Latest news with #Al-Kaabi
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Feature: Rewriting norms -- Emirati women thrive in traditionally male domains
DUBAI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Amid the roaring hum of towering cranes at Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, Emirati engineer Hind Al-Kaabi skillfully directs a series of precise maneuvers to load enormous containers onto a cargo ship heading to South Asia. In a professional setting long dominated by men in the country, Al-Kaabi distinguishes herself as one of many Emirati women challenging traditional gender roles. "When I started working here five years ago, most of my colleagues were men," said Al-Kaabi, now a senior operations supervisor in the automation department at DP World, a multinational logistics company based in Dubai. "Today, we have a fully Emirati women's team managing smart crane systems and even developing algorithms to optimize shipping operations," she added proudly. "We don't just ask for equality -- we practice it on the ground." Women's empowerment is a key pillar of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s Vision 2031, which promotes increased female participation in economic, scientific, and technological sectors, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields. "We are working to remove cultural and institutional barriers to women's participation," said Mona Al Marri, vice president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, in an earlier statement. "We encourage women to enter fields once seen as off-limits, like aviation, artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and maritime transport." Al-Kaabi is not alone in challenging the workplace norms. In Sharjah, materials science graduate Noura Al-Suwaidi now supervises a production line at one of the UAE's new industrial robotics factories -- part of the country's national industrial strategy. "I oversee more than 20 robots on assembly lines," said Al-Suwaidi. "My role is not just operating them, but also monitoring performance and refining the software. This used to be a male-only environment, but now it's a natural space for ambitious Emirati women." In Abu Dhabi, Fatima Al-Naqbi leads a research team at the Nawah Energy Company's nuclear research center. "Working in nuclear energy was never considered a traditional path for Emirati girls," said Al-Naqbi. "But today, the state, family, and society all encourage it." Recent data from the UAE Ministry of Community Empowerment shows that the percentage of Emirati women working in engineering and technical fields rose from about 17 percent in 2015 to over 35 percent by 2025 -- a clear sign of accelerating integration of women into advanced sectors. Leadership roles have also seen growth: women now hold nearly 28 percent of leadership positions in semi-governmental companies, thanks to localization and gender balance policies designed to promote women's involvement in decision-making. At DP World, female participation in operational and field roles has doubled in the past three years, driven by the company's "Towards Full Partnership" initiative aimed at attracting and developing female talent in nontraditional workspaces. Federal and local UAE institutions now offer mentorship and training programs to young women as early as high school, paving the way for careers in technical and industrial fields. These efforts are supported by organizations such as the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. "Empowerment is not a feminist slogan -- it's an economic and developmental necessity," said Maryam Al-Hammadi, policy director at the Ministry of Community Empowerment. "The country cannot realize its future competitiveness without investing in the full potential of both men and women." For Al-Kaabi, the transformation is more than just numbers. "Every morning when I put on my helmet and walk along the dock," she said, "I feel like I'm not just carrying a work bag -- I'm carrying the responsibility of opening a new path for the women of my generation."
Memri
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Iraqi Militia Leader Akram Al-Kaabi Issues Dire Threats Against President Trump, U.S. Nationals, Bases, Warns Against Any Harm Coming To Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on June 19, 2025, Akram Al-Kaabi, leader of the Iran-backed Al-Nujaba Movement in Iraq, unleashed a torrent of threats against U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of threatening Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The fiery message warned of severe retaliation across the Islamic world should any harm come to Khamenei.[1] Condemnation Of Trump Al-Kaabi's statement began with a direct address to Trump, branding him a "criminal" and accusing him of desecrating religious values. "You are lost and disgraced, with dirt in your mouth, you criminal Trump. No one like you should threaten to kill a religious authority of the Islamic nation!!" he wrote. The statement comes in the aftermath of a June 17 post by President Trump on Truth Social in which he wrote, "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now."[2] Describing Khamenei as the "Guardian of the Nation," the Al-Nujaba leader vowed that any action against Iran's Ayatollah would provoke a relentless response from the Islamic region. "By Allah, by Allah, if you touch even a hair of the Guardian of the Nation, Imam Khamenei, you and your allies and your filthy lackeys will be under our pursuit and fire in all of our Islamic region," Al-Kaabi declared. He further warned that American soldiers, diplomats, and U.S. nationals in the region, along with U.S. interests, would become "legitimate targets" for his group. "Karbala will never return to your hands stained with the blood of the innocent," he added, invoking the symbolic Iraqi city sacred to Shi'ite Muslims. Escalating Threats And Vowing Generational Vengeance Al-Kaabi's statement took a particularly ominous tone as he promised that retaliation would extend beyond his lifetime: "And if Allah grants us what we desire of martyrdom, then this revenge will be carried by our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren until the Day of Judgment," he wrote. This rhetoric underscores the deep ideological commitment of the Al-Nujaba Movement, which is closely aligned with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and adopts the Shi'ite ideology of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, known as Wilayat al-Faqih, or "Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist.