Latest from Zawya
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Zawya
Eritrea: Henok Mulubrhan Winner of Magnificent Qinghai 2025
Eritrean professional cyclist Henok Mulubrhan, a member of the Astana Cycling Club and three-time African Cycling Champion, has won both the Yellow and Green Jerseys at the 24th edition of the Magnificent Qinghai 2025, currently being held in China. In the race covering 1,323.7 km, Henok finished first in the 6th stage (232.7 km), second in the 5th stage, and third in the 7th stage. Henok also secured third place in the King of the Mountain classification. In the competition, which featured 120 cyclists from 21 clubs, Eritrean professional cyclists Merhawi Kudus, Natnael Berhane, Even Yemane, Metkel Eyob, and Petros Mengis also participated, representing their respective clubs. It is to be recalled that at the 23rd edition of the Magnificent Qinghai competition last year, Henok was the winner of the Green Jersey. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Zain KSA and Cisco to collaborate on the development of advanced AI infrastructure
Zain KSA, a leading provider of telecommunications and digital services in Saudi Arabia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cisco, the global leader in networking and security, focusing on the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS). The agreement aims to leverage Cisco's advanced, end-to-end infrastructure solutions for securely building and scaling AI workloads, supporting Zain KSA in delivering high-performance, resilient, and reliable GPU-powered services to the Saudi market. The MOU is part of Zain KSA's strategy to actively align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals by driving digital transformation and positioning the Kingdom as a global digital innovation hub, particularly in the AI space. As part of the collaboration, Zain KSA will leverage its deep market knowledge, cutting-edge digital capabilities, and targeted investments alongside Cisco's global expertise in AI-ready infrastructure development. The initiative aims to create new solutions and commercial models to enable customers across various sectors to confidently and easily adopt AI solutions. The MoU also includes exploring opportunities for training programs to upskill local talent, in line with Zain KSA's commitment to ICT skills development to support long-term national AI capabilities. Zain KSA, VP of B2B Sales, Fahad Sahmi Al Sahmah, said: 'At Zain KSA, we are mobilizing all our capabilities and investments to drive nationwide digital innovation, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub, a digital economy powered by future-looking GenAI solutions and applications. These efforts aim to empower all stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, and individuals, to harness the boundless potential of AI in support of national goals. This strategic collaboration with Cisco, positions us well to explore, develop, and innovate use cases, as we continue building a resilient, integrated and agile digital ecosystem that can embrace next-gen technologies and deploy them in the Kingdom.' Zayan Sadek, Managing Director for Service Providers at Cisco Middle East, Türkiye and Africa said: 'Cisco is excited to collaborate with Zain KSA to pave the way for a transformative AI-powered future in Saudi Arabia. By combining Zain KSA's digital expertise with Cisco's cutting-edge AI infrastructure technologies, we aim to unlock new possibilities to empower businesses to thrive in the AI era and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced technologies.'
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Global startups lead AI-driven energy innovation at Shell.ai Futures Pitch 2025
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Edition of Futures Pitch 2025 competition, held for the first time in Qatar through a strategic partnership between Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, and Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSRTC), has recognised three pioneering startups for their innovative digital energy solutions. The competition offered a platform for early-stage technology companies to tackle critical energy challenges by leveraging Shell's expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and energy technologies and QSTP's dynamic innovative ecosystem. This year's edition attracted 86 applications from 27 countries, with 40% of submissions originating from the Middle East and North Africa region. Startups were invited to develop AI-powered solutions across three challenge areas: identifying and quantifying supply chain risks, enhancing data quality for intelligent asset workflows, and applying AI-enabled smart fault diagnosis through HAZOP analysis. Out of the 86 applications, 14 startups were shortlisted for their exceptional ideas and technological promise. After a three-round evaluation process, three finalists emerged: Prewave from Austria in the supply chain risk category, MAXIML from India in the asset data quality challenge, and from the US in the HAZOP-based fault diagnosis category. These finalists presented their solutions to a panel of experts including Shell senior leaders and the president of QSTP. This year's first prize was awarded to MaxiML for its innovative solution in enhancing data quality for intelligent asset workflows. The second prize went to Prewave, while UptimeAI secured third place. Winners received cash prizes and access to funding opportunities of up to USD 100,000 to develop a proof-of-concept, along with support from QSTP's innovation ecosystem. The shortlisted companies represented a strong and diverse global cohort, highlighting the growing momentum behind digital transformation in the energy sector. Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, emphasized the importance of nurturing early-stage innovation in emerging technologies to propel Qatar's startup ecosystem forward. 'The Futures Pitch competition aligns with QSTP's commitment to fostering innovative solutions to complex challenges through the use of technology and AI, bolstering Qatar's position as a hub for transformative innovation.' 'We are extremely proud to bring the Futures Pitch competition to Qatar for the first time, thanks to the strong collaboration between QSTP and QSRTC,' said Rob Maxwell, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies. 'This reflects our shared commitment to advancing digital innovation in the energy sector and empowering startups to tackle real-world, energy-related challenges with the use of artificial intelligence. The quality and diversity of ideas showcased this year are a testament to the global potential of open innovation.' This successful edition of the Futures Pitch in Qatar underscores the strength of the ongoing collaboration between QSTP and Qatar Shell. As a trusted long-term partner, Qatar Shell remains deeply committed to fostering innovation, developing local talent, and creating sustainable in-country value. Through initiatives like this, both organisations continue to empower the next generation of technology leaders and reinforce Qatar's position as a regional hub for digital energy transformation. Startups interested in joining a world-class innovation ecosystem and exploring future opportunities are encouraged to visit About Qatar Science & Technology Park Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation, is Qatar's premier hub for technology development and applied research. The park fosters an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar through its various programs focused on business acceleration and incubation, which helps with rapid commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatar's national diversification drive. QSTP's focus ranges across four overarching themes, comprising Energy, Environment, Health Sciences and Information & Communication Technologies (ICT), in line with the Qatar National Research Strategy announced in 2012. Located in Qatar Foundation's Education City, QSTP has access to the vital resources of a cluster of leading research universities. QSTP's startups and companies which include Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), international corporations as well as research and development (R&D) centers share a collective commitment to develop innovative new products, invest in new technology development programs, creating intellectual property, and advancing tech-driven solutions QSTP supports QF's economic and human development objectives for Qatar and is increasingly recognized as an international hub for applied research, innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. For more information, please visit the QSTP website at About Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development. QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF's world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation's development. QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all. For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Bank of Jordan named "Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Jordan for 2025" by Global Finance
Amman, Jordan: Bank of Jordan has been named "Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Jordan for 2025" by Global Finance, the New York-based international finance magazine. This recognition underscores the bank's commitment to excellence and delivering specialized banking services at global standards. Marking the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the bank's history to receive this prestigious recognition—in 2016, 2019, 2024, and this year—the accolade reflects Bank of Jordan's exceptional performance during 2024. The comprehensive evaluation conducted by Global Finance assessed the quality and efficiency of services, the ability to meet the requirements of local and international clients, business continuity, and the level of technological integration in service delivery. The evaluation was based on in-depth analyses by the magazine's editorial team, as well as surveys of financial analysts, consultants, and senior executives across the financial sector. Since launching its custodian services in 2014, Bank of Jordan has offered comprehensive solutions to local and international investors, including safeguarding client assets, managing portfolios, providing market updates, preparing comprehensive reports, and settling stock transactions on clients' behalf. These services are supported by a professional team of experts, a modern technological infrastructure, and advanced operating policies that ensure adherence to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. This recognition highlights Bank of Jordan's continued efforts to reinforce its leadership in the custodial services sector and its ongoing efforts to expand these services in line with evolving market needs. The bank is dedicated to investing in technology, enhancing operational processes, and delivering a banking experience grounded in innovation and reliability. It is worth noting that Bank of Jordan, established in 1960 as one of the first national banks in Jordan, has grown into a leading regional financial institution with operations in Bahrain, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine, alongside its home market, and is pursuing further expansion into new markets.
