Latest news with #Athar
The National
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Stolen Syrian antiquities flood online marketplace after Assad fall
The illegal trafficking of Syrian antiquities has spiked dramatically since December, according to findings by the Antiquities Trafficking and Heritage Anthropology Research Project (Athar). 'The last three to four months has been the biggest flood of antiquities trafficking I have ever seen, from any country, ever,' Katie Paul, Athar's co-director, told The Guardian. Nearly a third of the 1,500 Syrian antiquities trafficking cases documented by the group since 2012 have taken place in the months after Bashar Al Assad was toppled. The treasures are being sold online, primarily through Facebook Marketplace. 'When the regime fell, we saw a huge spike on the ground,' Amr al-Azm, co-director of Athar, told The Guardian. 'It was a complete breakdown of any constraints that might have existed in the regime periods that controlled looting.' Syria is still recovering from the blight of Baathist rule. The dismantlement of the regime's security network, which was a source of terror for citizens, as well as pervasive poverty are the driving forces behind the looting. Both professionals and amateurs are involved in the trafficking. Individuals have been digging heritage sites, such as in Palmyra, with metal detectors and shovels. Criminal networks, meanwhile, are making use of heavy machinery to extract entire mosaics and statues from archeological sites. Facebook currently hosts dozens of groups with members buying and selling metal detectors, posting pictures of pottery, coins, mosaics and manuscripts, and trying to get them appraised. Given Syria's rich history and the region's location at the crossroads of empires, the antiquities date back to several civilisations, including Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman. Thwarting the trafficking is a monumental task. The new Syrian government is attempting to curtail looting, proposing financial incentives for returning finds and threatening up to 15 years in prison. However, given the lack of government resources and the fact that 90 per cent of Syrian society is living under the poverty line, the looting is still widespread. The responsibility to put an end to the trafficking could fall on the West, which is where most of the stolen antiquities are being sold to. 'How do we stop this? Stop the demand in the West,' al-Azm, who is a professor of Middle East history and anthropology at Shawnee State University in Ohio, said. 'Until the security issue improves, you won't see an improvement. We focus on the supply side to abrogate the responsibility of the West.'
MTV Lebanon
13-05-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Salameh meets Pakistani Ambassador, Swiss Ambassador
Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh received Pakistani Ambassador to Lebanon Salman Athar, in his office at the National Library - Sanayeh. During the visit, discussions between the pair reportedly touched on a number of issues of common interest, in addition to bolstering the bilateral relations between the two countries, especially the cultural ones. On emerging, Ambassador Athar described his meeting with Minister Salameh as fruitful, saying that the visit was an opportunity to discuss ways to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Athar added that he discussed with the Minister ways to activate the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cultural Cooperation which Lebanon and Pakistan signed in 1964. The Pakistani Ambassador added: "I sensed the Minister's desire to cooperate and facilitate procedures for organizing Pakistani cultural events in Lebanon." Minister Salameh later received Swiss Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Mariotte Weichelt.
ILoveQatar.net
12-05-2025
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
8 Qatari families named among Forbes Middle East's Top 100 Arab Family Businesses 2025
Forbes Middle East has revealed its Top 100 Arab Family Businesses 2025 list, featuring eight Qatari families recognized for their lasting influence and financial success across industries like hospitality, retail, and manufacturing. This highlights Qatar's growing impact on the regional economy. The list showcases 33 companies from Saudi Arabia, 32 from the U.A.E., and eight from Qatar. #9 - Al Faisal Holding - Founder & Chairman: Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Al Faisal Holding was established in 1964 to trade in automotive parts. Today, the group operates across various sectors, including real estate, hospitality, trading, and construction. Its subsidiary, the Al Rayan Tourism Investment Company, owns over 35 hotels across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and North America. In November 2024, the company established Al Faisal Al Baladi Holding Group to operate in distribution, retail, manufacturing, F&B, and hospitality. Al Faisal Holding's chairman, Al Thani, had a net worth of $1.8 billion as of April 2025. #10 - Power International Holding (PIH) - Group Chairman; President & Group CEO: Moutaz Al Khayyat; Ramez Al Khayyat PIH has over 400 companies across 19 countries operating in energy, concessions and construction, healthcare, professional services and contracting industries, agriculture, and food industries, among others. Its subsidiaries include UCC Holding, Estithmar Holding, Baladna, Assets Group, Aura Group, and TMT Group. In November 2024, PIH began the Zliten Power Plant Project in Libya by URBACON HOLDING, in partnership with Elsewedy Electric and the General Electricity Company of Libya. In January 2025, it completed the full acquisition of Mobile Telecom-Service LLP from Kazakhtelecom in Kazakhstan. #32 - Darwish Holding - Chairman & Managing Director: Bader Al-Darwish Darwish Holding was founded in the early 1900s in Qatar. Today, the group encompasses nine divisions, including real estate, stock market, retail, wholesale, malls, and technology. In 2024, the group expanded its real estate portfolio with new commercial and residential projects across Qatar. Fifty One East, the retail arm of Darwish Holding, is among the largest department store chains in Qatar, housing luxury brands such as Rolex, CHANEL, Boucheron, L'Oréal, and Sony, some of which have been represented by the group since the late 1940s. #57 - Alfardan Group - Chairman: Hussein Ibrahim Alfardan Founded in 1954 by Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan, Alfardan Group has grown into one of the most prominent family conglomerates in the GCC, it operates in jewellery, exchange, property, automotive, hospitality, investment, marine services, medical, and agriculture. In September 2024, it launched Athar, its first Group-wide sustainability strategy. #74 - AbuIssa Holding - Chairman: Ashraf Abu Issa AbuIssa Holding was established in 1981 by the late Abdul Rahim