[3]" The statement also portrayed Trump as a figure of ultimate evil. "Today, you are the ugly face of the Antichrist, the liar and the hypocrite," Al-Kaabi stated, accusing President Trump of betraying Christian principles by aligning with "Jewish extremists" who, he claimed, "fought and harmed" Jesus Christ. He further condemned Trump's support for Israel, alleging that the U.S. had "gathered the Zionist murderers and criminals from all over the world and made for them an alleged state in occupied Palestine on a land you stole from its legitimate people." Critique Of Regional Silence In addition to targeting Trump, Al-Kaabi lambasted the inaction of some Muslim leaders, describing their silence as "absolute as the silence of the grave." He accused them of either aligning with the "enemy front" or remaining quiet out of fear. "Today all of disbelief has emerged before Islam, today the egg of Islam is in danger," he wrote, emphasizing the urgency of the moment. Al-Kaabi called on the "free, honorable and brave people of the world" to resist perceived threats to Islamic sanctities, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts involving "children, women, and civilians" under attack. Quoting the Shi'ite revered imam Ali ibn Al-Husayn Al-Sajjad, also known as Zayn al-Abidin, the militia leader defiantly dismissed threats of death: "Do you threaten me with death, O son of the freed slaves?[4] Do you not know that death is a habit for us, and our honor from Allah is martyrdom?" Explicit Threats Against U.S. Nationals Al-Kaabi explicitly declared U.S. nationals and interests in the region to be targets for retaliation, escalating the potential for violence against American civilians, soldiers, and diplomats. "No soldier or diplomat will be safe from you. Rather, everyone who holds your nationality in our region, and all your direct and indirect interests, will be legitimate targets for us as long as we live in this lowly world," he stated.
Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QF integrates chess into schools to foster strategic thinking among students
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, in collaboration with the Qatar Chess Federation, organized the Qatar Foundation Schools Chess Tournament with the aim of integrating chess into the educational activities of its schools. As part of a strategic partnership, a series of initiatives were introduced. These efforts led to the establishment of 11 chess clubs across Qatar Foundation (QF) schools, providing students with regular opportunities for training and practice, and contributing to the development of their strategic thinking, focus, and self-discipline. Abdulla Shaheen Al-Kaabi, head of Sports Affairs at QF's Pre-University Education, said: 'The agreement signed in this context is not merely a temporary collaboration, but a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the presence of chess in the educational environment. Our goal is to identify talented students who can be nurtured to represent Qatar in international competitions, contributing to the advancement of sports in the country.' Al-Kaabi explained that the integration of chess into QF schools began with training certified teacher-coaches and providing the necessary equipment. This led to dedicated lessons, internal tournaments, a major competition during Qatar's 2025 National Sport Day, and, ultimately, the Qatar Foundation Schools Championship. 'We believe that chess plays a significant role in shaping students' character, which is why we aim to expand its presence to as many schools as possible,' he added. 'Chess is not just a game, it is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, decision-making, and effective planning skills, all of which have a direct impact on students' academic performance and success.' Al-Kaabi pointed out that sports activities, particularly chess tournaments, have had a clear impact on promoting positive behavior among students by reinforcing values such as cooperation, mutual respect, and good sportsmanship. 'Through these activities, we strive to build a balanced educational environment that supports students' academic, personal, and skill development,' he explained. 'We also aim to instill values such as patience, resilience, and self-confidence, key elements in shaping future leaders capable of making effective decisions.' 'We place great importance on diversifying sports activities across the institution to give students the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their skills in various fields, whether physical, like running and swimming, or mental, like chess. This balance between physical and cognitive engagement contributes to shaping well-rounded individuals capable of excellence.' Jassim Nawaf Zainal, an eight-year-old student at Academyati, part of QF's Pre-University Education, said: 'I joined the chess tournament because I really love the game. My journey started when I watched instructional videos online, and I kept learning until I mastered the rules. 'This experience taught me that winning isn't everything. What matters most is enjoying the game and learning from it. Even losing can be a chance to improve, and this competition gave me more confidence and motivation. I'm sure I'll get better with every tournament I play. 'My family always stands by me and encourages me. Even when I feel tired or nervous, they keep supporting and motivating me to keep going and do my best.'
