Latest news with #Al-Hamad
Kuwait Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Telephone and Electronic Fatwa service launched
Acting Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Endowments Nasser Al-Hamad KUWAIT: The General Secretariat of Awqaf signed a cooperation agreement on Wednesday with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to launch the 'Telephone and Electronic Fatwa' project, aiming to provide accessible and reliable Sharia guidance in light of accelerating digital transformations. Speaking on the occasion, Acting Secretary General of the Secretariat, Nasser Al-Hamad, said the initiative is designed to facilitate the public's access to accurate religious rulings from official sources. He emphasized that the project reflects the growing need for trustworthy fatwa services that are aligned with modern communication channels. Al-Hamad highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that it strengthens cooperation between the Secretariat and the Ministry in utilizing Sharia expertise to serve community development goals. 'This agreement enables citizens and residents to obtain verified religious rulings through direct communication with qualified scholars via designated phone channels,' he said. He added that the service will handle inquiries across various aspects of life—including worship, transactions, and social matters—through the dedicated line 149. 'This endowment-backed initiative promotes a moderate and informed religious discourse while ensuring the issuance of fatwas remains within official frameworks,' he noted. Al-Hamad further stated that the project plays a vital role in enhancing the authority of the official fatwa system in Kuwait, in line with Islamic principles and the stipulations of benefactors. He affirmed that the Secretariat remains committed to supporting religious awareness, sustainable development, and community service through innovative and inclusive approaches. — KUNA
Arab Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Bid to combat corruption, promote good governance
KUWAIT CITY, June 25: Assistant Secretary General for Prevention at Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) Eng. Abrar Al-Hamad has underscored the importance of activating job codes as a requirement of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Al-Hamad made the statement at the opening of the introductory workshops for the 'Adaa' initiative, held by Nazaha for the third consecutive year, with 118 participants from 27 government agencies. According to Al-Hamad, 'Adaa' is an initiative that aligns with the strategy of Kuwait to enhance integrity, combat corruption and promote good governance. Meanwhile, Yasmine Al-Sharhan -- Civil Society Cooperation Monitor at Nazaha and Director of 'Adaa' initiative to implement codes of conduct in the public sector -- talked about the general objectives and the implementation mechanism for various phases of the project. She pointed out that the code of conduct is an essential tool in promoting integrity and transparency, ensuring a fair work environment that consolidates the principles of accountability and equal opportunities, and preventing the risks of corruption, as stipulated in Chapter II of the UNCAC. She revealed that the initiative has benefited more than 24,000 employees since its launch, indicating the number of entities joining the 'Adaa has reached 27, including five entities at the gold level, eight at the silver level, and 14 entities at the bronze level. She added that the project requirements include administrative, institutional awareness, training and development, and measuring behavior and impact. On the other hand, Awareness and Education Supervisor at Nazaha Dr. Hassan Al-Sabbagha stated that 'Adaa' aims to raise awareness on the Code of Professional Conduct, in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission. He added the initiative focuses on achieving three basic levels: bronze, silver and gold. He disclosed that the educational workshops included in the project are considered a roadmap for the entities joining 'Adaa', so that they have an action plan to follow in the current year to fully implement the project.
ILoveQatar.net
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ILoveQatar.net
Wafa al-Hamad: Sites of Imagination
Wafa al-Hamad: Sites of Imagination is the first museum exhibition dedicated to the career of pioneering Qatari artist, educator, and designer Wafa al-Hamad (1964–2012). Featuring works from the permanent collection of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the exhibition includes a range of media—watercolour, oil painting, woodwork, and digital art—alongside archival materials and loans. Al-Hamad's art integrates Arabic calligraphy, optical illusions, abstraction, and three-dimensional design, creating dreamlike realms where ancestral memory converges with contemporary expression. The exhibition considers both global and Gulf-specific influences on modern art and abstraction that shaped al-Hamad's visual language. It also reflects on the Qatari and broader Arab traditions that informed her practice, practice, highlighting a distinctive aesthetic philosophy. Curated by Lina Ramadan. Details Source and cover image credit: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Note: The details mentioned in this event listing are sourced from the organizers' official announcements and are subject to change. Please check with the organizer directly before making plans.
