Latest news with #MagdiYacoub
Watani
28-06-2025
- Health
- Watani
Statue for Sir Magdi Yacoub
'I love Egypt and I love my work. I also love art and culture. I believe that medicine and culture are what give value to life.' The words were said by world renown Egyptian British heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub during a celebration held in Cairo in his honour by the Ministry of Culture. Hosted at the Small Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, the event was held to commemorate Sir Magdi's humanitarian and scientific career, and announce the details of a project for a statue of him. The celebration was attended by Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture; Adel al-Naggar, Governor of Giza; sculptor Essam Darwish, the statue's designer; high ranking officials from the Ministry of Culture; and a host of public figures and national icons. 'I am grateful to my beloved country, Egypt, and to everyone who contributed to this project, which I see not only as a tribute to me personally, but also as a recognition of the value of science and humanitarian work in general,' Sir Magdi said, showing his deep appreciation for this national recognition. He then elaborated on the significance of culture to the growth of peoples. 'The civilisation and growth of peoples depend primarily on culture, which includes honouring community service, science and scientific research, as well as art, because science and health are incomplete without art. Culture, with all its elements, is what gives life its true meaning.' He stressed his deep belief in the value of culture and the arts as pillars of human development, just as science and health are foundations for advancing societies. Sir Magdi said he hoped that this honour would work as a source of inspiration for every young Egyptian who aspires to leave a mark, serving humanity. For his part, Minister of Culture Dr Hano talked about what he saw as God's greatest blessings to Egypt which is 'the men who have devoted their lives to serving humanity, not only with their knowledge, but also with their hearts, and with the hope they have instilled in the lives of others. Foremost among them is Sir Magdi Yacoub, a devoted son of Egypt, who was not just a gifted physician and world-class surgeon, but a humane person in every sense of the word. He believed that medicine is not just a profession, but a message of mercy and love, and that healing comes not from knowledge alone, but also from the heart. 'We are happy to announce the project to build a statue that embodies this inspiring journey, to serve as a symbol of the values embodied by the 'King of Hearts', [a title that Egyptians have fondly bestowed on Sir Magdi] and a renewed message of inspiration for generations.' The statue of Sir Magdi has been designed by Egyptian sculptor Essam Darwish; it is part of a broader project sponsored by the Ministry of Culture to honour Egyptian icons who left a profound impact on people's hearts and contributed to building the nation. 'Young people need true role models to inspire them and guide them towards the values upon which nations are built,' the Minister of Culture stressed. 'We are thus keen to embody these figures in our cultural arenas and institutions, so that they remain present in society's memory and a living witness to what dedication and hard work can achieve.' Dr Hano concluded by extending his gratitude and appreciation to Dr Abdel-Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development; Dr Naggar, Governor of Giza, for their sincere support and cooperation in bringing this project to fruition. He also specifically thanked Sir Magdi Yacoub for the knowledge and good he has provided—and continues to provide—to the people. Dr Abdel-Ghaffar, said that Sir Magdi is a global Egyptian figure and a symbol of dedication and humanity. The projects and services he provides, especially in southern Egypt, reflect a true love for his country and its people. He also makes great efforts to support and train young doctors, ensuring the continuation of his noble career, Dr Abdel-Ghaffar said. Mohamed Abu Saada, Chairman of the National Organisation of Urban Harmony reviewed the project's details, the statue's location, and its symbolic significance. He explained that the statue will stand in Kit Kat Square in the populous Giza district of Imbaba, near the Heart [cardiac] Institute busted by thousands of patients daily, giving the statue a symbolic significance linked to Sir Magdi's life work. Artist and sculptor Essam Darwish, beaming with pride, explained that the statue will be made of bronze, 6 meters tall, and will stand on an 8-meter-high pedestal. It is expected to be completed in eight months. According to Dr Naggar, Giza Governor, the Ministry of Culture will assume the technical aspect and provide full supervision of the implementation of the statue, while the governorate of Giza will provide the necessary funding and prepare the site to host the artwork. He said the governorate planned to implement, in cooperation with the National Authority for Urban Harmony, a comprehensive development project in the area, including upgraded sidewalks, vegetation, and traffic routes. A few days ago, on 18 June, the city of Aswan which is home to the famous Magdi Yacoub Heart Center, presented Sir Magdi with the key of Aswan, in recognition of his outstanding medical and humanitarian contributions. Aswan hands its key to Sir Magdi Yacoub Watani International 23 June 2025 Comments comments Tags: Egypt Culture MinistryEkhlass AtallahEklass AtallahSir Magdi Yacoub
CairoScene
23-06-2025
- Health
- CairoScene
Statue of Dr. Magdi Yacoub Will Be Installed in Giza's Kit Kat Square
A new statue of Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub will be installed in Kit Kat Square, celebrating his contributions to cardiac surgery and decades of service to underserved communities in Egypt and beyond. Jun 23, 2025 A statue of Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, the renowned Egyptian-British heart surgeon, will soon be erected in Kit Kat Square, Giza. The initiative comes under a newly signed cooperation protocol between the Ministry of Culture and the Giza Governorate. The sculpture aims to commemorate Professor Sir Yacoub's contributions to medicine and public service, particularly his decades-long commitment to providing cardiac care to underserved communities in Egypt and abroad. The Ministry of Culture, through the Cultural Development Fund, will manage the project, overseeing artistic contracting and all technical phases. The Giza Governorate will support the project financially and ensure the square is suitably prepared to receive the statue. Born in 1935 in Belbeis, Professor Sir Yacoub rose to international prominence for his pioneering work in heart surgery and for founding several charitable heart foundations in both Egypt and the United Kingdom. The statue forms part of a broader national effort to recognise Egyptian figures whose legacies are defined by service and impact.
