Latest news with #Ismaili
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak opens Global Encounters Festival 2025
21 July 2025 16:27 DUBAI (WAM) Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, today inaugurated the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a unique gathering of more than 4,000 young artists and athletes from over 50 countries, uniting in the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and shared opening ceremony, held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including His Highness Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and His Highness Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan, alongside over 25,000 visitors from around the under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the Global Encounters Festival 2025 takes place from July 20-27 across multiple venues in Dubai, featuring an engaging programme of sports competitions, art showcases, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive cultural his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said, 'I am pleased to express our country's great pleasure in welcoming so many festival participants from around the world. I am especially pleased to warmly greet and welcome His Highness Prince Aly Mohammed Aga Khan and His Highness Prince Amyn Mohammed Aga Khan. Their respected world view, and their strong commitment to preserving our Islamic heritage and traditions, are well known. Their presence will certainly enrich this festival.'He added, 'You have assembled in Dubai under our country's welcoming Arab tent that has sheltered a peaceful and innovative population at this global crossroads. This city and this country are showing the world that people from different nations, different ethnicities, different religions, and different cultures can live and work together in peace and harmony, in an environment marked by understanding, respect, and shared values.'He emphasised the UAE's national ethos of coexistence and the role of sports and arts in building bridges across cultures, 'Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we in the UAE cherish the bridges that sports and the arts build between peoples and nations.'Reflecting on his past attendance at the Jubilee Games 2016, he said, 'I am glad to see how much the festival has grown. The festival's focus on arts and sports reminds us that accomplishment comes from effort and persistence, and that these fields promote joy, friendship, and goodwill. They are important catalysts for peace, coexistence, and harmony in the world.'Sheikh Nahyan also praised the hosts, saying, 'I congratulate the hosts of the festival – the Prince Aga Khan Ismaili Council for the United Arab Emirates. They give us an opportunity to express our admiration for the strong commitment and success of the Ismaili community, under the leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan, to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding in the world.'He concluded his remarks with a message of encouragement and gratitude, 'I commend all of you for being here and for taking up the particular challenge that this Festival represents. I share in your hopes and expectations that this festival will be a valuable contribution to promoting dialogue and establishing lasting friendships. My best wishes for successful games, exhilarating competition, and an outstanding artistic and cultural experience.' A Lasting Legacy of CollaborationThe Festival reflects long-standing engagement between the Ismaili community, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Gulf region through collaboration with public and private institutions. 'The Global Encounters Festival is not only a celebration of artistic and athletic talent – it is a testament to the enduring values that unite us as a global community,' said His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan.'Throughout our history, the Ismaili community has sought to cultivate knowledge, foster mutual respect and encourage young people to lead lives of purpose and integrity. In today's interconnected yet fragile world, the role of youth as bridge-builders is more critical than ever. This Festival reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation not only to succeed, but to serve - to uplift the societies in which they live, and to be champions of peace, pluralism and a shared humanity,' added His Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said, 'Youth development, talent mobility, and cross-border collaboration are essential drivers of long-term economic growth. Hosting the Global Encounters Festival aligns with Dubai's wider economic agenda, reinforcing our role as a global platform for innovation, cultural exchange, and human capital development. "As we look to future-proof our economy, events like this provide an opportunity to engage tomorrow's leaders, strengthen knowledge ecosystems, and advance Dubai's position as a magnet for talent, enterprise, and ideas.'Celebrating diversity across more than 200 nationalities, the Festival aligns with the UAE's Year of Community 2025, promoting inclusion, sustainability and innovation as universal Julfar, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) said, 'We are proud to host the Global Encounters Festival 2025, a large-scale, purpose-driven event that reflects our enduring commitment to operational excellence and global collaboration. With over 25,000 visitors expected, DWTC is well-positioned to deliver a world-class experience that matches the ambition and energy of this remarkable youth-led gathering,''The Global Encounters Festival exemplifies the spirit of unity, service and excellence that the Ismaili community aspires to worldwide,' said Malik Talib, Chair of the Ismaili Leaders' International Forum (LIF).'It offers young people a powerful platform to express their talents, build lasting friendships across borders and deepen their commitment to improving the societies in which they live.'The Festival aims to empower the next generation of changemakers - nurturing artists, athletes and civic leaders who are not only pursuing excellence but also driving social impact, climate action, and intercultural understanding.'This is more than an event. It's a living example of what's possible when young people from around the world come together with purpose,''Dubai, with its visionary leadership and unmatched cultural energy, is the ideal home for this global celebration.' Concluded Talib. From electric rideshares to zero-waste venues and a global tree-planting campaign, sustainability remains a cornerstone of the Festival. Thousands of participants are supporting the Roots for Change initiative, pledging to plant 1 million trees globally in alignment with Net Zero 2030 goals.
