Latest news with #Kazem
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Sahel app surpasses 100 million transactions since its 2021 launch
KUWAIT CITY, June 3: The spokesperson for the unified government e-services application (Sahel), Yousef Kazem, announced Tuesday that the platform has completed over 100 million electronic transactions since its launch on September 15, 2021. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kazem said the milestone reflects increasing public trust in digital government services and the growing reliance on the application. He noted that the total number of notifications sent through Sahel has exceeded 282 million. Kazem added that Sahel currently offers 454 e-services provided by 39 government agencies, representing a significant transformation that underscores inter-agency integration and a collective drive toward digitization and simplifying procedures for citizens and residents. He thanked all participating government agencies for their cooperation and competition in launching services through the app, highlighting their shared commitment to digital transformation and improving the efficiency of government performance. Kazem also praised the strong support of Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar, noting the Minister's continuous follow-up on the app's development. He emphasized that Sahel is undergoing ongoing improvements on both technical and service levels to ensure a smooth, integrated user experience. He stressed the importance of enhancing user experience by expanding the app's "user journeys" to include key life events such as marriage, residency, and obtaining lifetime home documents. This approach aims to deliver a comprehensive digital experience that supports improved government performance based on the highest standards of security and reliability.
Shafaq News
07-05-2025
- Shafaq News
Historic Baghdad house of Agatha Christie nears ruin
Shafaq News/ Overlooking the Tigris River in the Karradat Mariam district of western Baghdad, a once-grand Ottoman-era house bearing the warning 'Danger: At Risk of Collapse' continues to quietly mark a forgotten chapter of literary and archaeological history. This now-dilapidated building once hosted famed British crime novelist Agatha Christie during her stay in Iraq in the mid-20th century. A Literary Landmark in Decay From the outside, the house appears fragile and partially ruined, yet passersby still regard it as one of the most beautiful buildings on the street. It served as a resting place for Christie and her archaeologist husband, Max Mallowan, during their excavation expeditions across Iraq and Syria. 'This house is a registered heritage property, but it remains under private ownership,' said Iyad Kazem, Director General of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, in comments to Shafaq News. 'According to Law No. 55 of 2002, public funds cannot be allocated to restore private properties unless legally acquired.' Kazem explained that the government has repeatedly offered to purchase the house from its current owner, Humam Al-Qaraghouli, who has consistently refused. 'He insists on restoring it himself in cooperation with international organizations,' Kazem said, noting that recent contact with the owner was made through the Prime Minister's Office just last month. An Endangered Cultural Treasure The home, once described by late Palestinian writer Jabra Ibrahim Jabra as 'one of the finest Ottoman-era houses,' features a two-story layout with wooden ceilings, a narrow upper balcony, and a courtyard flanked by towering date palms. However, parts of the roof have collapsed, and its structural integrity now poses a danger to pedestrians and nearby buildings. Local activist Dhekra Sarsam, who lives adjacent to the house, confirmed its deteriorating condition. 'It's beautiful, but the upper level is collapsing. It's dangerous,' she told Shafaq News. A Source of Inspiration Christie, who authored 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, stayed at the house during her time with the British archaeological mission in Nineveh. Scholars and biographers note that the Baghdad residence heavily influenced her work, with references to it appearing in her novel They Came to Baghdad. Iraqi archaeologist Mehdi Al-Badiri said the house previously belonged to Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, the brother of King Faisal I of Iraq. 'Christie called it the house of the king in her novel,' he noted. Christie herself reminisced about the home in her autobiography, describing it as 'a delightful old Turkish house on the west bank of the Tigris.' She wrote fondly of its cool courtyard, high palms brushing the balcony, and the surrounding date groves watered by small canals. Preservation Challenges The home's future remains uncertain. Al-Qaraghouli, the current owner, says he purchased the property three years ago and has recently agreed with the British Embassy in Baghdad to collaborate on its restoration. Meanwhile, heritage advocates express frustration with laws that prevent intervention in privately owned historic buildings. 'Many important sites like this one remain off-limits to restoration,' said cultural expert Amer Junaid, calling for updated legislation to enable public-private partnerships in heritage preservation.
