Latest news with #Al-Saad
Shafaq News
05-07-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Basra's red river: A dire pollution alarm
Shafaq News- Basra A deepening environmental crisis is gripping Iraq's Basra province, where parts of the Euphrates River have recently turned red due to a toxic algae bloom—an alarming indicator of accelerating pollution. Pollution on All Fronts Basra, Iraq's oil capital, is also its environmental epicenter. Years of industrial mismanagement, failing infrastructure, and climate pressure have made its air and water increasingly hazardous. Gas flaring, banned near homes, continues in areas like Aradah and Al-Zubair, exposing families to carcinogens such as benzene, sulfur dioxide, and PAHs. A 2024 University of Basra study found air quality near the Rumaila oil field exceeds both Iraqi and World Health Organization safety limits. Power plants, vehicle emissions, brick kilns, and diesel generators further pollute the atmosphere, while climate change intensifies dust storms and desertification, pushing particulate levels even higher. Health impacts also rose sharply. Ministry of Health data show a 20% increase in cancer cases between 2015 and 2018. Residents near oil sites report higher rates of leukemia and chronic respiratory illness—especially among children. A Dying River Basra's water crisis is equally urgent. Once nourished by the Tigris and Euphrates, the Shatt al-Arab now suffers from chemical pollution, seawater intrusion, and dwindling flow due to damming upstream in Turkiye and Iran. Infrastructure failures deepen the problem. Only about 20% of Basra's wastewater is treated—leaving most to flow directly into rivers. The Hamdan treatment plant, for instance, operates far below capacity. Meanwhile, rising salinity from the Gulf has rendered river water unfit for drinking or irrigation. In 2018, over 100,000 people were hospitalized during a waterborne disease outbreak. Today, many families rely on costly water tankers, while disadvantaged communities struggle daily for access to safe water. Toxic Waters, Public Fury Speaking to Shafaq News, Osama Al-Saad, Deputy Chairman of the Basra Provincial Council, attributed the recent red river incident to 'algae nourished by wastewater pooling in low-lying areas.' Initial tests traced the contamination to sewage discharged from Al-Zubair and Al-Madina districts. 'Service departments, civil defense teams, and the Ministry of Oil had been deployed to contain the spread,' Al-Saad confirmed, though he acknowledged the response was temporary. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, the only sustainable solution is to implement wastewater recycling in the affected area. The incident reignited ongoing protests in northern Basra, where residents accused oil companies and local officials of chronic environmental negligence. Demonstrators also cited worsening health conditions and warned of escalating action if no solution is found. Recently, community leaders issued an urgent appeal for federal and provincial intervention, calling for the creation of a crisis task force. Political Fault Lines The algae bloom has also exposed political tensions. Rafid Abdul Amir, Qaimaqam (district administrator) of Al-Sadiq, called it a serious escalation of long-standing pollution, blaming neighboring areas. 'Emergency measures, including floating pumps and clean-up operations with the Ministry of Oil, are ongoing,' he added. However, Rafid Al-Shawi, Qaimaqam of Al-Madina, dismissed the allegations, arguing that if Al-Madina were responsible, it would have seen the effects first. He pointed to a large-scale pipeline project redirecting sewage away from populated zones, and a 139 billion dinars (approximately $98 million) treatment facility now under construction. Al-Shawi confirmed the algae patch briefly reached Al-Madina, forcing a temporary shutdown of the Al-Alwan water plant, before drifting back toward Al-Sadiq. 'Only a united effort can produce lasting solutions,' he told our agency.
