Day: February 20, 2024

Amman: Secretary General of the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs (RCJA), Abdullah Kanaan, said right-wing Israeli government implements a strategy aimed to deceive the world by increasing escalation.

Kanaan said Israel’s escalation policy increased after its aggression on Gaza and all Palestinian cities, in conjunction with “Al-Aqsa Flood” battle on October 7.

Kanaan added that this phase constituted a decisive stage in reviving global awareness of the Palestinian cause, indicating that Palestinian people suffered from a war of genocide and brutal ethnic cleansing.

In a statement to “Petra” on Tuesday, he noted Israel’s aggression aims to cover up its clear failure, adding that its persistent efforts aims to prolong its office life and distract public opinion about its practices.

Kanaan pointed out that the committee affirms to international public opinion that Israeli escalation and the related recent steps undoubtedly target all occupied Palestine, including Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian
sanctities.

In the same context of Jewish settler escalation, he said the Israeli government provides protection to settler groups to attack Palestinian people, launch settlement projects, bulldoze lands, and evacuate neighborhoods in Jerusalem.

Additionally, he said the committee affirms that Jordan will maintain its role under the King’s leadership to protect Jerusalem’s sanctities.

In this regard, he noted His Majesty made clear in his international meetings the necessity of ending Israeli occupation and stopping its practices.

He added that His Majesty also called on putting pressure on Israel, and taking immediate international action to support humanitarian organizations working in Palestine and Jerusalem.

Source: Jordan News Agency

AL AIN: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today extended his condolences over the passing of Ghanem Obaid Al Mazrouei.

During his visit to the condolence majlis in Al Ain City, His Highness expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased, offering prayers for God Almighty to bestow His boundless mercy upon the departed and grant his family patience and solace.

Accompanying His Highness were Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: President of the Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA), Hamdi Tabbaa, discussed with the Ambassador of the Republic of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom, Priyangika Wijegunasekara, strengthening economic relations between the two countries and opportunities for new partnerships.

According to a statement by the association Tuesday, the two parties discussed ways to enhance cultural, commercial, and investment exchanges, and intensify meetings between representatives of the private sector in both countries.

During their meeting, Tabbaa pointed out that trade exchange with Sri Lanka is low due to the lack of a direct shipping line. He welcomed the upcoming second session of the Jordanian-Sri Lankan Business Council in the capital, Amman, early next May.

In turn, Wijegunasekara stressed that Jordanian-Sri Lankan relations are characterized by development at the trade and investment levels, and her country’s keenness to strengthen economic and trade relations with the Kingdom, and to exploit the safe and stable
business environment.

Wijegunasekara highlighted 27 Sri Lankan investment projects in Jordan, all of which are factories specializing in knitwear and clothing, distributed in Sahab, Dhalil, and Irbid.

Source: Jordan News Agency

DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, issued directives to establish a new Thukher Club for senior citizens in Al Khawaneej area in Dubai. The club will serve as a community hub designed to promote the wellbeing and quality of life of senior citizens.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said, ‘The establishment of a new Thukher Club for senior citizens aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to promote the wellbeing of senior citizens and provide them with the best possible care and support. It also closely aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which focuses on building happier and more cohesive families.’

His Highness added, ‘Dubai cherishes and respects its senior citizens and is committed to ensuring their full integration and active parti
cipation in society. Our senior citizens have been instrumental in shaping Dubai’s remarkable success story and contributing to the nation’s development as one of the world’s best cities. It is therefore our duty to show them appreciation and provide the support, care and empowerment necessary for them to enjoy a high quality of life.’

To be built over an area of 20,000 square feet, the club will include a wellness centre with personalised nutrition and fitness services. It will serve as a social and cultural hub featuring a library, theatre and smart platforms to help senior citizens easily access government services. The centre will also foster intergenerational connections through an interactive café.

The new Thukher Club building will feature three main sections designed to offer comprehensive services for senior citizens, focusing on promoting wellbeing, health and fitness, and fostering stronger community bonds.

The Thukher initiative is implemented in collaboration with several strategic partners in
cluding Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Digital Dubai Authority, Dubai Police, the Department of Finance, Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority, Dubai Health and the Dubai Sports Council. The clubs launched under the umbrella of the initiative aim to promote physical wellbeing, good nutrition and cultural and social enrichment. They also incorporate branches of the Dubai Public Libraries, which provide traditional and digital library services.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said, ‘The Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasises family welfare as crucial for national development. By prioritising the wellbeing of families and individuals, this agenda ensures continued prosperity, stability and advancement. The launch of a new Thukher Club in Al Khawaneej will ensure senior citizens are provided with a wide array of services catering to the physical, mental and ps
ychological needs of senior citizens, reinforcing their integral role in society.’

Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of the Department of Finance (DoF) for the Government of Dubai, said, ‘The establishment of a new Thukher Club aligns with the principles of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seeks to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens. By providing essential services and support, the club contributes to the wellbeing and happiness of senior citizens. As a strategic partner to Thukher Club, we endorse the launch of a new branch of the club and are confident it will significantly benefit the local community and greatly enhance the health, wellness and happiness of senior citizens.’

Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, said, ‘The new Thukher Club to be established in Al Khawaneej reflects the leadership’s commitment to enhancing social cohesion, with a focus on empowering senior citizens. Renowned for its success in Al Safa Park, the Thukher
Club’s environment is acclaimed for empowering seniors and fostering community participation. The new branch in Al Khawaneej will further enhance services for seniors and will offer initiatives and programmes geared towards fostering their integration and empowerment.’

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said, ‘The Thukher Club perfectly aligns with Dubai and the UAE’s overarching vision, which prioritises happiness, familial unity and comprehensive care for all community members, particularly senior citizens. The new Thukher Club underscores the leadership’s dedication to this demographic, contributing to reinforcing Dubai’s global reputation as the best city for living. This recognition showcases Dubai’s dedication to fostering citizen happiness and its conviction that human development is essential for advancement.’

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), said, ‘The Thukher Club plays a pivotal role in fostering intergenerational connectio
ns and promoting social cohesion among senior citizens. Launching a new branch in Al Khawaneej underscores the commitment to enhancing services for the elderly, aligning perfectly with the Dubai Social Agenda 33. At Dubai Culture, we deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of our seniors and are committed to addressing their cognitive and cultural needs through the resources found within the Thukher Club library. This recognition serves as a heartfelt tribute to their priceless contributions, a wealth of life experiences, and limitless energy.’

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said, ‘The Thukher Club embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, demonstrating his profound care for senior citizens and commitment to enhance their quality of life and promote their happiness. It also reflects the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who always directs the provision of the best services and care for seniors.”

Saeed Hareb,
Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, said, ‘The Thukher Club stands as a testament to the thoughtful generosity of our leadership to ensure the nation’s development and bring joy to people. The Thukher Club embodies loyalty, love and appreciation for our senior citizens, highlighting the enduring significance of those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation. The club offers seniors an enriching environment, providing access to exceptional sporting facilities, support services, opportunities for socialising with friends, engaging in reading and participating in various activities.’

Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health, said, ‘Launching the Thukher Club in Al Khawaneej underscores the profound commitment of our leadership to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for our senior citizens. We aim to enhance their wellbeing by integrating health, psychological and social services. Since the inception of the first Thukher Club branch in Al Safa, our strategic partnersh
ip with the government reflects our unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive support and care to senior citizens, benefiting both them and the wider community.’

Thukher Club in Al Safa Park

The Thukher Club in Al Safa Park has an exceptionally busy schedule of events. In the second half of 2023, the club organised 57 workshops and lectures that attracted 1,780 participants, with a total of 868 members, including 479 men and 389 women.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Ahmed Safadi, engaged in official discussions with Algerian National Assembly Speaker and Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Speaker, Ibrahim Boughali, affirming the enduring relations between Jordan and Algeria under the leadership oHis Majesty King Abdullah II and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Safadi and Boughali emphasized that King Abdullah’s stance rejecting the aggression on Gaza and supporting Palestinian rights has clarified facts internationally. Both reiterated the need to halt the war on Gaza and pursue a two-state solution, emphasizing Palestinian sovereignty. They also underlined the importance of the Hashemite custodianship over Christian and Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, and its role in preserving the city’s identity.

They underscored bolstering joint parliamentary efforts and aligning positions in Arab and international forums for mutual interests and Arab-Islamic causes, with the presence of members f
rom both legislative bodies.

In press statements, Safadi lauded Algeria’s support for Hashemite custodianship in Jerusalem, noting shared Jordanian-Algerian positions in defending Palestinian rights.

He underscored enhancing parliamentary cooperation and activating fraternal committees, building on strategic ties led by King Abdullah II and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Boughali praised King Abdullah’s efforts to halt the aggression against Palestinians, advocating for a solution securing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

He highlighted cooperation’s importance and prospects in investment, education, agriculture, tourism, and health, echoing historical solidarity during Algeria’s revolution and anti-colonial struggle.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: The region’s premiere of Dune: Part Two, took place on the evening of 18th February at VOX Cinemas, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi much to the delight of fans and film aficionados who lined the red carpet to celebrate the hotly anticipated follow-up to the six-time Academy Award winner Dune (2021) and welcome filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista who flew in for the occasion.

Dune: Part Two is Villeneuve’s adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert, picking up where Dune left off. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. The film was directed by Villeneuve, written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts and produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Patrick McCormick, Villeneuve and Tanya Lapointe.

The film continues the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chan
i and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Set in the distant future, Dune: Part Two features the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic desert planet Arrakis. Scenes were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were employed during the 27-day shoot.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and Epic Films facilitated the production through a range of logistical support, including providing vehicles and constructing tents and camps for costume rooms, sets, canteens, and production equipment storage. Dune: Part Two also benefited from ADFC’s generous rebate, while production services were provided by Epic Films, along with support from a number of UAE production partners.

Source: Emirates
News Agency