Latest news with #Al-Sheikh
Arab Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait moves to equip youth for tech future with new academy
KUWAIT CITY, July 31: Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Youth (PAY), Nasser Al-Sheikh, reaffirmed the authority's commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and artificial intelligence (AI). His remarks followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PAY and the Kuwait Space Company (KSC) to establish a National Youth Academy. The academy aims to equip young Kuwaitis with advanced skills in artificial intelligence, space sciences, robotics, and cybersecurity. Speaking to reporters after the signing, Al-Sheikh emphasized that youth are at the forefront of Kuwait's development priorities. "This academy will serve as a modern national platform to cultivate the skills of our youth, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the knowledge economy and participate actively in achieving the goals of the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision,' Al-Sheikh said. He noted that the initiative is part of the authority's broader strategy to create an enabling and innovative educational environment that aligns with global advancements. The goal is to prepare a generation of competent, forward-thinking individuals ready to thrive in the future labor market. The National Youth Academy will incorporate cutting-edge educational curricula and host a variety of workshops, training programs, and scientific competitions. These activities will target high-achieving school and university students and involve the exchange of expertise and the recruitment of qualified teaching and administrative staff. Al-Sheikh commended the Kuwait Space Company for its cooperation and support, stressing the importance of forming constructive partnerships with government bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. These collaborations, he said, are vital for launching pioneering educational and technological initiatives that meet the aspirations of Kuwait's youth and harness their potential for national development.
Al-Ahram Weekly
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Palestinian VP denounces campaign to undermine Egypt and Jordan support for Gaza - War on Gaza
Hussein Al-Sheikh, vice president of the State of Palestine and deputy chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), denounced what he described as a coordinated campaign to weaken Egypt and Jordan, despite their consistent support for Palestinians. In a statement on Thursday, Al-Sheikh said the attacks on the two countries were not random, but 'part of deliberate attempts to weaken their positions and undermine any Arab balance.' 'Amid the organized attack targeting Egypt and Jordan, it cannot be ignored that the two countries stand on sensitive lines of contact and bear the burden of regional stability despite the challenges,' he added. Al-Sheikh noted that those attacking Egypt and Jordan today are deliberately ignoring their role in supporting the Palestinian cause and their standing as an impregnable barrier against the displacement of Palestinians. "They also ignore their steadfastness and perseverance on their homeland and their joint political efforts with our brothers and friends to stop the war of extermination and starvation and expand the circle of countries that expressed willingness to recognize the State of Palestine,' he stated. Al-Sheikh concluded by saluting the leadership and people of both countries for their 'firm, unwavering, and supportive positions toward our people's right to freedom and independence.' His remarks come as Israel continues to enforce a five-month blockade on Gaza and restricts the entry of critical aid, thus plunging 2.3 million Palestinians in the strip into famine. Facing a regional and global outrage, Israel allowed limited airdrops and aid trucks through tightly controlled crossings. In recent days, Egypt has rerouted aid to the Karm Abu Salem crossing, but Israel's intransigence has led to prolonged delays and denied entry to many convoys. Egypt and Jordan have dispatched aid convoys and airdropped aid to Gaza. Jordan has also suspended high-level contacts with Israel over its insistence on forging ahead with its war on the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Cairo and Amman have repeatedly affirmed their rejection of any Israeli attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan. Tens of UN agencies and humanitarian organizations have called on Israel to lift the blockade and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to a population deliberately starved into famine. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
11-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Palestinian Official: Trump's Gaza Relocation Proposal No Longer on the Table
