Latest news with #Samer
Ammon
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Ammon
Maan Folklore Troupe to perform at major cultural festival in Switzerland
Ammon News - Maan Folklore Troupe has been selected to represent the Kingdom at the d'Andilly Medieval Festival in Switzerland, one of Europe's largest cultural events celebrating historical and folk traditions. The festival will run from May 31 to June 12. The selection of the troupe, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, comes in recognition of its long-standing contribution to preserving Jordan's authentic folkloric heritage and its active role in promoting national identity through traditional performance arts. Speaking ahead of the troupe's departure, director Mahmoud Abu Haidar said the participation marks an important step in showcasing Jordanian folklore, particularly from the southern city of Maan, on an international platform. He emphasized that the troupe aims to offer a high-caliber performance that reflects the diversity and richness of Jordan's cultural traditions. "All members of the troupe are from Maan Governorate and have undergone specialized training to authentically present artistic works that represent the history and identity of their community," he added. "We hope this participation will highlight Jordan as a destination of deep cultural and historical significance." Abu Haidar noted that the troupe's appearance in Switzerland is part of broader efforts to attract researchers and international audiences interested in intangible heritage. He underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Jordan's global image. The Maan Folklore Troupe is one of the Kingdom's most established heritage ensembles. Its performances blend expressive choreography with traditional music and costume to portray scenes from Jordanian life. The group's repertoire includes traditional Bedouin performances such as the Samer, Sahja from Maan, Tis'awiyya Dabke, Jofiyyat chanting, and groom's henna ceremonies.
Al Jazeera
6 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
In Gaza, selling or serving food can get you killed
On April 27, my brother-in-law, Samer, was killed in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza when his vegetable stall was bombed. He wasn't armed. He wasn't a political figure. He was a peaceful man trying to earn a living to feed his children in a place where food has become more expensive than gold. Samer wasn't a vendor by profession. He was a lawyer who defended the rights of the oppressed. But the war forced him to change his path. During the ceasefire, he was able to buy vegetables from local wholesalers. After the war resumed and the crossings into Gaza were closed in March, supplies dwindled dramatically, but he maintained a small stock of vegetables. He continued selling day and night, even as buyers became scarce due to the high prices. He often tried to give us vegetables for free out of generosity, but I always refused. When I heard about Samer's killing, I froze. I tried to hide the news from my husband, but my tears spoke the truth. He looked like he wanted to scream, but the scream remained trapped inside his throat. Something held him back – perhaps his burdened soul could no longer bear even the expression of grief. Samer left behind three little children and a heartbroken family. No one expected his death. It came as a shock. He was a good and pure-hearted young man, always cheerful, loving life and laughter, even in the toughest times. I still remember him standing in front of his vegetable stall, lovingly calling out to customers. Samer is among countless food sellers who have been killed in this genocidal war. Anyone employed in providing or selling food has been targeted. Fruit and vegetable vendors, grocers, bakers, shop owners and community kitchen workers have been bombed, as if they were dealing with weapons, not food. Bakeries, shops, farms and warehouses have been destroyed, as if the food they were providing was a threat. Ten days after Samer was killed, a restaurant and a market on al-Wahda Street, one of the busiest in the Remal neighbourhood of Gaza City, were bombed. At least 33 people were killed. Two weeks before Samer's martyrdom, the vicinity of a bakery in Jabaliya was bombed. Days before that, a food distribution centre in Khan Younis was targeted. According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, more than 39 food and distribution centres and 29 community kitchens have been targeted since the beginning of the war. It is clear by now that in its campaign of deliberate starvation, Israel is not only blocking food from entering Gaza. It is also destroying every link in the food supply chain. As a result of the repeated targeting of vendors and markets, all that is available now to buy – for those who can afford to buy food – are scraps. Death has become easier than life in Gaza. The starvation is affecting babies and little children the worst. On May 21, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reported at least 26 Palestinians, including nine children, died within a 24-hour period due to starvation and lack of medical care in Gaza. On May 5, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said it had registered the deaths of at least 57 children caused by malnutrition since the aid blockade began in early March. As a mother, I often go days without eating just to feed my children whatever little food we have left. My husband spends the entire day searching for anything to ease our hunger but usually comes back with mere scraps. If we're lucky, we eat a piece of bread – often stale – with a tomato or cucumber that I divide equally among our children. The hardship Samer's wife faces is even more unbearable. She tries to hide