Author: Web Desk

Doha: Jordan’s national football squad is gearing up to take on their Iraqi counterparts in a highly anticipated match scheduled for Monday at 2:30 p.m. local time at Al Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

This crucial encounter is part of the round of 16 in the ongoing 2023 Asian Cup, being hosted in Qatar.

Expressing readiness, the national team has emphasized their determination to secure victory and advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament, which showcases the participation of elite teams from across the Asian continent.

The winner of the match between Jordan and Iraq will go on to face the victor of the match between the UAE and Tajikistan in the quarter-finals, intensifying the competition as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the next stage of the tournament.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Gaza: The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that, within the past 24 hours, the Israeli occupation has been implicated in 19 incidents affecting families in the Gaza Strip, leading to 165 fatalities and 290 injuries.

The Ministry said that as the Israeli aggression persists into its 114th day, numerous casualties remain trapped beneath the rubble and on roads, with Israel preventing ambulance and civil defense teams from reaching them.

According to the Ministry’s latest statistics, the toll of the Israeli aggression on Gaza since October 7 has now reached 26,422 deaths and 65,087 wounded.

Source: Jordan News Agency

CAIRO: As part of its participation in Cairo International Book Fair’s 55th annual edition, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is leading several meetings, book launches, and discussions to inform publishers and other industry professionals from 70 participating countries about the latest developments in the vibrant cultural and literary landscape of Sharjah and the UAE.

Themed “Creating Knowledge, Preserving the Word’, the book fair runs from 24th January – 6th February, and SBA has taken the opportunity to highlight key current and upcoming initiatives under ‘Sharjah’s Cultural Project,’ which have been envisioned by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote the sustainable growth of the publishing industry, as well as foster community’s love for literary and creative pursuits.

The SBA pavilion received Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Egyptian Culture Minister Niveen El-Kilany, in addition to officials, dignitaries, and prominent authors.

On behalf of the Ruler of Sharjah, Al Ameri presented a signed copy of the Sultan of History encyclopaedia, which is the 84th work authored by His Highness to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in recognition of his role in promoting culture in Egypt and the Arab world. The Prime Minister, accepting the gift on behalf of President el-Sisi, expressed gratitude and appreciation for this valuable gift. Al Ameri also presented two signed copies each to the Prime Minister, and the Culture Minister.

The Egyptian Prime Minister lauded the Sharjah Ruler’s impactful contributions towards enriching the Arab culture and fostering links between Arab heritage and global cultures. He praised the for its innovative cultural initiatives that uplift communities by investing in knowledge and the creative sectors within the Arab world. For her part, the Minister of Culture highlighted the importance of the UAE’s involvement in this edition of the fair, pointing out that it demonstrates the strong connection between the t
wo nations. She also underscored the continuous growth in cultural collaborations and exchanges in art and literature, which continue to strengthen these ties.

Ahmed Al Ameri, affirmed that the Cairo International Book Fair is an important platform for publishers, and guided by the visions of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah is committed to supporting institutions and events that champion knowledge, education and culture – not just in the Arab world, but globally. He emphasised that the advancement of Arab creative industries requires collaborative efforts and expanded joint work to turn challenges into opportunities, leading a comprehensive Arab cultural renaissance that goes beyond publishing, translation, and authorship to build societies capable of contributing to sustainable development.

Engagement with publishers from 70 countries

As part of its participation, SBA is providing a welcoming platform to publishers from 70 countries attending the book fair, offering invaluable opportunities for colla
boration and communication that are made available through events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair. Acknowledged as the world’s largest book fair for three consecutive years, this event features crucial components such as the Publishers’ Conference, Libraries Conference, and International Distributors’ Conference. These forums facilitate transactions and partnerships involving the buying and selling of publishing and translation rights, fostering the global exchange of knowledge among stakeholders in the book industry and readers alike.

Additionally, the Authority is showcasing the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, designed to nurture the skills and talents of children and youth across scientific, literary, and creative domains.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Philosophical Studies Centre at the Mohamed bin Zayed University for the Humanities has announced its second international conference on philosophy.