Time Out Dubai
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai Metro extends hours this weekend: Here's why
The Dubai Metro will run for an extra hour this weekend as a major international festival comes to town. On Sunday July 20, the Dubai Metro will operate until 1am the following day as thousands of people attend the Global Encounters Festival at Dubai World Trade Centre. The RTA announced the temporary timetable change on its social media channels ahead of the event kicking off this weekend. On Sundays, the Dubai Metro normally runs between 8am until 1am, but the extension will allow more people to travel at their convenience during the festivities. Global Encounters Festival at DWC The Global Encounters Festival officially runs from Sunday July 20 until Sunday July 27. The festival features a wide collection of events celebrating youth, culture and connection of the Ismaili community. Throughout the week there will be plenty of live events including live music, sports competitions, art exhibitions and cultural performances. On Sunday July 20, the opening ceremony will be held at Sheikh Saeed Hall and Sheikh Rashid Hall at Dubai World Trade Centre. You can expect a variety of artistic and athletic performers to officially get things underway. On Saturday July 19, the festival kicks off with a live concert by the legendary Indian playback singer Shreya Ghoshal from 8pm. Known for her 'sweet' and playful voice and technical prowess in handling complex vocal techniques, the Sunn Raha Hai singer has recorded over 3,000 songs in twenty languages and won five National Film Awards (India's top film awards). Curious about what's happening with the Dubai Metro Blue Line? We've got all the latest right here. More Dubai transport news Dubai reveals plans for quicker bus journeys More than 11,000 trips are made daily on city buses 6 wild public transport projects coming soon to Dubai From Elon Musk's underground tunnel to a trackless tram 57 major road projects coming to Dubai by 2027 — here's what to expect And how they'll improve your journey
Roya News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Clashes in south Syria kill 37 in Druze-Bedouin fighting
Clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes in Syria's southern Suwayda Governorate have killed 37 people and wounded dozens, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported Sunday. The London-based monitor tallied 37 fatalities from armed clashes and mutual shelling in the Al-Maqous district east of Suwayda city and other areas in the province. Among the dead were 27 Druze, including two children, and 10 Bedouin, with approximately 50 wounded. The Syrian Interior Ministry expressed "deep concern" following "armed clashes that erupted between local military groups and tribes in the Al-Maqous district" in eastern Suwayda city. An initial count indicated "more than 30 dead and around 100 wounded," according to a ministry statement. The ministry stated that "units of its forces, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, will begin direct intervention in the area to resolve the conflict, stop the clashes, enforce security, and pursue those responsible for the events to transfer them to the competent judiciary." A government source confirmed that Interior Ministry forces had deployed to the area to break up the fighting. The ministry's statement indicated that these clashes occurred "against a backdrop of accumulated tensions during previous periods." These are the first major disturbances in the area since violence between Druze and security forces in April and May resulted in dozens of deaths. Previously, the local platform "Suwayda 24" reported, citing medical sources, armed confrontations and shelling, noting the closure of the Damascus-Suwayda international road. Suwayda Governor Mustafa Bakour called for "restraint and responding to reason and dialogue," adding, "We appreciate the efforts made by local and tribal authorities to contain the tension, and we affirm that the state will not tolerate anything that undermines the protection of citizens." Druze spiritual leaders also called for calm and urged Damascus authorities to intervene. Suwayda Governorate is the largest Druze community in Syria, estimated to number around 700,000 people. Recurring Tensions and Regional Implications Deadly clashes erupted in two areas near Damascus in April, with repercussions extending to Suwayda, resulting in at least 119 deaths, including Druze fighters and security forces. Following these clashes, representatives of the Syrian government and Druze notables concluded truce agreements to contain the escalation. This highlighted the challenges facing the transitional authority led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in its efforts to stabilize its rule and define relations with various components after the overthrow of the previous regime in December. This bloody confrontation prompted 'Israel', which has occupied part of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967 and annexed it in 1981, to launch airstrikes and warn Damascus against harming members of the Druze community. The Druze, followers of a sect branched from the Ismaili branch of Shiite Islam (the second largest after the Twelvers), are primarily located in Syria, Lebanon, and 'Israel'. In 'Israel', they form an Arabic-speaking minority numbering over 150,000. Druze are spread across more than 20 villages in the Galilee, Mount Carmel, and the occupied Golan Heights. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 153,000 hold 'Israeli' citizenship, in addition to approximately 23,000 in the Golan, the vast majority of whom hold permanent 'Israeli' residency.
