Latest news with #Zidan
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Foreign Investment Surges in Early 2025
Ouarzazate — Foreign investments in Morocco skyrocketed during the first quarter of 2025, building on the strong performance the country has seen in much of the past few years. According to Karim Zidan, Morocco's Minister Delegate for Investment, the first three months of 2025 showed remarkable growth in foreign direct investment (FDI). Morocco had already attracted over MAD 9.15 billion ($992 million) in net FDI flows by March 2025, marking a dramatic 63.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. FDI revenues reached approximately MAD 12.97 billion ($1.2 billion), jumping 24.6% from last year's first-quarter figures. This exceptional start to 2025 follows an already impressive 2024, which Zidan described as 'the second-best year in Morocco's history' for foreign investment. Morocco recorded last year MAD 43.80 billion ($4.3 billion) in FDI revenues, representing a 10% increase over 2023. Net FDI flows in 2024 totaled MAD 16.29 billion ($1.6 billion) — 52% higher than 2023 levels. Such consistent growth across three consecutive years reflects Morocco's increasing appeal to international investors. In his speech to the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Moroccan parliament, Zidan spoke of the government's strategic focus on attracting foreign capital as a cornerstone of its economic development plan. 'These investments serve as essential levers for economic growth, enhanced competitiveness, and job creation,' he explained, pointing to the sustained year-over-year increases as evidence of successful government policies. If the current trajectory holds, 2025 could potentially surpass 2024's near-record performance, establishing a three-year pattern of accelerating foreign investment in the North African country. Read also: Morocco's Foreign Direct Investment Boom Gains Momentum with Major Projects on the Horizon Morocco has been fortifying its efforts to attract foreign investment. The country's investment landscape shows robust growth across several sectors, with the automotive sector leading exports thanks to manufacturers like Renault and Stellantis, alongside 250 international companies. Other priority investment sectors include aeronautics, electronics, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and offshoring, while renewable energy has gained strategic importance with over 40% of the national energy mix. The nation has significantly improved its investment climate through structural reforms, most notably the 2022 Investment Charter that created a modern regulatory framework for investors. Morocco's government offers attractive incentives for foreign investments, including subsidies of up to 30% of total investment costs based on project characteristics, location, and sector, as well as tax exemptions for new companies and those in designated zones. These measures aim to enhance the country's position as a premier investment destination.
Iraqi News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Zidan Discusses Counter Terrorism and Intelligence Sharing with French Delegation
Baghdad – INA President of the Supreme Judicial Council-SJC, Judge Faiq Zidan, met on Tuesday with a French delegation to discuss cooperation in counterterrorism and the exchange of intelligence. In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), SJC said that Judge Zidan received a French delegation specializing in combating terrorism, headed by Baptiste Lourtiermi, Director of Counterterrorism for the Middle East, along with a number of experts in the field. The two sides discussed several key issues related to counterterrorism, mutual cooperation in intelligence sharing, and joint efforts to eliminate terrorist groups.
Asharq Al-Awsat
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Museums Commission Hosts Talk on Conservation and Display of Artifacts, Art Collections
The Saudi Museums Commission has recently hosted an engaging open talk on 'Conservation, Preservation, and Display of Artifacts and Art Collections,' as part of the commission's monthly series of dialogues aimed at exploring innovative strategies and best practices in preserving cultural heritage. Moderated by Tariq Abdulhakim Museum Acting Director Tayeb AlTayeb, the event featured insights from renowned experts, including Red Sea Museum Director Eman Zidan, former Director of the National Museum of Beirut Anne-Marie Afeiche, and Director of the Restoration and Conservation Center at the Grand Egyptian Museum Dr. Hussein Kamal. The panel emphasized the critical role of conservation and restoration in protecting cultural heritage. Kamal shared the remarkable work of the Grand Egyptian Museum's Restoration Center. Afeiche highlighted Lebanon's historical challenges, where innovative methods, such as cement blocks, were used to conserve artifacts in the National Museum. The importance of public involvement in conservation was a central theme of the event. Zidan remarked that "protecting collections is a shared responsibility—it is about communities, individuals, and future generations." Examples of successful engagement included the children's choir at the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, run by the Museums Commission, which celebrated musical heritage and connected young audiences to their cultural roots. Zidan also mentioned the Museums Commission's efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage, referring to the commission's campaign 'Telling Tomorrow's Story', which introduced the public to the Ministry of Culture's collection and valuable artifacts, and presented the museums as guardians of such cultural heritage. The role of media in raising awareness about conservation was a key focus. Speakers highlighted the importance of documenting restoration processes and sharing these stories through social media, television, and documentaries. Kamal shared how the Grand Egyptian Museum will use behind-the-scenes videos to showcase restoration efforts, making the process accessible and engaging for the public. This open talk reflects the Museums Commission's commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage through advancing conservation and preservation practices across the Kingdom and the region. By embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, the commission ensures that Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Riyadh to host Asian qualifiers for Arena World Polo Championship for the first time
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host the Asian qualifiers for the Arena World Polo Championship finals for the first time later this month, as teams from India, Pakistan and Iran compete for a place at the tournament. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The qualifiers will take place from April 24 to 26 at Arena Field at the Nofa Equestrian Resort on the outskirts of Riyadh. Organized by the Federation of International Polo, the AWPC will take place in the US in October and will be co-hosted by Roseland Polo Club in Crozet, Virginia, and Virginia Polo Inc. in Charlottesville, Virginia. Amr Zidan, chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation, underlined the significance of the event, describing it as a continuation of the Kingdom's growing reputation as a global sporting destination. He said the tournament forms part of the Vision 2030 commitment to bring major international events to the Kingdom. Zidan also welcomed the participating teams and expressed hope for high-level competition that would reflect the ongoing development of polo throughout Asia.
