Latest news with #Hanane
Qatar Tribune
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Entertainment galore as Qatar Toy Festival kicks off
Hanane Djoua Doha Visit Qatar has officially launched the third and largest edition of the Qatar Toy Festival (QTF) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), inviting families and visitors to enjoy a vibrant month-long celebration of entertainment, creativity, and play. The festival runs from July 6 to August 4, 2025, and is set to be a highlight of Qatar's summer season. This year's edition promises more excitement than ever before, combining interactive attractions, live performances, retail experiences, and hands-on workshops in one immersive space designed to captivate children and adults alike. The opening day began with a surprise flash mob performance by the Q Crew in the whimsical Cutie Pie Land, setting the tone for a festive launch. The celebration continued with live shows, character meet-and-greets, balloon giveaways, and a spectacular balloon drop, drawing smiles from hundreds of children and families in attendance. Running daily from 2 PM to 10 PM on weekdays and until 11 PM from Thursday to Saturday, the festival transforms DECC into a colourful wonderland where imagination comes to life. For an entry fee of just QR50 per day, guests gain access to: • Five themed entertainment islands • Over 30 interactive zones and activity booths • 10 toy and merchandise retail stores • A full programme of live performances, music, dance, and science shows • The all-new QTF Summer Camp for children and teens • Creative workshops, immersive games, and F&B options This year's QTF Summer Camp offers a dedicated space for young attendees to learn, create, and socialise through structured activities, designed to combine fun with personal development in a supervised environment. Visitors are encouraged to explore the variety of offerings, from shopping the latest toy trends to joining themed experiences and shows. The festival also features daily prize draws, with one of the standout giveaways being a Jetour T2 SUV, among many other exciting surprises. Tickets are available online through Q-Tickets, Virgin Megastore, Platinumlist, and Fever, or can be purchased at entry gates at DECC. With its expanded programming and vibrant atmosphere, the 2025 edition of the Qatar Toy Festival sets a new benchmark for family entertainment in the region. It offers a space where children's imaginations soar, and where parents can enjoy quality time with their loved ones in a safe, fun-filled environment. Whether you're looking for live entertainment, creative play, exclusive merchandise, or simply a joyful outing, the Qatar Toy Festival delivers a complete summer experience under one roof.
Ya Biladi
11-05-2025
- Science
- Ya Biladi
Diaspo #388 : Hanane Sanoussi, a Moroccan woman's journey through tech and AI
DR When Hanane Sanoussi begins to speak about her journey, the image that emerges is of a woman who has learned to confront challenges and break barriers with unwavering determination. That comes as no surprise—she grew up in a family steeped in thought and creativity. Her father, a visual artist and professor, nurtured her love for the arts and critical thinking, while her mother, through her quiet, tireless work as a seamstress into the early hours of the morning, embodied commitment and patience. Hanane was raised between Tangier, Essaouira, and Agadir—a child drawn to silence, voracious in her reading and even more attentive in her observations. Reflecting on those years during a conversation with Yabiladi, she recalled, «I remember Morocco as always active, resilient, inspiring, and open! The sunset on the beach and the books I secretly read at night shaped my dreams and my slightly rebellious spirit», she said with a touch of nostalgia. «In short, I can say that my childhood was a school of strong, often contradictory emotions—between the need to see further and learn more... and the desire to remain where I was, in that delicate balance». But Hanane chose to challenge herself and leave her comfort zone behind, refusing to remain in the shadows. At 18, she enrolled in a preparatory fine arts program in France, later pivoting toward political science at Sciences Po Milan. Eventually, she carved out an independent path in technology, earning a drone piloting certificate in France. «I've always found myself at the crossroads of technology, art, and society», she explained. Innovating in a Male-Dominated World For Hanane, technological entrepreneurship—especially in the realm of hardware, which she describes as «even more male-dominated than software»—felt like a natural fit. It was a space where she could innovate, ask questions, and, as she put it, «connect my intuition with scientific precision». Her motivation was also rooted in a desire for more diversity in the tech world. «We talk a lot about innovation, but the faces we see haven't changed much. Women, though increasing in number, still face many invisible barriers», she said. In 2022, she founded Vimersio, a startup that integrates smart devices and artificial intelligence to automate video recording—a bold venture, particularly for a woman working solo in a male-dominated field. She successfully marketed the product even before releasing its first version. But success was short-lived. A dispute with a shareholder led her to make a difficult decision: she pulled the plug. Following that experience, Hanane turned to education. Inspired by initiatives like Station F and Quest for Change, she launched a school hackathon to ignite students' interest in innovation and expose them to the digital professions