fresh outlook on Omani women for a global readership." Huda Hamed is unflinching and bold, believing that 'boldness' is vital in literature that leaves a mark. She asserts, "I believe in confronting the wound head-on, just as the French author Annie Ernaux suggests—allowing readers to truly see what's tucked away. In this novel, I intentionally portray a non-idealised view of motherhood, challenging what people may expect." For Hamed, literature possesses the power to subtly effect social change. "As a novelist, my primary goal is to enchant and captivate my readers. However, within the fabric of storytelling, I weave ideas and reflections that might provoke deeper contemplation. In journalism, I address issues more directly; in fiction, I lean towards a subtler, more immersive approach." In essence, 'The Cinderellas of Muscat' isn't just about women swapping stories; it's a profound exploration of the fear of losing one's imagination and the resilience required to reclaim one's voice amidst the noise of society. With vivid characters and the enchanting allure of magical realism, Hamed celebrates feminine creativity and freedom, inviting readers to listen to the unspoken hopes and healing that shape lives often hidden from view. Through this narrative, Huda Hamed shines a light on the complexities of womanhood, illustrating that the journey towards self-discovery and liberation can be as fantastical as it is real. The very act of finding one's voice becomes a magical journey of its own, and in these pages, readers will find not only the struggles of these women but also the hope and resilience that emerge in their pursuit of happiness and identity. It is a story that resonates, connects, and inspires—inviting all who read it to reflect on their own narratives and the myriad of experiences that shape who we are.
Al Etihad
07-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abdulla Al Hamed seeks investment, partnerships with LA media, entertainment leaders
7 Apr 2025 23:45 LOS ANGELES (WAM) Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, has held high-level meetings with US and global media and entertainment leaders during his visit to Los Angeles. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation and investment in these vital meetings fall within the UAE's efforts to strengthen its position as a regional and global hub for media and entertainment, and to attract leading global companies in this field as part of the country's strategic vision for economic diversification and enhancing the contribution of creative industries to the national Hamed affirmed that investment in the media and entertainment sectors is a key pillar of the UAE leadership's vision to establish economic diversity, build bridges of cultural communication, and promote shared human said, 'The UAE is moving forward with its vision to build a globally competitive media and entertainment industry, by leveraging top international experiences, localising knowledge, and transferring technology.' He noted that the meetings with major companies in Los Angeles reflect this direction and open wide avenues for cooperation with industry leaders in Hamed added that he was keen during his meetings to introduce the executives and decision-makers to the "Bridge" platform, which represents an ambitious Emirati vision for building bridges of creative communication and opening new horizons for global cooperation in platform aims to establish an integrated system that brings together thought and creativity leaders from around the world. He invited them to participate in the upcoming event and contribute their expertise to shaping the future of the global media meetings included discussions with Michael Hackman, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Hackman Capital Partners; Sandy Climan, Founder and President of Entertainment Media Ventures, and former corporate executive at Universal Studios and Creative Artists Agency; Ronald Burkle, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Yucaipa Companies; Chuck Roven, Producer at Atlas Entertainment; Jeff Kirschenbaum, Producer at Roth/Kirschenbaum Films; Joshua Grode, CEO of Legendary Entertainment, and Sam Kozhaya, EVP at Legendary Entertainment. From Getty Images, participants included Ken Mainardis, SVP of Editorial; Kirstin Benson, VP of Global Entertainment; Sherry Park, Senior Director of Production Sales; and Josh Rucci, VP of meetings featured discussions on establishing advanced production studios, cooperation in media innovation and modern technologies, and developing advanced media projects based on the latest digital solutions. Also discussed were plans to expand partnerships in training and transferring global expertise in visual documentation and digital media, contributing to the development of national talent and improving the quality of media content in line with international best practices. Al Hamed during the meetings also explored opportunities to increase investment in entertainment and the logistics infrastructure supporting the film and media industry in the UAE. Discussions included developing infrastructure for film and TV production based in the UAE, creating Emirati content for global audiences, and enhancing the presence of Emirati cultural identity on international media platforms through joint productions that highlight local stories with global appeal.