Nada Mustafa Palestinian Deputy President Hussein Al-Sheikh confirmed on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza is no longer part of the ongoing negotiations. He pointed out that Washington currently lacks a clear vision for the establishment of a Palestinian state. In a statement to Al Arabiya "Al Hadath" news TV channel, Al-Sheikh praised Saudi Arabia's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, highlighting remarks made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who affirmed that the Palestinian issue is a concern for every citizen in the Kingdom. Al-Sheikh further noted that Israel refuses to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing that the current top priority is an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Arab News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union to discuss peace, security
RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, will head the Kingdom's delegation taking part in the meetings of the 38th Congress of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union on May 3-4. The conference will take place in Algeria, with the presence and participation of heads of councils and parliaments from Arab countries. In a press statement, Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Kingdom, with the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is keen on supporting joint Arab action, and unifying visions and positions in a way that consolidates security, stability and peace in the region and the world. Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Kingdom, with the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is keen on supporting joint Arab action, and unifying visions and positions in a way that consolidates security, stability and peace in the region and the world. He pointed out the importance of parliamentary work, noting that it is a fundamental basis in strengthening Arab cooperation and unifying joint efforts. He added that it is an effective platform that brings the brotherly countries' points of view closer together, and harmonizes policies to promote sustainable development and advance the aspirations of people for a more secure future. On the sidelines of the conference, heads of parliaments will hold a consultative meeting to discuss the conference's subjects. Meanwhile, the three permanent committees — the Palestine Committee; the Social Affairs, Women, Children, and Youth Committee; and the Political Affairs and Parliamentary Relations Committee — will hold their regular meetings. The Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union is holding the 38th session, alongside the 46th meeting of the Association of Secretaries General of Arab Parliaments. The Shoura Council delegation participating in the conference includes Secretary-General of the Shoura Council Mohammed bin Dakheel Al-Mutairi, member of the council and the union's executive committee Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Muhanna, council members Abdullah bin Fahd Al-Husein and Khalid bin Mohammed Abu Malha, and several other council officials.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘What do you mean we can't?': Eddie Hearn on Times Square, Saudi billions and boxing's new reality
As workers tighten bolts on a steel ring platform beneath the glare of LED billboards in Times Square on a sun-splashed Thursday afternoon, Eddie Hearn is still wrapping his head around the reality of what he's helped build. 'It actually is going to happen,' he says, sounding slightly astonished. 'Up until about two weeks ago, I thought: this isn't happening. And now we're 24 hours away.' Friday night's invite-only boxing card – headlined by Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Teófimo López – will unfold in the heart of midtown Manhattan, sealed behind 10-foot-high chain-link fencing and swarming with security teams. Just steps away, hot dog vendors bark over traffic and ambulance sirens. The Naked Cowboy strums his guitar. Tourists snap selfies. Nearby, counter-terrorist units wheel away trash bins as a precaution. And inside that footprint, one of the sport's most surreal new realities is taking shape. 'Imagine the fascination,' Hearn says. 'Imagine the viewership. Closing down Times Square – it's iconic. In the normal world of promotion, you'd be leaving 10 million on the floor. But this is different.' Different is one way to describe it. The event – staged by The Ring magazine, recently acquired by Saudi Arabia's boxing magnate Turki al-Sheikh – is the latest in a series of high-concept, deep-pocketed and highly curated boxing showcases. While the visuals promise a cinematic backdrop without precedent, the live audience will be vanishingly small. 'It's got the feel of Covid,' Hearn notes, recalling the empty-arena shows of 2020. 'Some fighters underperformed in that environment. I think we'll see some upsets.' The silver-tongued promoter is effusive in his praise of Al-Sheikh, often referred to as 'His Excellency', whose fingerprints have been on nearly every major boxing event in the last 18 months. Hearn points to Al-Sheikh's 'relentlessness' and obsessive problem-solving as the reason why fights long thought impossible – Fury v Usyk, Joshua v Ngannou, Beterbiev v Bivol – have now been made reality. 'Once he has that vision, it's happening. It's not, 'We can't do it because–',' he says. 'It's, 'What do you mean we can't? Let's go again.'' Hearn's role in the Times Square project is a curious one. As Matchroom Boxing's frontman, he's long been known as one of boxing's most visible traditional promoters. But in this new Saudi-led chapter, his job has changed. 