her tears from her children, who keep asking when their father will return from the market. The loss forced her to become a father overnight, pushing her to stand in long queues in front of community kitchens just to get a bit of food. She often returns empty-handed, trying to comfort her children with hollow words: 'When Dad comes back, he'll bring us food.' Her children fall asleep hungry, dreaming of a bite to fill their stomachs – one their late father will never bring. Israel has claimed that it is blocking aid to Gaza because Hamas takes it. The Western media, fully complicit in distorting the truth, has parroted the claim. Yet it is clear that Israel is not just targeting Hamas but the entire population of Gaza. It is deliberately using starvation as a weapon of war against civilians, obstructing the flow of humanitarian aid – a war crime, according to international law. Recently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the true aim of his government more than apparent by demanding all Palestinians be expelled from Gaza as a condition for ending the war. His decision to allow food through the crossings is nothing but a PR stunt. Enough flour was let in to have images of bread distributed at a bakery circulating in the media and to reassure the world that we are not starving. But these images do not reflect the reality for us on the ground. My family has not received any bread and neither have the majority of families. Flour – where available – continues to cost $450 per bag. While Israel claims that 388 aid trucks have entered since Monday, aid organisations are saying 119 have. An unknown number of these have been looted because the Israeli army continues to target anyone trying to secure aid distribution. This tiny trickle of aid Israel is allowing is nothing compared with the needs of the starving population. At least 500 trucks are required every single day to cover the bare minimum. Meanwhile, some Western governments have threatened sanctions and made some symbolic gestures to supposedly pressure Israel to stop starving us. Why did they need to wait to see our children dying of hunger before doing this? And why are they only threatening and not taking real action? Today, our greatest wish is to find a loaf of bread. Our sole concern is how to keep surviving amid this catastrophic famine that has broken our bones and melted our insides. No one among us is healthy any more. We've become skeletons. Our bodies are dead, but they still pulse with hope – yearning for that miraculous day when this nightmare ends. But who will act to support us? Who still has a shred of compassion for us in their heart? And the most important question of all – when will the world finally stop turning a blind eye to our slow, brutal death by hunger? The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance.
Al Bawaba
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Samer Ismail addresses rumors about starring in Arabic remake of "Çukur"
ALBAWABA - Samer Ismail responds to buzz about starring in an Arabic remake of hit Turkish series Çukur. This is what he disclosed in his interview with ET Bil Arabi following rumors of an Arabic adaptation of the well-liked Turkish television series "The Pit (Çukur)" and concerns over Samer Ismail's potential role in it. When ET Bil Arabi first questioned Samer about the situation, he said, "By God, there isn't... I didn't go into detail, but God willing, if there's any good news you'll hear soon, God willing, you'll be the first to know about it." In response to a question concerning his thoughts on the original series, he said, "Yes, I love it a lot." When asked if he would be thrilled to star in it if it were offered to him, he said without hesitation, "An excellent series, yes, of course." Aras Bulut İynemli Instagram profile In a family drama framework full of action, crime, and gangs, "The Pit"(Çukur) has garnered immense popularity since its debut in 2017 and a devoted following of viewers who have grown attached to its stars and their stories, which center on a dangerous neighborhood ruled by the "Koçovalı" family. Yamaç, the protagonist of the tale, falls in love with a stunning girl and makes plans to wed her. However, his mother's encouragement to return to the area after the murder of his older brother Kahraman completely upends his existence. His involvement in power conflicts and conspiracies complicates the series' conclusion for viewers, who have started calling for a sequel. The honored guest at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair is Samer Ismail. Notably, on the second day of the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Samer Ismail was honored as the guest of honor. His presence was noticeable at a symposium titled "Our History on Screen: Between Reality and Vision," which was held in the Bahr Al Thaqafah Foundation Hall. When writer and colleague Ali Al-Dokhi signed "Lover, Even If You Don't Belong" after the symposium, Samer went to the Austin Macauley Publishers booth to see the signing. Reem Milad conducted the conversation prior to the signing. In his statement during the meeting, Samer said, "I am here to support my friend and brother, writer Ali Al-Dokhi, with his new novel... and I am always an unconditional supporter." Regarding Samer, Ali stated, "Samer is a brother and someone I hold in high regard. His unwavering support for young people—particularly those whose tales resonate with him— is what sets him apart. He adored the book when he read it and gave me his full support." In keeping with his ongoing interest in fiction, it's important to note that Samer Ismail previously starred in the lead role in a movie based on His Excellency Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh's book "Cello."
