Latest news with #andCulturalOrganization
New York Post
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Hair-flipping dancers welcome Trump to UAE: ‘I love it!'
Hair to the chief. President Trump was greeted in the United Arab Emirates Thursday by a cultural performance involving women tossing their hair from side to side. 'What a beautiful city! I love it!' Trump told reporters after inspecting the performers at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE's presidential palace. 3 The women were performing a traditional dance of the United Arab Emirates. REUTERS The palace presentation of the Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art of the UAE, saw Trump walk through two rows of dozens of women with long dark hair and flowing white gowns. The women dramatically flipped their hair in unison as men banged drums and chanted behind them. Several men could also be seen waving sword-like objects during the performance. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) explains that the Al-Ayyala involves 'chanted poetry, drum music and dance, and simulates a battle scene.' 'In the United Arab Emirates, girls wearing traditional dresses stand at the front, tossing their long hair from side to side,' according to UNESCO. The Al-Ayyala is typically performed at weddings and festive occasions in Oman and the UAE. Unlike other countries in the Middle East, such as Iran, there are no laws in the UAE forcing women to cover their hair. 3 'I love it!' Trump said after walking through the performance. REUTERS 3 Women in the UAE are not required to wear head coverings. REUTERS The Gulf states have been pulling out all the stops to impress Trump during his visit to the region. In Saudi Arabia, Trump received a six-fighter jet escort as he flew in on Air Force One Tuesday morning. A parade of camels and a Cybertruck motorcade awaited Trump the following day in Qatar, where he was also escorted in by fighter planes. The White House says the president has secured more than $1 trillion in economic investment commitments from the Gulf states during the trip.
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark after global network listing
RIYADH: UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, visited North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, praising the destination for preserving both nature and history. The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization designated North Riyadh Geopark in April as part of its Global Geoparks Network, which aims to protect geological heritage sites and promote sustainable development. Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, accompanied Brito during her visit. They explored significant geological features at the North Riyadh Geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff. They also stopped to explore Ghamra Village, known for its natural adventure routes on the outskirts of Riyadh. Brito said that the North Riyadh Geopark showcases the natural and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, and will enhance eco-tourism in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. In April, UNESCO designated North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. The Kingdom hopes to register 13 other sites on UNESCO's network, the SPA added.
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Khaled El-Enany outlines strategic vision in bid for UNESCO leadership
Egypt's candidate for the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General post, Khaled El-Enany, presented his candidacy and strategic vision to members of UNESCO's Executive Board in Paris on Wednesday. 'Today, I had the honour and privilege to present my vision to the esteemed members of UNESCO's Executive Board,' El-Enany wrote on his official Facebook page. He said the session marked a significant milestone in a remarkable journey he began two years ago, driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of dialogue. 'A journey where I traveled to over 45 countries, listening and engaging with officials, students, academics, artists, journalists, and civil society to get a firm grasp on the real needs and priorities of people,' he added. El-Enany emphasised that his campaign for the top UNESCO post is founded on transparency, inclusivity, and active listening. 'After today's exchanges, I am more determined than ever to continue my transparent and inclusive journey to get in touch with the hopes and aspirations of every member state,' he wrote. He pledged that his mission will focus on dialogue and engagement, aiming to foster trust and, above all, to realise the vision of 'A UNESCO for the People.' El-Enany, a prominent Egyptian academic and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, is widely recognised for advocating international cooperation in education and science. His candidacy positions Egypt again at the forefront of multilateral diplomacy within UNESCO, an organisation Egypt helped found. In 2009, Egypt nominated former Minister of Culture Farouk Hosny for the post of UNESCO director-general. He lost his bid to Bulgarian former foreign minister Irina Bokova. In 2017, politician and diplomat Moushira Khattab was also nominated by Egypt for the post. However, she lost her bid to the current UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azouly. The final selection of the next Director-General is expected later this year. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
15-03-2025
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
ICESCO Publishes Book on Ahmad Baba al-Timbukti and His Role in Civilizational Diplomacy
Mohamed Mandour The Centre for Civilizational Dialogue of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has released a new book titled Ahmad Baba al-Timbukti: A Model of Civilizational Diplomacy in West Africa. This publication is part of the programs celebrating Marrakech as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024. The book presents the proceedings of a scientific symposium organized by Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech under ICESCO's auspices. It explores the life and legacy of Ahmad Baba al-Timbukti (1556–1627), one of the most prominent scholars, jurists (faqih), and historians in the region's history. The book highlights his role in fostering civilizational exchange between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing his contributions to knowledge diplomacy, which played a crucial role in strengthening cultural and scholarly relations across the Sahara. Additionally, the book examines key moments in Ahmad Baba's life, including his exile to Marrakech, where he continued his academic work in teaching and authorship. It delves into his influence on Islamic sciences and provides an in-depth analysis of Morocco's historical ties with West Africa. Furthermore, it underscores the role of scholars in preserving Islamic heritage while highlighting the significance of African manuscripts in safeguarding the region's cultural identity.
Arab News
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Islamic nations back Riyadh Charter for AI
RIYADH: Fifty-three member states of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, have unanimously approved the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World. The charter was announced during the Global AI Summit, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in September 2024 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday. A milestone in the field, it establishes a shared ethical and strategic framework for AI in the Islamic world, the SPA added. The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council, held in Tunisia, with all member states in attendance and the Saudi AI authority participating. The session discussed the Riyadh charter as a comprehensive strategic framework for AI development, aligning with Islamic values, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing international cooperation. Member states affirmed their commitment to strengthening AI governance and supporting its responsible adoption in the Islamic world. During the session, the organization's Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence director, Kais Hammami, presented the charter, outlining its key pillars and strategic objectives. He emphasized its significance in guiding AI development to serve the shared interests of Islamic countries.