Iraqi News
28-04-2025
- Health
- Iraqi News
Iraq reaches deal with EU firms to build insulin production plant
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Ministry of Health revealed on Sunday that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with European companies to establish an insulin production plant in the northern Iraqi province of Nineveh. According to a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the MoU was signed with a Polish firm, one of the top four producers of insulin worldwide, and a German corporation. The contractual processes are underway, and the land designated for the construction of the insulin factory has been selected, according to the statement. The idea to produce insulin in Iraq that meets all European requirements was sparked by the Iraqi government's support for pharmaceutical and health industry initiatives. Iraq has a significant demand for insulin, according to Khamis Al-Saad, the undersecretary of the country's Ministry of Health, who told INA that importing the drug from overseas takes an extended period of time. Since this plant would be the first to produce insulin in the region, Al-Saad clarified that the agreement with European firms represents a positive move both nationally and regionally. Patients with diabetes require insulin as a medication, and its timely and consistent supply is crucial, particularly since a shortage can cause patients to have severe health problems. The step is one of the top goals of the Iraqi government's agenda, which Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani highlighted, with a particular emphasis on the health sector.
Al Bawaba
06-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Microsoft fires employee for linking its AI technology to Israel
Published April 6th, 2025 - 07:36 GMT ALBAWABA - Microsoft recently made headlines after firing Moroccan software engineer, Ibtihal Abu Al-Saad, after she accused the American corporation of reportedly supplying AI technology to Israel during the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, sparking widespread concern over free speech and censorship. This all comes in after a clip circulating across social media showcased Al-Saad interrpting a speech by Microsoft AI's CEO, Mustafa Suleiman, alongside Bill Gates. The Moroccan employee was heard voicing her concerns and defiance of the corporation's relations with Israel. Al-Saad was heard shouting, "50,000 people have died." She added, "Stop using AI for genocide, Mustafa... stop using AI for genocide in our region. You have blood on your hands. All of Microsoft has blood on its hands." Just after the video went viral on social media, several pro-Palestine movements took to their official accounts and urged individuals to boycott Microsoft by ending their Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and refraining from purchasing products linked to the company, including software and games. "50,000 Palestinians have been murdered with Microsoft technology" Multiple employee protests disrupted the Microsoft's 50th anniversary celebration at its Washington headquarters targeting the company's support to Israel — TRT World (@trtworld) April 5, 2025 While several social media users expressed their support for the software engineer, others weren't so keen on her move, further calling it irresponsible and unprofessional. Amid her protest, several human rights groups issued an investigation about the American corporation providing Israel with weapons and technology during its aggression on Gaza, as reported by Fes News. Another clip of Al-Saad swarmed social media, where she expressed her opinion about the matter. The American corporation's former software engineer said that despite facing the consequences, she didn't want to partake in something that would eventually result in the murder of innocent Palestinians. She said, "My biggest fear is waking up for my 9 to 5 and realising that my code has killed children today." Moroccan Harvard graduate and Microsoft engineer Ibtehal Abu Saad disrupted the company's 50th anniversary, accusing AI chief Mustafa Suleyman and Microsoft of aiding Israel's genocide in Gaza through tech and military contracts. 'They might come after me for what I said, but my… — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) April 5, 2025 © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Arab News
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi winger Al-Saad eyes PSG upset in French Cup semifinal
LONDON: Muhanad Al-Saad knows what it is like to make history. In February, he became the first player from Saudi Arabia to score in the French league when he headed in USL Dunkerque's second goal in their Ligue 2 victory over Clermont Foot 63. It was a surreal moment for Al-Saad, one few — himself included — could have predicted. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Now Al-Saad faces another momentous occasion, as second-tier Dunkerque face the might of Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France semifinals on Tuesday. Al-Saad and his team-mates are aiming to become the first club outside Ligue 1 to reach the final since Les Herbiers in 2018; only once has the 107-year-old competition been won by a side from outside the top flight, and that was Le Havre back in 1959. 