Daily News Egypt
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, Qatar explore deepened energy ties, joint investment opportunities
Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Kareem Badawi, visited Doha this week at the official invitation of Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, to explore avenues for expanding energy cooperation and joint investments between the two nations. The visit aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to strengthen energy security, particularly in meeting domestic demand for petroleum products and natural gas during peak consumption periods such as the summer. The Egyptian Ministry is pursuing a dual-track approach: ramping up domestic production through increased exploration and drilling, while leveraging the country's strategic geographic location to foster regional collaboration and infrastructure optimization. During high-level meetings in Doha, Badawi and Al-Kaabi discussed accelerating the launch of joint natural gas projects and finalizing long-term supply agreements to support Egypt's local energy needs. They also examined opportunities to integrate energy infrastructure between the two nations, capitalizing on their combined capabilities in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, liquefaction, and regasification. Talks further focused on strengthening collaboration in upstream activities, particularly in Qatari-operated concession areas in Egypt. QatarEnergy—an active participant in Egypt's Upstream Gateway (EUG)—is already involved in several offshore Mediterranean projects alongside ExxonMobil, including the Nefertari, Cairo, Masry, and North Marakia wells. Al-Kaabi reaffirmed QatarEnergy's interest in expanding its footprint in Egypt's energy sector. This commitment was recently demonstrated through an agreement with EGAS and Chevron, granting QatarEnergy a stake in the North Dabaa offshore concession. Minister Badawi presented a range of investment opportunities in Egypt's oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, encouraging Qatari entities to explore value-added ventures. He also proposed expanding the role of Egyptian companies in Qatar's energy sector, especially firms with expertise in engineering, project execution, operations, and maintenance. Both sides expressed interest in facilitating Egyptian participation in Qatar's infrastructure, hydrocarbons, and renewable energy projects. The ministers also reviewed prospects for broader regional cooperation within the framework of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), where both Egypt and Qatar are key members. Discussions emphasized the importance of aligning policy positions and leveraging GECF membership to support national and regional energy objectives. Headquartered in Doha, the GECF represents a powerful bloc in the global gas market, with member states collectively holding about 70% of the world's proven natural gas reserves.
Qatar Tribune
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Academy hosts Qatar's maiden school triathlon race
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), part of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), hosted the first edition of the triathlon race under the Schools Olympic Program (SOP), at Education City. The event was organised in collaboration between QF's Pre-University Education and the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), represented by the organising committee of the SOP. The initiative supports Qatar's national vision of promoting sports as a way of life and instilling Olympic values in students. The sporting event also builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between QF and the SOP organising committee. The agreement seeks to embed the concept of sport as a lifestyle within the school community and to cultivate Olympic values among younger generations by offering competitive platforms that empower students to explore and develop their talents. The triathlon drew wide participation from students across the country, with competitors representing 12 nationalities from six QF schools and 35 external schools. Participants took on the multi-stage challenge, swimming, cycling, and running, with each course tailored to match their age groups and physical abilities, ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all. Abdulla Shaheen Al-Kaabi, head of Sports at QF's PUE, emphasised that QF is committed to providing holistic educational experiences that expand students' horizons, not only inside the classroom but also through sports and physical activities. 'We were keen to give our students the opportunity to explore triathlon, a sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running, as a new experience that builds physical fitness, self-discipline, and endurance. These are core values we aim to instill in our students. 'The educational and awareness activities that introduced students to this sport during last year's National Sport Day served as a foundation for today's active participation in a real competition. It boosts their self-confidence and helps them acquire new skills in a safe, motivating environment.' Al-Kaabi noted that the event's purpose goes beyond competition. It provides a platform to discover and nurture students' potential in triathlon. Through strategic partnerships with specialised sports institutions, the initiative aims to further develop their abilities and open new pathways for athletic and professional growth. 'By organising diverse sports competitions and activities, QF ensures an inclusive environment that welcomes all students, regardless of ability or interest, reinforcing the values of inclusion and integration in education,' he added. Launched in 2007 by the QOC in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Schools Olympic Program (SOP) aims to integrate sports into education, develop student talent, raise awareness of the role of sports in enhancing quality of life, and help build a healthy, well-balanced society.