Calgary Herald
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Ismailis cook up community spirit at 28th Stampede Breakfast
Country music, the aroma of chai, cowboy hats, pancakes, syrup and scrambled eggs with a coconut curry on the side — it's not your regular Stampede breakfast, but one infused with the Ismaili tradition and a palpable spirit of volunteerism. Article content The Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre hosted its 28th Stampede Breakfast on Saturday, an elaborate affair attended by Premier Danielle Smith, Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Salma Lakhani, lieutenant governor of Alberta, and several other public figures. Article content Article content 'Ismaili communities are always and everywhere, defined by their respect, compassion and dedication to helping the people around them,' Smith told the crowd. 'You are a symbol of what this province is, which has become more diverse in every sense of the word.' Article content Article content Article content Ismailis, a sect of Islam mainly comprised of South Asians whose ancestors had migrated to African countries, found a home in Calgary after Uganda's then-dictator Idi Amin expelled its South Asian population in the early 1970s. Article content Ismailis differ from other Islamic sects by placing their belief in a living, hereditary Imam, whom they consider as their spiritual leader. The global community garnered prominence owing to their erstwhile Imam, Prince Karim al-Husseini, also known as the Aga Khan IV, who ran several philanthropic efforts across the world. Article content al-Husseini, the community's 49th leader, passed away in February, giving the community its 50th Imam, Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini. Article content Article content Ismailis in Calgary began thriving soon after arriving in the city five decades ago and entered a float into the Calgary Stampede parade in 1986. A little over a decade later, its members began hosting a Stampede breakfast, which has since become one of the city's most important cultural events. Article content Article content This year, the breakfast featured traditional pancakes, eggs and bharazi, pigeon peas cooked in a coconut sauce. Article content For the Islamic organization, the event is a way of serving Calgarians. Article content 'As Ismailis, a big part of our value system is to be able to give back to the communities in which we live, in which we come from,' Alisha Kanji, media spokesperson of Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre's Calgary chapter. Article content 'So the stampede… also allows us an opportunity to build bridges with other communities as well, and to showcase all of our wonderfulness that we have here in our community.'
Kuwait Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
In a Pakistan valley, a small revolution among women
In a sawdust-filled workshop nestled in the Karakoram Mountains, a team of women carpenters chisel away at cabinets -- and forge an unlikely career for themselves in Pakistan. Women make up just a fraction of Pakistan's formal workforce. But in a collection of villages sprinkled along the old Silk Road between China and Afghanistan, a group of women-led businesses is defying expectations. "We have 22 employees and have trained around 100 women," said Bibi Amina, who launched her carpentry workshop in 2008 at the age of 30. Hunza Valley's population of around 50,000, spread across mountains abounding with apricot, cherry, walnut and mulberry orchards, follow the Ismaili branch of Shiite Islam. Ismailis are led by the Aga Khan, a hereditary position held by a family with Pakistani roots now living in Europe. The family opened a girls' school in Hunza in 1946, kickstarting an educational investment that pushed the valley's literacy rate to 97 percent for both men and women. That rate far outstrips the country average of around 68 percent for men and 52.8 percent for women. As a result, attitudes have shifted, and women like Amina are taking expanded roles. "People thought women were there to wash dishes and do laundry," Amina said of the generation before her. Trained by the Aga Khan Foundation to help renovate the ancient Altit Fort, Amina later used her skills to start her own business. Her carpenters are currently at work on a commission from a luxury hotel. Pioneers Only 23 percent of the women in Pakistan were officially part of the labour force as of 2024, according to data from the World Bank. In rural areas, women rarely take on formal employment but often toil in the fields to support the family's farming income. In a Gallup poll published last year, a third of women respondents said their father or husband forbade them from taking a job, while 43.5 percent said they had given up work to devote themselves to domestic tasks. Cafe owner Lal Shehzadi spearheaded women's restaurant entrepreneurship in Hunza. She opened her cafe at the top of a winding high street to supplement her husband's small army pension. Sixteen years later, her simple set-up overlooking the valley has become a popular night-time tourist attraction. She serves visitors traditional cuisine, including yak meat, apricot oil and rich mountain cheese. "At the start, I used to work alone," she said. "Now, 11 people work here and most of them are women. And my children are also working here." Following in Shehzadi's footsteps, Safina quit her job to start her own restaurant around a decade ago. "No one wanted to help me," she said. Eventually, she convinced family members to sell two cows and a few goats for the money she needed to launch her business. Now, she earns the equivalent of around $170 a month, more than 15 times her previous income. Farming to football The socio-economic progress of women in Hunza compared to other rural areas of Pakistan has been driven by three factors, according to Sultan Madan, the head of the Karakoram Area Development Organisation and a local historian. "The main reason is the very high literacy rate," he told AFP, largely crediting the Aga Khan Foundation for funding training programmes for women. "Secondly, agriculture was the backbone of the economy in the region, but in Hunza the landholding was meagre and that was why women had to work in other sectors." Women's increased economic participation has spilled into other areas of life, like sports fields. "Every village in the valley has a women's soccer team: Gojal, Gulmit, Passu, Khyber, Shimsal," said Nadia Shams, 17. On a synthetic pitch, she trains with her teammates in jogging pants or shorts, forbidden elsewhere by Pakistan's dress code. Here, one name is on everyone's lips: Malika-e-Noor, the former vice-captain of the national team who scored the winning penalty against the Maldives in the 2010 South Asian Women's Football Championship. Fahima Qayyum was six years old when she witnessed the killer kick. Today, after several international matches, she is recruiting the next generation. "As a girl, I stress to others the importance of playing, as sport is very good for health," she told AFP. "If they play well, they can also get scholarships."--AFP