'It's definitely a tough match,' Al-Saad told Arab News in an exclusive interview. 'You're talking about one of the biggest clubs in France and Europe. But we're excited and confident — we'll give it everything we have (to) try to secure a spot in the final and make history.' It is the first time since 1929 that Dunkerque have reached the last four of the Coupe de France and a spot in the final would break new ground for the club. The match has been moved from Dunkerque's 5,000-capacity Stade Marcel-Tribut to Lille's 50,000-seater Stade Pierre Mauroy. The 'hosts' are targeting a major cup upset but PSG have already shown they will not cave to romantic footballing dreams; in the quarterfinals, Luis Enrique's side thrashed fourth-tier Stade Briochin 7-0. That 21-year-old Al-Saad will line up against the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola is a remarkable turn of events. The Mecca-born winger initially played for the Al-Ahli academy but was released at the age of 15. He was picked up by Al-Ettifaq much later — in 2023 — and found himself promoted to the first-team squad by then-coach Steven Gerrard. 'In my first session with Steven Gerrard, he asked why I hadn't joined the pre-season camp,' Al-Saad recalled. 'He told me, 'From today, you're with the first team.' Everyone knows what a great player and leader he was at Liverpool.' However, after featuring for just 30 minutes across five games during the 2023-24 campaign, Al-Saad reassessed his options and decided to embark on a new challenge at NEOM. 'I don't know the exact reason for my limited playing time but during pre-season in Spain, my agent spoke to me about a good offer from NEOM and I decided to make the move,' he said. Al-Saad became a regular for the team in the first half of the 2024-25 season, scoring five goals in 15 games as NEOM laid down a marker for promotion from the Saudi First Division. 'It was a short stint, but a very special one,' Al-Saad said. 'I got the chance to play with high-level players like Ahmed Hegazi, Salman Al-Faraj, Romarinho and many others. It was a great experience, and we did our part as a team.' Despite helping NEOM into pole position for promotion to the Saudi Pro League next season, Al-Saad — who also impressed with two goals in four games for the Saudi U-21s in 2024 — opted to leave the Kingdom in January. Dunkerque, who have former Chelsea and Newcastle United striker Demba Ba as their sporting director, were in the midst of their own bid for top-flight promotion. Both Ba and Portuguese coach Luis Castro saw great potential in Al-Saad and swooped to sign him on loan. 'I'm not sure if there were other clubs involved, but Dunkerque showed real interest and made it clear they wanted me,' Al Saad said. 'I was excited about the opportunity and eager to play in Ligue 2. 'I'm so proud to have become the first Saudi player to score in the French league. It was a great feeling and a moment of pride for me and my country.' Al-Saad has started six of Dunkerque's past seven games and the team currently lies fifth in the Ligue 2 table; the clubs finishing in third, fourth and fifth qualify for the Ligue 1 promotion play-offs. While the young Saudi is fully focused on facing PSG in the Coupe de France on Tuesday, he also admits he has been thinking carefully about his future — and is keen to stay in France to further his development. 'Yes, I'm on loan, but I'm really enjoying the experience and feel that it's helping me grow. If you ask me, I'd say yes - I'd love to stay. Playing abroad at this stage of my career is teaching me a lot.' The lessons Al-Saad has already learned, coupled with his stellar performances for Dunkerque, were recognized in March when he received his first call-up to the Saudi Arabia national team. Although he didn't feature in either of the Green Falcons' FIFA World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan, Al-Saad relished the experience of working with coach Herve Renard and hopes he will continue to feature in the squad. 'It was my first call-up to the senior national team, and I was very proud to represent my country,' Al-Saad said. 'My relationship with Hervé Renard was great — he spoke to me often and showed genuine interest in both the local and international players. He's a strong personality and a top-level coach.'
Daily Tribune
05-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority Participates in ITB Berlin Tourism Fair
She added that the fair also provides an opportunity to explore the latest trends in the travel and tourism sector, particularly in light of the rapid digital transformations taking place in the industry. She noted that Bahrain is keen to adopt best global practices to enhance its tourism appeal. Ms. Al-Saad also confirmed that the Authority is eager to leverage this global event to highlight investment opportunities in the Bahraini tourism sector, supporting the Kingdom's efforts to diversify income sources and boost tourism's contribution to the national economy. ITB Berlin serves as a global platform for discovering the latest innovations and trends in the tourism industry. The current edition focuses on the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance travelers' experiences, and features numerous panel discussions and workshops with leading speakers and experts discussing key practices and future trends in the tourism sector.