Kuwait Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Memories in miniature - Faten Omar,
Through intricate small-scale models, Omar Al-Hamad brings Kuwait's past to life — one handcrafted detail at a time Many people preserve their memories through photos or videos, but for Omar Al-Hamad, memories are made — literally. The small-scale model maker is a passionate craftsman who brings miniature worlds to life through intricate model-making. With a love for shaping various materials, he transforms everyday items into detailed artistic creations. From traditional Kuwaiti ships to diwaniya scenes rich with cultural depth, each of Omar's miniature models tells a larger story. For him, it's not just about crafting objects — it's about preserving memories and capturing moments. Omar Al-Hamad Kuwait Times: When did you start making miniature models? Omar Al-Hamad: I've been interested in shaping paper since elementary school, especially through the art of origami. Over time, I was introduced to new materials and techniques. KT: What was your first miniature model, and what inspired it? Al-Hamad: My first model was made from cardboard and wrapped in rope. It was a miniature of the traditional Kuwaiti boom ship. KT: How do you begin the process of turning an idea into a small artwork? Al-Hamad: I usually study the idea and research it through books and the Internet. Then, I develop it and create a step-by-step plan for the project. KT: How do you choose which moments to turn into artistic works? Al-Hamad: I enjoy recreating moments with a sense of randomness in the placement of elements. For example, a diwaniya scene — because of its realism. KT: What materials and colors do you prefer to use in model-making? Al-Hamad: I work with various materials depending on the project, but wood is one of my favorites. Colors and details are chosen based on the model's final vision — whether I want to maintain realism or apply a personal interpretation. KT: How long does it take to create a single model? Al-Hamad: The time required varies based on the size, materials and complexity. It's important to live the experience while creating it to achieve the highest level of realism. Research and studying the model before starting are the most time-consuming and mentally demanding parts. KT: Do you rely on real photos as references, or do you follow your memory and intuition? Al-Hamad: I refer to sources when needed, but I usually rely on memory for models I've built before. Recently, I've begun recycling old items connected to specific memories in ways that support the artwork. Also, it's important for me to include subtle details that might go unnoticed but carry personal stories and meaning.
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province artisans
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province has, historically, been a hub for the making of gold jewelry. Families in Al-Ahsa and Qatif have been passing down this intricate art for centuries, forging the region's cultural identity and fueling its commerce. While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid the Kingdom's economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Mohammed Al-Hamad, former head of the Gold and Jewelry Committee at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared insights into the historical development of this profession in an interview with the SPA. While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA) Al-Hamad comes from a long line of jewelry manufacturers and gold traders. He described the traditional methods of shaping gold using rudimentary tools to create distinctive jewelry. He explained that the traditional goldsmithing process began with melting gold in a crucible over hot coals using a leather bellows, followed by shaping it with a hammer and anvil, the essential tools of the trade. According to Al-Hamad, early goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops, selling their creations, and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons. Some even traveled extensively to trade in used gold, silver, and the gold embroidery of traditional cloaks (bisht), using scales and traditional weight measurements before the widespread adoption of the gram system. Early Saudi goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons. Transactions were often based on trust, with gold frequently sold on credit or entrusted to the goldsmith for repair or modification. Al-Hamad recalled that, as a child, he accompanied his father to purchase a 10-tola gold ingot —about 116 grams — for SR 600, a hefty sum back then. He also mentioned a remarkable relic of the craft's storied past — a legal document more than 200 years old recording the sale of a gold sandal, a testament to the artistry's deep roots in the Eastern Province. Artisans, he said, often crafted their own specialized tools and displayed their finished pieces in a traditional box known as a matbakah. As Saudi Arabia's economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting. Some opened shops, workshops, or even factories, while others pursued opportunities in national companies or government positions. Al-Hamad sees his generation as a bridge, connecting the days of pure handcrafting to a new era of gold trading and specialized workshops. Jaafar Al-Nasser, a young electrical engineering graduate from the US, chose to carry forward his family's goldsmithing legacy, the SPA reported. He has built a factory packed with cutting-edge technology. Al-Nasser said that the gold and jewelry industry has transformed dramatically, shaped by economic, cultural, and social shifts, particularly greater exposure to international cultures. This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate. Al-Nasser said soaring gold prices have hit the industry hard. Larger pieces are costlier to craft, pushing designers to create lightweight jewelry. This focus on minimal weight is a core goal for today's manufacturers, he noted — a delicate balance of artistry and practicality driving this traditional craft forward.