Titled “Philosophy and the Challenge of Theoretical and Social Progress,” the event will run from 6th to 7th February, bringing together prominent thinkers and academics from around the world.

Some 62 researchers, affiliated with 35 universities and institutions across 16 countries, will present their work in 8 sessions over the two days. Around 56 research papers will tackle various aspects of the central theme, fostering insightful discussions and broadening perspectives.

Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, the university’s chancellor, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting philosophy, ethics, and knowledge within society. He underscores the crucial role of philosophical studies in educational institutions, emphasising their potential to drive progress, innovation, and renewal.

In today’s world, Dr. Al Dhaheri argued, a renewed focus on moral v
alues and knowledge is critical for building strong individuals, thriving nations, and a better future for all. The conference serves as a platform to rethink and reshape philosophical studies, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to these noble goals.

Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities established the Centre for Philosophical Studies, which is considered the first of its kind in the country in the field of philosophical research, as part of a directive issued by the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi.

The Centre seeks to achieve the goals and vision of Abu Dhabi 2030 and the UAE government in capacity building, intellectual and philosophical pursuits, and consolidating the values of tolerance and coexistence that the UAE has adopted as part of its core values and guiding principles. The centre is also mandated to help enhance the university’s vision in developing the humanities as a field of study and academic program.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Head of the Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee, Khaldoun Hina, stressed the importance of His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip, provide urgent relief to the residents of the Strip, and support the rights of the Palestinian brothers, foremost of which is the establishment of a fully sovereign state.

Speaking at a meeting with French Ambassador to Jordan Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison, Hina stressed the need for the Israeli occupation forces to stop their barbaric war on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, as well as their attacks and provocations against the people of the West Bank.

Hina also underlined the importance of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in the holy city of Jerusalem, which supports the Palestinian brothers in achieving their rights and declaring their independent state, and not violating their religious and historical holy sites.

He called for strengthening relations between the two friendly countries in va
rious fields, including tourism, trade, economics, and parliamentarianism.

For their part, MPs Asmaa Rawahneh and Majdi Al Ya’qoub stressed the need to enhance Jordan-France ties in various fields, most notably medical tourism and trade.

For his part, Ambassador Grandmaison said that French-Jordanian relations are evolving significantly in various fields, especially trade and tourism, stressing the importance of boosting parliamentary relations for the benefit of the two friendly countries.

He pointed out that France is an important partner for Jordan on the economic level, and is considered the largest European investor in Jordan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Seventeen young Jordanians have completed the U.S.-Jordan Youth Leadership Exchange Program (UJLEP), a four-week program funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX).

The program participants received intensive training on leadership principles, business management, and community engagement. They also developed projects to improve their communities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, IREX Regional Director for Jordan and the Middle East and North Africa Francesca Sawalha, said that the program is highly competitive, with this cohort selected from over 400 applicants.

Sawalha added that the program also includes training on women’s empowerment, social inclusion, and disability accessibility. She noted that IREX encourages young leaders from local communities, especially in the periphery, to apply for the program.

Marina Sahawneh, one of the participants, said that the program is an “ideal model for making positive change in people’s li
ves.” She said that the program provided her with the tools she needs to raise awareness about preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Another participant, Yazan Abu Al Haijah, praised the experiences he gained through the program, which he said gave him the opportunity to learn about American culture and values. He also said that the program provides a supportive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can express themselves authentically.

U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Counselor Stefanie Altman-Winans commended the participants for their commitment to community service. She said that the program helps to meet the needs of young Jordanian professionals.

Winans also stressed the importance of empowering young leaders in all sectors and supporting their efforts to address challenges of all kinds. She lauded the strong ties and relationships between Jordan and the United States.

The UJLEP is a flagship program of the U.S.-Jordan Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. It is design
ed to build the leadership skills and networks of young Jordanians who are committed to creating positive change in their communities.

Source: Jordan News Agency