Khaleej Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AUX launches its first air conditioners in the UAE
Always Unlimited eXploration – AUX Air Conditioners has entered the UAE market with its first distributor conference held in Dubai. The event welcomed senior executives from AUX Group, industry experts, and key members of AUX's UAE sales team, marking a significant milestone in AUX's global expansion strategy. The conference drew the attention of local media, distributors, and HVAC professionals from across the region. Established in 1986, AUX Group is an enterprise group which covers several industries: air conditioning, power utilization, power distribution, new energy and medical service. In 2024, the Group achieved revenue exceeding $12 billion, with over 40,000 employees worldwide. AUX's global footprint spans more than 140 countries and regions, supported by 14 manufacturing bases and 6 research and development centers. At the Dubai event, AUX introduced its new C-Series product line, designed specifically for the UAE and broader Middle East market. The line combines durability, silent operation, user comfort, and easy installation—key features that address the unique challenges of the region. The UAE's demanding climate — marked by intense heat, high humidity, and dusty air — requires robust, high-performance air conditioning systems. The AUX C-Series has been engineered for exceptional durability, delivering stable performance even in extreme temperatures up to 65°C. Thanks to its T3 compressor technology, cooling efficiency remains uncompromised under harsh conditions. To resist corrosion from salty, humid air in coastal regions, the evaporator features a dual anti-corrosion coating. Reinforced core components further enhance the system's longevity and reliability, making the C-Series a truly customized solution for Middle Eastern users. 'We have a mainly 3 sales channels — one is to go to small dealers where majority of the sales of units. We're dealing with big engineering companies and we're interviewing a lot of companies who showed interest who shared the same values with us and we can go through them to start working on the villa segment,' Dr. Samer, VP of AUX UAE Branch, said. Renowned for its innovation, AUX Air Conditioners has received numerous international design accolades, including the iF Design Award and Red Dot Award. With more than 12,000 patents filed as of September 30th 2024, AUX was also the official air conditioning supplier for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. According to statistics, AUX ranked as the No.1 best-selling brand in China's mass-market residential air conditioner segment in 2023. AUX's advanced 4D airflow system distributes air evenly in all directions, eliminating hot or cold spots. The integrated UVC sterilization module removes airborne bacteria and allergens, ensuring fresh, healthy indoor air. With a 'true silence' design philosophy, the C-Series redefines quiet operation. It features an upgraded structure and airflow system, including a new low-noise air duct and intelligent control logic. Dual-layer soundproofing materials and anti-vibration pads ensure minimal noise, creating a peaceful and comfortable environment. The C-Series is optimized for easy installation and servicing. A detachable bottom panel with single-lock design and enhanced base support gives technicians more working space, making pipe connections simpler and more efficient. Dr Samer commented: 'To deliver top-quality products across the GCC region, including the UAE, we conducted extensive market research and in-depth interviews. Consumers here demand more than just cooling—they seek quiet, energy-efficient systems tailored to the region's unique climate. The AUX C-Series is our dedicated response to those expectations.' 'It took us a long time to study the market what product and we designed the right product for this market with the highest efficiency,' he said. 'Our mission is to educate our audience and to that will benefit us and other brands as well with the same vision for the power saving,' he added. He remained bullish about the market, as UAE remains not just a market by itself, but as a regional hub for re-exports.
The Independent
30-01-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Steven Gerrard explains resignation after leaving Al-Ettifaq by ‘mutual consent'
Steven Gerrard has left Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent, with the Liverpool legend admitting his 18-month spell in charge of the Saudi Pro League side did not go as planned. Gerrard was appointed Al-Ettifaq manager in the summer of 2023 on a reported £15m-a-season contract but he has been under pressure for months amid a poor run of form. Al-Ettifaq finished sixth in the Saudi Pro League in Gerrard's first season in charge but results have dipped this campaign, with just two wins in their last 14 matches. Gerrard joined the Saudi Arabian side after he was sacked by Aston Villa two years ago, and made former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson one of his first major signings. But Henderson left Al-Ettifaq after just six months to sign for Dutch giants Ajax, with Gerrard agreeing to a two-year contract extension to stay as manager shortly after. Al-Ettifaq won their first three games of the season but there were calls for Gerrard to resign after the club were knocked out of the King Cup by second-tier opposition in November. Gerrard was then met with boos and jeers as he went to applaud the Al-Ettifaq fans following the home defeat to Al Qadsiah, but he continued for a further two months before agreeing to step aside. A statement from Gerrard said: 'I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans and everyone involved for the opportunity and the support during my time here, especially the president, Mr Samer, CEO, Mr Hamad and the Head of Football Committee, Mr Hatim. 'I express my gratitude for Mr Samer and Mr Hatim from the first day I was warmly welcomed and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture. So overall I have learnt a lot and it's been a positive experience personally and for my family as well. 'But football is unpredictable and sometimes things don't go the way we want. However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country. I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.' A statement from Al-Ettifaq club president, Same Al Misehal, said: 'First and foremost we extend our sincere gratitude to Steven for his dedication and hard work during his time with the club. 'Sometimes things don't go as planned, but the firm foundations he helped build will guarantee a bright future in the long term. He changed the club for the better and that will never be forgotten. 'This decision, made with mutual respect an in agreement is in the best interest of both Steven and the club as we move forward.' The Al-Ettifaq job was Gerrard's third as a manager after previous spells with Rangers and Aston Villa, which produced mixed results. The 44-year-old led Rangers to their first league title in 10 years in 2021 when he helped the Ibrox side end Celtic's dominant run. A move to the Premier League followed when he replaced Dean Smith at Villa Park, but Gerrard was sacked in October 2022 with the club 17th in the table.