of the future. «The biggest challenge I've faced? Convincing people in a world full of preconceived ideas. A woman alone, with an unconventional project, often has to speak louder to be heard. My greatest achievements aren't measured in revenue or awards, but in resilience—turning shocks into quiet strength, and continuing to build with consistency and clarity». Hanane moves between three identities—Moroccan, French, and Italian—and describes herself as someone who builds bridges, not walls. «This diversity is my engine. My dual Euro-Moroccan identity is a powerful asset when it comes to designing projects that speak to both sides of the Mediterranean», she proudly affirms. Returning Home: Building Morocco's Digital Generation One of the turning points in her career came in 2010, when she worked alongside the late former Minister of Privatization, Abdellah Saidi (who passed away in 2020). «He placed rare trust in me at such a young age», she said. He entrusted her with managing his art gallery and auction house in Casablanca, where she served as administrative and commercial director for a year. Still, at that stage of her life, Europe called more loudly. She returned, propelled by the experience and responsibilities she had just assumed. But ultimately, after 23 years in Europe, Hanan chose to return home—for good. Today, she heads a digital lab (FabLab) affiliated with the MlfMonde Foundation in Casablanca, where she teaches digital sciences to younger generations. «Since returning to Morocco—and with the support of our institution's director—I launched the first hackathon dedicated to high school students. It's part of my vision for Moroccan youth», she explained. «Knowledge transfer has become a priority. I teach young people about digital tools and technologies they may not yet see the importance of—cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science. My job is to wake them up and show them that they belong in this future. Morocco needs these professions, and our youth need to be ready». In 2024, Hanane was recognized by Orange as an «Entrepreneur» and invited to speak at the European Parliament during a major civic innovation event organized by the Innovation for Democracy Foundation. She concluded her talk with a powerful message: 'Telling my story in such a symbolic place as the European Parliament is a responsibility. I didn't accept the honor to shine a light on myself—but to carry the voices of others, to open doors for more women and for young African talents. It's a message to the world: We have solutions. We have a voice. Listen to us», she concludes.
Ya Biladi
10-05-2025
- General
- Ya Biladi
Diaspo #388 : Hanane Sanoussi, a Moroccan woman's journey through tech and AI
Estimated read time: 3' When Hanane Sanoussi begins to speak about her journey, the image that emerges is of a woman who has learned to confront challenges and break barriers with unwavering determination. That comes as no surprise—she grew up in a family steeped in thought and creativity. Her father, a visual artist and professor, nurtured her love for the arts and critical thinking, while her mother, through her quiet, tireless work as a seamstress into the early hours of the morning, embodied commitment and patience. Hanane was raised between Tangier, Essaouira, and Agadir—a child drawn to silence, voracious in her reading and even more attentive in her observations. Reflecting on those years during a conversation with Yabiladi, she recalled, «I remember Morocco as always active, resilient, inspiring, and open! The sunset on the beach and the books I secretly read at night shaped my dreams and my slightly rebellious spirit», she said with a touch of nostalgia. «In short, I can say that my childhood was a school of strong, often contradictory emotions—between the need to see further and learn more... and the desire to remain where I was, in that delicate balance». But Hanane chose to challenge herself and leave her comfort zone behind, refusing to remain in the shadows. At 18, she enrolled in a preparatory fine arts program in France, later pivoting toward political science at Sciences Po Milan. Eventually, she carved out an independent path in technology, earning a drone piloting certificate in France. «I've always found myself at the crossroads of technology, art, and society», she explained. Innovating in a Male-Dominated World For Hanane, technological entrepreneurship—especially in the realm of hardware, which she describes as «even more male-dominated than software»—felt like a natural fit. It was a space where she could innovate, ask questions, and, as she put it, «connect my intuition with scientific precision». Her motivation was also rooted in a desire for more diversity in the tech world. «We talk a lot about innovation, but the faces we see haven't changed much. Women, though increasing in number, still face many invisible barriers», she said. In 2022, she founded Vimersio, a startup that integrates smart devices and artificial intelligence to automate video recording—a bold venture, particularly for a woman working solo in a male-dominated field. She successfully marketed the product even before releasing its first version. But success was short-lived. A dispute with a shareholder led her to make a difficult decision: she pulled the plug. Following that experience, Hanane turned to education. Inspired by initiatives like Station F and Quest for Change, she launched a school hackathon to ignite students' interest in innovation and expose them to the digital professions of the future. «The biggest challenge I've faced? Convincing people in a world full of preconceived ideas. A woman alone, with