Day: March 18, 2023

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Ali Aboutaam Presents One of the Most Important Early Greek Coins in Existence

Exhibition is on display at 6, rue Verdaine, Geneva, Switzerland.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / March 17, 2023 / Classical masterpieces are on display by Ali Aboutaam of Phoenix Ancient Art at its main gallery, which is located in the center of Geneva’s old town. He is showcasing a variety of antiquities that combine artistic excellence, historical intrigue, and the enthusiasm of the famous collections that they once belonged to. Several of these artifacts have provenance as early as the 18th century and were frequently published up until the present.

Ali Aboutaam – Kraay and Hermer Potidaea Coin
Silver coin of Poseidon on Horseback, Potidaea (modern day Cassandrea), a Chalcidian city, circa 540-520 B.C.

Ali Aboutaam says: “I am excited to be holding in my hand one of the most important early Greek coins in existence: the coin is from Potidaea (modern day Cassandrea), a Chalcidian city in Northern Greece, which contrary to other Chalcidian cities, was founded by the Corinthians, not the Euboeans. It shows the earliest representation of Poseidon on horseback on coinage from around 540-520 B.C. We can see the letter ‘P’ under the horse for “Potidaea”, and Poseidon, holding his trident, is riding a very noble and archaic styled horse. This can be compared to the best of Corinthian black figure pottery, also dated to the same period. If we turn to the reverse, it shows a triangular incuse which is extremely rare on archaic Greek coinage, as it would otherwise typically be squared. This coin is in excellent condition, and as far as we know, it is unique. It had belonged to some of the most important collectors of Greek coins, including the Jameson collection, and has been published several times, notably in the famous Kraay & Hirmer book (Greek Coins) with a big enlargement. Kraay & Hirmer’s 1966 publication is an important reference for the most beautiful ancient Greek coins from private collections and museums.”

Alongside the exquisite coin of Poseidon is a lovely Hellenistic cornelian gem portraying the same god. The juxtaposition of the two miniature masterpieces from 400 years apart is extraordinary. And from 2000 years earlier, visitors can see an outstanding Cycladic marble idol among the display: a treat for contemporary creative tastes.

The exhibition is on display at 6, rue Verdaine in Old Town, Geneva, until the end of June 2023.

ABOUT PHOENIX ANCIENT ART

With galleries in New York City (Electrum) and Geneva, Switzerland, Phoenix Ancient Art is one of the world’s leading dealers in rare and exquisite antiquities with a focus on Greek and Roman, Near Eastern and Egyptian art. Its works of art have been acquired by world-class museums around the world, as well as by private collectors. Phoenix Ancient Art is a second-generation family business that was founded by Sleiman Aboutaam in 1968 and continues today under the leadership of his sons, Ali and Hicham Aboutaam.

For more information, contact info@phoenixancientart.com or visit www.phoenixancientart.com.

Contact Information

Alexander Gherardi
Director
alex@phoenixancientart.com
2122887518

SOURCE: Phoenix Ancient Art

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South Korea’s COVID-19 cases remain below 10,000 for third consecutive day

SEOUL, South Korea’s new COVID-19 cases stayed below 10,000 for the third consecutive day on Saturday, ahead of the lifting of the mask mandate for public transportation.

In a statement carried by Yonhap news agency, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said that the country reported 9,259 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total caseload to 30,690,223.

The latest count is slightly up from the previous day’s 9,065 and a 750 drop from 10,009 a week ago.

The KDCA reported four deaths from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 34,159.

hlam Almazrooi/ Amjad Saleh

Source: Emirates News Agency

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SBA participates as event-sponsor in International Festival of Arabic Language and Culture in Milan

MILAN, The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) sponsored the 6th edition of the International Festival of Arabic Language and Culture, which was held by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy. This is line with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote the Arabic language and culture on a global scale.

The festival, held under the theme “Bridges of Babel”, discussed how translation contributed to building civilisations; and brought together industry experts to explore the significance of the Arabic language and its vast intellectual output in various cultures over the ages.

During the festival’s opening ceremony, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, delivered a keynote speech, during which he highlighted the efforts of Sheikh Dr. Sultan to tirelessly support the Arabic language, not only as the language of the Arab world, but also as a language for dialogue, science, cultural exchange.

l Ameri added, “We are proud to be the descendants of the Arabic language, which has provided humanity with great sciences and immortal literature. Its intellectual additions have been pivotal in civilisations’ development over the past thousand years, providing the world with the foundations of algebra, geometry, astronomy, navigation, and architecture.”

l Ameri praised the theme for this year’s festival, saying, “Sharjah, under the vision of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, believes in translation as an engine for showcasing the human commonalities that unite the peoples and civilisations of the world. For this purpose, the authority launched the Sharjah International Book Fair Translation Grant, as well as the ‘Turjuman Award’, the world’s largest translation award, and translated many Arab and Emirati works into numerous languages.”

Mario Gatti, Director of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, extended his gratitude to Sharjah, saying, “We thank the Emirate of Sharjah, represented by SBA, for its great efforts in sponsoring the festival and its keenness on its success. We hope this year’s edition reveals the true impact of translation from the Arabic language on the cultural renaissance of the world and demonstrates the importance of the Arabic language on human knowledge in general.”