Observer
29-04-2025
- General
- Observer
Session explores role of cultural diversity
MUSCAT: The Cultural Committee of the Muscat International Book Fair organised a dialogue session titled "Cultural Diversity and Identity" as part of Fair's activities. The session highlighted Oman's cultural heritage and its role in solidifying national identity and fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion, led by Dr Nader Kazem (a writer and former professor of cultural studies at the University of Bahrain), examined the significance of cultural diversity as a fundamental element in shaping a unifying national identity, as well as strategies to preserve it amid rapid regional and global changes. Dr Kazem emphasised that multiculturalism and the coexistence of diverse identities within a single society require high levels of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for others — a theme that has persisted throughout history but gains new relevance in the context of modern nations. Dr Kazem noted that globalisation, emerging decades ago, has increased interconnectivity among societies, influencing local cultural distinctiveness and giving rise to standardized global cultural patterns in areas such as architecture, cuisine and fashion. The session spotlighted Oman's pioneering experience in cultural pluralism and peaceful coexistence, showcasing tangible examples from its cultural, artistic and literary heritage as key contributors to national identity. — ONA
Times of Oman
29-04-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Role of cultural diversity in strengthening national identity
Muscat: The Cultural Committee of the Muscat International Book Fair organized a dialogue session titled "Cultural Diversity and Identity" as part of Fair's activities. The session highlighted Oman's cultural heritage and its role in solidifying national identity and fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion, led by Dr. Nader Kazem (a writer and former professor of cultural studies at the University of Bahrain), examined the significance of cultural diversity as a fundamental element in shaping a unifying national identity, as well as strategies to preserve it amid rapid regional and global changes. Dr. Kazem emphasized that multiculturalism and the coexistence of diverse identities within a single society require high levels of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for others—a theme that has persisted throughout history but gains new relevance in the context of modern nations. Dr. Kazem noted that globalization, emerging decades ago, has increased interconnectivity among societies, influencing local cultural distinctiveness and giving rise to standardized global cultural patterns in areas such as architecture, cuisine, and fashion. The session spotlighted Oman's pioneering experience in cultural pluralism and peaceful coexistence, showcasing tangible examples from its cultural, artistic, and literary heritage as key contributors to national identity. An open discussion followed, featuring academics, intellectuals, and cultural figures who explored the importance of cultural diversity in building a cohesive national identity and strategies to sustain it amid regional and global transformations. The session concluded with recommendations calling for continued efforts to preserve cultural heritage and promote initiatives that highlight Oman's authentic identity on the global stage.
Arab Times
15-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches first fully integrated digital service 'Newborn's Journey' on Sahel app
KUWAIT CITY, April 15: Minister of State for Communications Affairs, Omar Al-Omar, announced on Tuesday the launch of Kuwait's first fully integrated digital service within the unified government e-services application Sahel. The new feature, 'Newborn's Journey', marks a significant step in streamlining government procedures and advancing the country's digital transformation strategy. Minister Al-Omar told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to easing citizens' lives through smart technology. 'This journey embodies our vision of providing interconnected electronic services that eliminate the need to physically visit government offices,' he said. 'It enhances the efficiency of government performance and affirms our commitment to delivering services that align with citizens' expectations.' On the healthcare side of the initiative, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi explained to KUNA that electronic birth registration is now available in all public and private hospitals. This advancement aims to speed up the issuance of official birth certificates. Dr. Al-Awadhi described the new system as a 'qualitative leap in digitizing the birth registration process,' noting that it transitions from the traditional paper-based method to a unified digital system via the Sahel application. 'It significantly improves the quality of this important service and makes it easier for families to complete the process, positively impacting their experience with health-related government procedures,' he added. Speaking on the full scope of the service, Sahel spokesperson Yousef Kazem told KUNA that the 'Newborn's Journey' includes seven connected and simplified steps: Naming the newborn Issuing a civil number Issuing a birth certificate Adding the newborn to the citizenship file Applying for a civil ID Optionally registering the newborn with the supply department Optionally requesting the newborn allowance Kazem emphasized that each step in the process is digitally linked to the next, allowing citizens to complete the entire journey seamlessly and without duplicating information or visiting government offices. 'The system was designed according to the highest standards of digital integration and data protection,' he noted. He also revealed that future updates will include services such as issuing a passport for the newborn and automatic notifications for vaccination appointments. 'These additions will further enrich the user experience and demonstrate the ongoing development of digital government services in Kuwait,' he said. Kazem concluded by reaffirming the collective commitment of all government entities to collaborate under the Sahel platform to launch more 'digital journeys' that improve the citizen experience and support the vision of a smart, comprehensive digital Kuwait.
