Day: January 6, 2024

At eight o’clock in the evening, stay tuned for an important speech by His Excellency President Mahdi Al-Mashat, while he chairs a meeting of the state’s military and security leaders in Hodeida governorate.

Source: Yemen News Agency

Amman: Minister of Government Communications and official government spokesman Muhannad Mubaidin said Saturday that Jordan deals with armed drug smugglers on its northern borders as the biggest threat to national security.

“The war with these groups is long, and will not end with a raid today or a month ago,” he said on Al Mamlaka Television, adding that smuggling has become a popular trade in a region that has been lax in addressing it for a decade and that increased amidst the security turmoil in Syria.

The minister called for a regional strategy to counter armed groups trying to smuggle drugs to any country, not just Jordan.

He urged society and grassroots institutions to defend their children from these groups, raise the alarm and spread awareness on the need to stand firmly against the scourge of drugs.

Since 2 am today, clashes have taken place between Jordanian border guard troops and armed groups of smugglers on the northern border of the Kingdom, according to a source at the General Command of th
e Jordan Armed Forces- Arab Army.

A number of smugglers were injured and arrested in these clashes and attempts to smuggle in large amounts of drugs and weapons were foiled, it said.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, meets Sunday with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who will arive in Jordan as part of a tour in the region, the ministry announced Saturday.

Official spokesman of the ministry Sufyan Al-Qudah said that Safadi and his US counterpart will discuss the deteriorating humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing Israeli war, and will reiterate the need for an immediate halt to the aggression, protection of civilians and removing obstacles Israel places to block the access of adequate and sustained humanitarian and medical aid to all areas of Gaza.

Safadi will reaffirm Jordan’s unwavering position in rejecting the displacement of Palestinians inside or outside their land and condemning it as a war crime and a dangerous escalation of the conflict, or dealing with Gaza from a security standpoint, or out of the context of a complete and comprehensive plan based on the unity of Gaza, the West Bank a
nd East Jerusalem, as an embodiment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital in line with the two-state solution, Al-Qudah said.

The spokesman said the Foreign Minister will also hold extensive talks with Blinken on stopping the illegal Israeli measures in the West Bank, Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, “which are pushing toward an explosion.”

The two ministers will also discuss other bilateral and regional issues, said Al-Qudah.

Source: Jordan News Agency

SHARJAH: Celebrating innovation and impact in the entrepreneurial sector, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has launched the 2024 SEFFY Awards.

The awards are based on nominations and will honour outstanding startup founders and mentors for their achievements within the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Nominations are now open at https://sheraa.info/sef2024-seffyawards and close for entries on 18th January, 2024.

The SEFFY Awards, integral to the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival; a flagship event organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); recognises founders and mentors for their exceptional contributions in various domains, while embracing the diverse expanse of entrepreneurship with four distinctive categories, each spotlighting a unique facet of entrepreneurial triumph.

Categories reflecting the diverse nature of entrepreneurship:

? The Techpreneur Award is dedicated to recognising founders that have reimagined the future with their innovative products, services, or strategie
s.

? The Social Impact Award applauds founders committed to creating positive, enduring change underscoring the significance of impact and sustainability.

? For the Emerging Founder Award, the spotlight is on the young, first time founders igniting the startup scene with fresh ideas and impressive achievements.

? Lastly, the Outstanding Mentor Award pays tribute to mentors who play an instrumental role in guiding startups to success, offering invaluable support and knowledge.

Encouraging founders and mentors to nominate or apply for these prestigious awards, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, stated, ‘In the pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence, the SEFFY Awards serve to recognise and commend the exceptional achievements of startup founders and mentors within the UAE and the broader region. We extend an invitation to showcase exceptional ventures and gain well-deserved recognition for innovative and impactful contributions.”

All nominations will undergo a thorough review by experts, with the shortlist of ex
ceptional founders and mentors scheduled to be announced in late January, marking a significant milestone in recognising the best and brightest in the UAE’s startup ecosystem.

The winners of the SEFFY Awards will be revealed at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival on February 3rd and 4th, 2024.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Ramallah: The Israeli non-governmental “Peace Now” movement said Saturday that construction in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank has increased at an “unprecedented rate” since the war on the Gaza Strip began on October 7.

In its latest report, the liberal advocacy and activist group in Israel, “Peace Now”, said in a report that 9 settler outposts were established on Palestinian-owned land during the past three months and 18 new roads were built.

It said the war on Gaza, which began exactly three months ago, is being exploited by far-right settlers to impose realities on the ground and control larger swathes of “Area C”, land adjacent to settlements.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: In November 2023, amidst the shadows of illness, a ray of hope shone on Noorhan Jameel Abed. Fueled by the UAE’s generous initiative to treat 1000 cancer patients from Gaza, Noorhan arrived in the UAE, clutching a flicker of faith. Diagnosed with leukemia for two and a half agonizing years; her treatment in Gaza had been precarious, constantly threatened by the escalating crisis.

Noorhan was among the first group of Palestinian cancer patients who arrived in the country for treatment, in implementation of the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to provide medical treatment for 1,000 wounded children, and 1,000 cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, in the UAE’s hospitals.

Standing by her side at Abu Dhabi airport, ready to return home after Noorhan’s miraculous recovery, her mother, Manal Mahmoud Abed, choked back tears of gratitude. “The UAE’s initiative was a lifeline,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Noorhan was one of the first to benefit – receivin
g the highest level of care imaginable – from comprehensive assessments to specialized treatment, every step meticulously orchestrated. Today, thanks to God and the UAE’s unwavering support, my daughter is free of cancer,” she told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Manal’s profound gratitude poured forth as she spoke of the dedicated medical team who attended Noorhan around the clock, the concerned authorities who ensured her needs were met, and the warm hospitality that embraced them during their stay. “The UAE has always been a pillar of support for the Palestinian people,” she affirmed. “This humanitarian act of extraordinary generosity has given life back to countless children and families, weaving a tapestry of hope amidst adversity.”

As they waved goodbye to their temporary haven, Noorhan carried not just her recovered health, but a profound sense of love and respect for the land that had mended her shattered world. The UAE’s story of selflessness, etched into her very being, would forever be a testamen
t to the healing power of human compassion.

Source: Emirates News Agency