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Science
- Zawya
UNESCO cements UAE's historical significance by inscribing Sharjah's Faya as the only Arab World Heritage Site inscription this year
Bodour Al Qasimi: The inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history and highlights the Arabian Peninsula's central role in humanity's journey out of Africa. We remain fully committed to protecting Faya and preserving our ancestors' legacy so it continues to inspire generations worldwide. Faya Palaeolandscape has achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the latest addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Faya Palaeolandscape bears one of the oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in arid environments for over 200,000 years, documenting the deep roots of cultural traditions in the region. UNESCO's historic recognition for Faya also highlights the Arabian Peninsula's central role in humanity's journey out of Africa. New research and archaeological discoveries conducted by Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA), in collaboration with global experts, prove that Faya served as a destination for early human settlement; not only a transit point for migration. As one of the earliest continuous records of human existence outside Africa, it affirms our ancestors' ingenuity and our region's contribution to the cradle of early human history. Over the past 30 years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct archaeological layers of earth, each representing a different period of human activity. Paris: The UAE has crossed a major milestone in heritage preservation as the 47th annual UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris has reached a consensus decision to inscribe Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape in its prestigious list. The cultural heritage property, situated in the emirate's central region in the UAE, has been recognised for its outstanding universal value (OUV) for holding one of the world's oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in arid environments over 200,000 years. The Faya Palaeolandscape is an intact fossil desert landscape. Faya's critical role as a repeated destination for habitation has fundamentally altered our understanding of prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia, and represents a significant milestone in human evolution. This is what makes the inscription of Faya on the World Heritage List extremely significant. Until the inscription of Faya, desert Paleolithic sites were not represented in the World Heritage List. Under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, this year, Faya Paleolandscape was the only Arab nomination considered by the World Heritage Committee, making this achievement even more historic and meaningful for Sharjah, UAE and the wider region. Faya now stands as the second site in the UAE to receive this recognition, after The Cultural Sites of Al Ain inscribed in 2011. The inscription of Faya Palaeolandscape globally affirms Sharjah's and the UAE's place as a cradle of early human history. There are currently 96 UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed across the Arab States region, spanning a total of 18 different countries. Deserts represent 20% of global habitats. They are located at critical waypoints of humanity's journey to the colonisation of the entire planet. Their settlement reflects a critical chapter of humanity's past. Unlike areas traditionally viewed as mere corridors for human migration, decades of interdisciplinary research at Faya have revealed it as a repeated destination for habitation, fundamentally altering our understanding of prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia. Over 30 years of meticulous excavations, led by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) in collaboration with international institutions such as the University of Tübingen that specialises in prehistory archaeology and Oxford Brookes University's department on palaeoenvironment study, have uncovered 18 distinct archaeological layers. This historic inscription reinforces the UAE and Sharjah's consistent efforts and importance in safeguarding humanity's shared heritage and highlights the decades-long commitment of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to scientific research, cultural preservation and global collaboration. 'The inscription affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history' Accepting this historic recognition on behalf of the UAE and Sharjah, Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador for Faya's nomination file, thanked the World Heritage Committee's Chair and distinguished members for recognising that Faya's story is part of the shared story of humanity. 'On behalf of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah, I extend our deepest thanks to the World Heritage Committee, the Advisory Bodies, and the World Heritage Centre for this historic recognition', she continued, adding, 'the inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history and highlights the Arabian Peninsula's central role in humanity's journey out of Africa. The stone tools found at Faya, over 200,000 years old, are testimony of our ancestors' ingenuity and the deep roots of human cultural tradition in our region.' 'We remain fully committed to protecting this site and honouring those who came before us by ensuring their legacy continues to inspire generations around the world,' she concluded. 'Faya now belongs to all the peoples of the world, just as it did over 200,000 years ago' According to H.E. Eisa Yousif, Director-General, Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA): 'The UAE and Sharjah resonate deeply with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's ethos of the universal belonging of inscribed sites, and we strongly promote free cultural and humanistic exchange even in a world with borders. The human race has thrived as a result of the fluidity of movement and free exploration that the old world order allowed us. Therefore, we are equally proud and happy to bring Faya Paleolandscape into the fold of the UNESCO World Heritage List, as a result of which it now belongs to all the peoples of the world, just as it did more than 200,000 years ago.' 'This inscription is the culmination of a carefully coordinated effort combining scientific rigor, cultural stewardship, and international diplomacy - all aligned with Sharjah's broader 30-year vision to integrate heritage, education, and community development', he further noted. Sharjah formally submitted the nomination file for Faya to UNESCO in February 2024, after 12 years of preparation of the nomination dossier and the property. These preparations have been informed and enriched by more than 30 years of intensive archaeological work, environmental studies, and conservation planning. Faya Palaeolandscape has received this global recognition after undergoing a rigorous evaluation based on UNESCO's established criteria designed to ensure that only those sites with exceptional significance and future relevance are included. Sharjah shares a future plan for Faya demonstrating continued commitment to protecting global human and cultural heritage The UAE and Sharjah have established a robust management and conservation plan (2024–2030) for the Faya Palaeolandscape. This initiative aims to uphold the site's Outstanding Universal Value according to UNESCO standards, while being continually committed to promoting research, education, and sustainable tourism. It serves as a prime example of integrating heritage preservation with scientific exploration and community involvement This commitment is also demonstrated in Sharjah's past efforts in this field. For 11 years, Faya Paleolandscape has been a cornerstone site within UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme, alongside iconic sites like Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave in Africa. This long standing partnership between UNESCO and Faya Paleolandscape underscores the site's role in advancing global palaeoanthropological research, environmental studies, and international heritage cooperation. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located. The World Heritage List includes 1226 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. These include 955 cultural, 231 natural and 40 mixed properties in 168 States Parties. For more information, visit