Abu Issa. The group operates over 100 retail stores and more than 10 distribution firms. It holds majority stakes in over 30 companies spanning sectors such as contracting, electronics, ICT and security, interior design, hospitality, and marketing. The group's portfolio includes developments like Kinza, a beverage launched in January 2024, and major distribution expansions through Palais Royal and Unipharm. Its auction arm, Al Bahie, recently broke a global carpet sales record. #81 - Almuftah Group - Chairman: Abdulrahman bin Muftah Al-Muftah Almuftah Group began selling gramophone records in 1963 and now spans manufacturing, trading, contracting, international schools, services, and F&B. In September 2024, it broke ground on a new English Modern School campus in Al Wakrah, set to open in 2026. In October 2024, it started construction of an Almuftah Jewellery showroom, and in November 2024 inaugurated its Aqua Plastic Factory. #82 - Almana Group - Vice Chairman: Saoud Omar H.A. Almana Founded in 1960 in Qatar, Almana Group operates in 10+ sectors, runs 30 businesses, and represents 100+ international brands, such as Coca‑Cola, Ford, Jeep, and Hertz. In 2024, Qatar Galvanizing, an Almana subsidiary, painted sections of the $22 million North Field expansion, and Saudi Arabia's $25.6 million Neom Project. In January 2025, Insulation Engineering Company JV'd with Al Tamimi Contracting to form an industrial‑services firm. Founded over 50 years ago by Mohamed Bin Hamad Abdullah J. Al Thani, MBHH operates in healthcare, hotels, real estate, travel & tourism, petrochemicals, F&B, and facilities management. MBHH also has Doha Clinic Hospital, one of Qatar's first fully-integrated private hospitals. In March 2025, its travel and tourism arm, Trans Orient, signed an agreement with Somon Air to launch Qatar–Tajikistan flights.
ILoveQatar.net
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- ILoveQatar.net
Alfardan Group awarded Qatar CSR Award 2025 for sustainable basketball court project
In a proud moment for sustainability and community development, Alfardan Group was honored as a winner at the Qatar CSR Awards 2025, held at Al Wosail Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, for its innovative contribution to environmental sustainability through the & "From Tires to Courts" initiative, Qatar's first basketball courts constructed entirely from recycled tire materials. As part of Athar, Alfardan Group's sustainability strategy, and developed in collaboration with Continental Middle East, the leading German company for tires and automotive technology, the project at AlGassar Resorts addresses urgent waste challenges through creative, and sustainable solutions. By transforming approximately 500 used tires into a safe, durable 175-square-meter sports surface using "Green Rub' tiles, the project reduced carbon emissions by more than 50% compared to traditional materials. Beyond its environmental impact, the initiative promotes community engagement, healthy living, and social unity through sports. The Qatar CSR Awards recognize organizations and individuals advancing responsible, impactful practices across Qatar. Alfardan Group's recognition highlights its leadership in sustainable innovation and community empowerment. 'This recognition marks an important step in our journey to turn sustainability from a vision into tangible impact. Our project, 'From Tires to Courts' reflects our commitment to innovative environmental solutions that address pressing challenges like waste management while brings communities together through sports and wellness. Through collaborative efforts under Athar strategy, we aim to take steady, responsible steps toward contributing to Qatar's sustainability goals' — Dr. Ma'n Alhamawi, CEO of Alfardan Automotive & Sustainability Committee Chairman As Qatar moves toward its National Vision 2030 goals, Alfardan Group continues to lead the way towards sustainable development in the country. As a member of the UN Global Compact since 2021, the Group remains dedicated to promoting responsible and innovative practices that align with the nation's sustainability goals. Source and cover image: Press Release
Observer
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Oman participates in 19 Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025
Venice: The Sultanate of Oman's pavilion at the 19th Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025 was opened on Thursday. The Omani pavilion is titled 'Athar' and themed "Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Architecture". The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Nizar Al Julanda al Said, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Italian Republic. Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture (Commissioner General of the Sultanate of Oman pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025), said in a speech at the opening ceremony that the Sultanate of Oman's participation in the event provides an opportunity to showcase the features of the Omani architectural identity, rooted in authenticity and open to the concepts of modernisation, sustainability and innovation. 'It is not just a design participation, but rather an integrated experience that portrays the life of the Omani society, through narrative and visual concepts blended with architectural creativity,' Sayyyid Said explained. He pointed out that this will be Oman's first participation in the architectural extravaganza and, accordingly, it constitutes a milestone in our cultural and architectural presence in the international arena. 'We have sought to make our presence a true expression of the spirit of the Omani land, incarnating the country's deep connection to nature, its adherence to authentic values and its aspirations for a future based on respect and renewed vision,' Sayyid Said added. 'The overall vision of our participation in the event is based on the 'Omani sabla', a typical manifestation of space for communication, decision-making, and dialogue,' Sayyid Said explained. (Sabla is a traditional social gathering place for Omani citizens during social occasions) The Omani sabla, he added, constitutes a fundamental pillar of social life and an inspiring model for present and future architecture. The Omani pavilion was curated by architect Majida Al Hanai, who crafted a design experience that blends Omani craftsmanship, spatial narrative and material innovation, much in line with the Biennale's theme of "Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Architecture." By reimagining the sabla within a contemporary architectural vision, the pavilion highlights the role of the sabla as an adaptable model that connects past and present, reflecting authentic Omani values of hospitality, dialogue, and community spirit. Oman's pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale will be open throughout of the Biennale's period from May 10 to November 23, 2025.