'We were tasked with running the event on the ground, being the lead promoter,' he says. 'The team has done an amazing job. But there's been so many hurdles – everything from permits, to indemnity, to getting fighters changed on the night.' None of it, he made clear, would have happened without Al-Sheikh. 'People sometimes criticize when we talk so positively about him,' Hearn says. 'But it's just the truth. You're solving so many short-term problems – and most of the time you don't get over them. But he just keeps going.' That persistence, Hearn admits, has taught him something. 'I've learned a lot from the vision,' he says. 'Some of the stuff I thought was the worst idea ever. Then it happens, and I go: 'That was brilliant.'' He cites the time Al-Sheikh insisted on using celebrity lookalikes as ring card carriers for last week's show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. 'I thought: 'This is the worst idea I've ever seen.' By the end of the night, it's gone completely viral.' Hearn is aware that not everyone in boxing sees this new era as visionary. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of sportswashing, using lavish fight cards to rebrand the kingdom's global image while distracting from its human rights record. But the questions go beyond symbolism. Al-Sheikh is a close ally of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and head of the kingdom's General Entertainment Authority, a body tied to the state's top-down soft power strategy. A recent investigation by the Athletic revealed that Al-Sheikh's growing profile in boxing stands in sharp contrast to his lesser-known domestic role –one marked by reported abuses. Interviews with dozens of sources described a man who blends celebrity flamboyance with close proximity to repression. According to former detainees and Saudi dissidents, dozens have been imprisoned for criticizing Al-Sheikh's policies, with one Riyadh jail wing informally dubbed 'the Tutu Wing, after his nickname. There are verified cases, court records show, of social media users being arrested and allegedly abused after criticizing Al-Sheikh – including one man reportedly abducted by masked security agents, blindfolded and slapped by Al-Sheikh in person before being dumped on the side of a highway. Human rights groups have long accused Saudi Arabia of using high-profile sports events to deflect attention from internal repression. In one of the more alarming anecdotes from the Athletic's reporting, a member of Al-Sheikh's entourage at a recent heavyweight title fight was identified as a man wanted by the FBI for allegedly spying on dissidents inside Twitter. Asked directly whether there are ethical red lines on who should fund or control the sport, Hearn was careful but direct: 'Every country has its issues. I think we're one of them. But I've never seen anything but positive come from sport being there.' Has he ever been asked to sign a non-disparagement clauses or NDA on a Saudi show? 'Never,' he replies, flatly. Does he feel pressure to defer to Al-Sheikh on matchmaking? 'We represent over 100 fighters,' Hearn says. 'We make decisions for them based on what's best for their careers. There've been plenty of times where His Excellency offered us a fight and we said no – wrong weight class, wrong timing. But generally, the opportunities have been very good. Life-changing.' That power – the ability to shape cards, fund events, control promotional narratives, and now media via The Ring, an American boxing publication that has been around since 1922 — has many in the sport wondering where the lines are. Or whether any remain. But he also acknowledges the value of entertainment – and of disruption. 'Boxing gets stale,' Hearn says. 'The same weigh-ins. The same press conferences. The same look and feel. You've got to keep evolving. And he's torn the script up.' For example, it's one of boxing's worst kept secrets that Al-Sheikh's next scheme involves staging a fight on Alcatraz Island. As audacious as it sounds, you'd be brave to bet against it. Hearn doesn't think Saudi's involvement means the end of boxing's traditional fanbases, either. 'We did 96,000 for Joshua v Dubois at Wembley,' he pointed out. 'We did 65,000 last week for Benn v Eubank. Boxing isn't leaving anywhere. It's growing.' He disagrees with fellow UK-based promoter Ben Shalom's recent claim that women's boxing has suffered in the Saudi era. 'There's only been one female [world title] fight there so far,' Hearn says. 'But women's boxing is cyclical, like everything. The top end is strong. The middle's struggling a bit. That's the same in men's boxing too.' As for his own future, Hearn won't deny he's been tempted to walk away. 'It's the worst business in the world,' he said. 'But it's the most addictive. I've loved it since I was eight years old. And I love seeing people change their lives through boxing.' On Friday night, under the brilliant lights of Times Square and the watchful eye of Al-Sheikh, another chapter of that transformation will play out. Whether it marks a renaissance or a reckoning depends on whom you ask – but to Hearn, the answer is already clear. 'You have to think differently now,' he said. 'You have to be brave. This isn't the normal world of promotion anymore. This is something else entirely.'