an unconventional project, often has to speak louder to be heard. My greatest achievements aren't measured in revenue or awards, but in resilience—turning shocks into quiet strength, and continuing to build with consistency and clarity». Hanane moves between three identities—Moroccan, French, and Italian—and describes herself as someone who builds bridges, not walls. «This diversity is my engine. My dual Euro-Moroccan identity is a powerful asset when it comes to designing projects that speak to both sides of the Mediterranean», she proudly affirms. Returning Home: Building Morocco's Digital Generation One of the turning points in her career came in 2010, when she worked alongside the late former Minister of Privatization, Abdellah Saidi (who passed away in 2020). «He placed rare trust in me at such a young age», she said. He entrusted her with managing his art gallery and auction house in Casablanca, where she served as administrative and commercial director for a year. Still, at that stage of her life, Europe called more loudly. She returned, propelled by the experience and responsibilities she had just assumed. But ultimately, after 23 years in Europe, Hanan chose to return home—for good. Today, she heads a digital lab (FabLab) affiliated with the MlfMonde Foundation in Casablanca, where she teaches digital sciences to younger generations. «Since returning to Morocco—and with the support of our institution's director—I launched the first hackathon dedicated to high school students. It's part of my vision for Moroccan youth», she explained. «Knowledge transfer has become a priority. I teach young people about digital tools and technologies they may not yet see the importance of—cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science. My job is to wake them up and show them that they belong in this future. Morocco needs these professions, and our youth need to be ready». In 2024, Hanane was recognized by Orange as an «Entrepreneur» and invited to speak at the European Parliament during a major civic innovation event organized by the Innovation for Democracy Foundation. She concluded her talk with a powerful message: 'Telling my story in such a symbolic place as the European Parliament is a responsibility. I didn't accept the honor to shine a light on myself—but to carry the voices of others, to open doors for more women and for young African talents. It's a message to the world: We have solutions. We have a voice. Listen to us», she concludes.
Shafaq News
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Shafaq News
Child of Al-Mutanabbi: Baghdad's 14-year-old literary sensation
Shafaq News/ Every Friday on Al-Mutanabbi Street, the heart of Baghdad's cultural life, Hanane Hassan, a 14-year-old Iraqi author, displays her growing collection of literary work with the support of her mother. Her table, modestly marked with a sign reading 'My Daughter's Works – Price: 3,500 Iraqi Dinars (about 2.5$),' has become a fixture in the bustling book market, drawing attention from readers and passersby alike. A Journey Rooted in Early Passion Hanane's passion for writing took root in 2019 when she was in third grade. Initially penning optimistic verses, she gradually transitioned to prose infused with philosophical themes. By the age of 12, she had already embarked on her writing career—an unusually early start in Iraq's literary community. Since then, she has authored eight books, with a ninth currently in print. The young author's works explore themes of love, morality, and human relationships, skillfully blending personal reflections with broader social insights. Notable books include 'Embrace Me with Reproach,' which delves into the complexities of human relationships and their spiritual underpinnings, while 'For the Letters, a Memory' and 'I Live to the Rhythm of My Heart' offer introspective narratives deeply rooted in her personal experiences. 'Hanane's writings reflect her soul and emotions,' her mother told Shafaq News. 'They serve as an outlet for her thoughts, often drawing on nature and everyday experiences.' Rare Talent in a Traditional Landscape Such a young literary voice is rare in Iraq, where writing is typically associated with age and experience. Hanane's precociousness has prompted comparisons with French poet Arthur Rimbaud, who published his first collection at 16 and left an enduring mark on European literature. The family's efforts to promote Hanane's work have been largely self-driven. Her presence on Al-Mutanabbi Street has earned her the nickname 'Child of Al-Mutanabbi,' a testament to her growing popularity among students and readers who admire her talent. Al-Mutanabbi (c. 915 – 965 AD) was one of the most prominent and influential poets in the Arabic language. Challenges on the Path to Recognition Despite her growing recognition, Hanane faces significant challenges. Her mother revealed that Hanane's presence on Al-Mutanabbi Street has caused friction with some bookstore owners, who view her as competition. Beyond these market tensions, a more pressing issue persists—the lack of institutional support for young Iraqi writers. 'Hanane needs guidance and encouragement to develop her talent further,' the author's mother noted, emphasizing that Iraq, with its rich literary history, should foster its emerging voices. While her talent has captivated public interest, the absence of structured mentorship casts uncertainty over her literary future. Her mother stressed the importance of experienced Iraqi writers stepping forward to support the next generation. 'The guidance of established authors could help Hanane and others like her grow into the literary figures of tomorrow.'