Dr. Wael Farouq, Professor of Language, Arabic Literature and Islamic Studies, Catholic University, stressed that Sharjah’s massive efforts succeeded in reaching different countries around the world, showcasing the beauty and richness of Arab culture and language. He noted that these efforts were the driving force for the university to present a project and festival that highlights the status of the language and sheds light on Arab culture and its significant contributions to literature, science, and art on a global level.

In the opening session of the festival, Giovanni Gobber, Dean of the Faculty of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, spoke about the importance of translation and its role in bringing people and cultures together.

The festival, which is regarded as the leading event celebrating the Arabic language in Europe, featured a series of discussions and sessions where participants highlighted the importance of translation and its impact on different fields.

The 3-day cultural event is organised by the Catholic University of Milan’s Arabic Language Research Institute (CARA), the Language Service Center (SeLdA), and SBA.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Kuwait crude oil climbs 80 cents to $76.29 pb

KUWAIT, The Kuwaiti crude oil price went up by 80 cents during Friday’s trading sessions to US$76.29 per barrel, compared with US$75.49 pb the day before, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said Saturday. Comparatively, Brent crude fell by US$1.73 to US$72.97 pb, while West Texas Intermediate went down by US$1.61, settling at US$66.74 pb, according to a report by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

hlam Almazrooi/ Amjad Saleh

Source: Emirates News Agency

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COP28 President-Designate meets with French President Emmanuel Macron, political leaders, business and civil society in Paris as part of his global listening tour

PARIS, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, has concluded a two-day trip to Paris as part of his global listening tour. During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber met with French President Emmanuel Macron and key stakeholders across government and civil society. Dr. Al Jaber outlined his vision to drive climate action through mitigation, adaptation, climate finance and loss and damage. Throughout his meetings, he emphasized the importance of climate finance and the need to reform multilateral financial institutions to unlock capital for clean technologies, adaptation efforts, and loss and damage financing.

During his meeting with President Macron, Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the need for ambitious reforms across international financial institutions and multilateral development banks.

To build momentum in advance of COP28, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted his desire to work with President Macron on the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, scheduled to take place in Paris in June 2023. According to Dr. Al Jaber, “This will be a critical milestone ahead of COP28We need to define clearly how the political momentum generated in June can lead to real action at COP28. This includes an emphasis on mobilizing private finance, scaling up concessional financing, and advancing carbon markets.”

Dr. Al Jaber continued his listening tour by meeting with key stakeholders from government and civil society. He met with International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol; Former Prime Minster of France and COP21 President Laurent Fabius; Minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery for France Bruno Le Maire; and Minister of Energy Agnas Pannier-Runacher. During these meetings, Dr. Al Jaber stressed the need to deploy all necessary resources to transform the global energy systems and deliver on pledges made in 2015 with the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement.

During a special roundtable hosted by the IEA and attended by Ambassadors representing Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and developing economies, comprising 80 per cent of all global emissions, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the opportunity for all sectors to come together to deliver progress.

He said: “We need all segments of society governments, private sector and civil society- working together, driving in the same direction. There is no room for division. Progress is made through partnership, not polarization. I truly believe that we can ignite the greatest leap in human and economic development since the first industrial revolution, if we act together, act smart and act now.”

Dr. Al Jaber also delivered this message of commitment, action and optimism in a roundtable with members of the NGO community. Noting the need for a “bold and transformative course correction”, he said: “Our intention is to respond to the Global Stocktake and begin this course correction by delivering on each and every one of the pillars of the Paris Agreement.” In ending his remarks, Dr. Al Jaber also called on the NGO community to join with the COP28 Presidency to deliver an effective COP, stating “We want your ideas, your thoughts, your networks, your research, your data and your passion. [] We believe that constructive conversations will help us tackle climate change more effectively and build a better future for all.”

Dr. Al Jaber was joined in Paris by Shamma Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Champion. Shamma met with various stakeholders and emphasized the need for all parties to have a seat at the table and contribute to the COP28 agenda: “What the world needs at COP28 is not just a Conference of the Parties, but a Conference of all Parties. We need everyone to join forces now from our universities and cities to civil society organizations and nature groups, as well as every single sector of government and industry.”

Dr. Al Jaber’s trip to Paris built upon the strong partnership between the UAE and France in the field of energy transformation and climate finance. The UAE and France are collaborating on numerous energy and sustainability projects. In February 2023 the UAE and France launched a partnership to decarbonize high emitting industries, which will be unveiled at COP28. In July 2022 the UAE and France signed the Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP), which focuses on enhancing energy security, energy affordability and decarbonization, and progressive climate action ahead of COP28.

Dr. Al Jaber’s visit to France is the latest in his global listening tour, which has seen the COP28 President-Designate visit the United States, Germany and India. Visits to other countries, including developing countries and small islands states, are also planned. The COP28 Presidency intends to use these visits to hear the views of stakeholders across diverse sectors including government, business, academia and civil society and unite efforts ahead of COP28.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Over 20 horses to compete in Al Wathba Stallions in Italy

ABU DHABI, A field of 23 horses will compete on Sunday, 19th March 2023, at ;uSan Rossore Racecourse – Pisa, Italy;u, on the first series of the Al Wathba Stallions as part of the 15th edition of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

l Athba Stallions are being staged in implementation of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court, to support horse owners and breeders across the world and encourage them

to take care of Arabian horses.

Tariq Al Fahaam

Source: Emirates News Agency