Watani
19-06-2025
- Health
- Watani
Aswan hands its key to Sir Magdi Yacoub
In a heartfelt gesture of profound appreciation, Aswan Governor Major General Ismail Kamal, presented the key of the city of Aswan to Egyptian British world-renowned heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub, in recognition of his outstanding medical and humanitarian contributions, which have transformed Aswan into a global hub for medical tourism. The tribute took place during the governor's visit to the Aswan Heart Center. General Kamal commended Sir Magdi's pioneering work and his commitment to offering world-class medical care free of charge. He also announced the government's intention to name a major traffic axis and bridge in Aswan after Sir Magdi, in honour of his contributions to the city. On the other hand, the governor stressed the local government's commitment to supporting the Heart Centre and upgrading its surrounding area, and cleaning and enhancing the road leading to it. These efforts aim to reinforce the centre's status as a destination for patients from across Egypt and outside it, and as a symbol of Aswan's commitment to excellence in healthcare. In response, Sir Magdi expressed his sincere gratitude, commending the governor's visit and continued support. He reaffirmed the Centre's mission to provide state-of-the-art medical care and serve as a training ground for future generations of doctors. Established in 2009, the Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre in Aswan is widely regarded as one of the leading medical institutions in the Middle East. Since its inception, it has been offering free-of-charge world-class medical care to everybody, poor and rich alike. It mainly operates on donations. Every year, it performs over 4,500 medical procedures, including open-heart surgeries and catheterisations, and treats more than 45,000 patients through its outpatient clinics. The centre houses 100 beds across specialised departments, including pediatric and adult intensive care units, two state-of-the-art operating theatres, and a division dedicated to advanced research and medical training. Born in Egypt in 1935, Sir Magdi Yacoub is one of the world's most distinguished cardiac surgeons. His pioneering work in the United Kingdom and internationally has saved countless lives. In recent decades, he has dedicated much of his career to improving heart care in Egypt and Africa through his Chain of Hope foundation, embodying a legacy of medical excellence and humanitarian service. Watani International 18 June 2025 Comments comments Tags: Magdi Yacoub AswanMichael Girgis
Egypt Today
18-06-2025
- Health
- Egypt Today
Sir Magdi Yacoub awarded symbolic key to Aswan city
Dr. Magdi Yacoub; the world renowned heart surgeon CAIRO - 18 June 2025: Major General Dr. Ismail Kamal, Governor of Aswan, presented the city key to Dr. Magdi Yacoub, the world-renowned heart surgeon, in appreciation of his national role and the humanitarian, medical, scientific, and research mission he provides to the entire world. This came during the Aswan Governor's visit to the Aswan Heart Center and his meeting with Dr. Magdi Yacoub, in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Zakaria, Director of the Center. Dr. Magdi Yacoub thanked the Aswan Governor for his keenness to visit the center and his efforts to provide support to enable it to fulfill its noble mission to the fullest. During the visit, the Governor of Aswan confirmed that coordination is underway with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Transport to name the Aswan Dam replacement axis and bridge after Sir Magdi Yacoub, in appreciation, gratitude, and gratitude to the most prominent and dedicated national figure, the humanitarian icon, and the pride of Egypt. Yacoub's distinguished services have contributed to the provision of free, sophisticated, and high-quality medical services. He has also transformed Aswan into a destination for medical tourism, providing treatment to visitors from friendly countries. This demonstrates that Egypt is always rich in its scientists and innovators, who have had a significant impact on its status as the Mother of the World and the beating heart of human civilization. He pointed out that the governorate is keen to provide full support to ensure the center continues to provide its services, as well as to continue developing the area surrounding the center and intensifying public cleaning efforts on the road leading to it, ensuring that it remains a prominent destination for patients visiting it from both inside and outside Egypt. It is worth noting that Dr. Magdi Yacoub Center annually performs more than 4,500 medical interventions, including open-heart surgeries and cardiac catheterizations. More than 45,000 patients are examined in clinics throughout the year. The center includes 100 beds distributed across several departments, including the intensive care department for children and adults, as well as two operating rooms equipped with the American capsule system; a hotel care department; a cardiac catheterization care department; outpatient clinics and hotel rooms for patients, and a department for scientific research and training to prepare human cadres and a second generation of young doctors, nurses and technicians qualified to the highest level to deal with patients and contribute to alleviating their pain.
Gulf Today
11-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
American University of Sharjah honours philanthropic partners
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated its philanthropic partners who are helping shape the future of education during the AUS Donor Appreciation Get-Together, held on campus in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS. Speaking at the event, Sheikha Bodour said, 'At AUS we see philanthropy as a powerful expression of belief in the potential of education to change lives. Our donors are part of a living tradition that began with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and continues today in every opportunity we provide for students to learn, grow, and lead. The achievements we celebrate are proof of what is possible when we invest in people as well as institutions.' The event brought together philanthropists, alumni, partners and friends of the university to recognise those whose support continues to drive AUS forward. Among the distinguished guests was Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart surgeon and philanthropist, who joined the celebration as a guest of honour, underscoring the shared values of compassion, education and service that define the AUS donor community. Dr Giacomo Chiozza, Sir Easa Saleh Al Gurg Professorship holder and Professor of Political Science at AUS, served as master of ceremonies, reflecting on the power of partnership in academic life. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Sheikha Bodour, who emphasised AUS' responsibility to foster inclusion, drive innovation and prepare the next generation of changemakers with the support of its donor community. Guests were welcomed at the AUS Rotunda by university leadership, faculty and student ambassadors. Donors were invited to share messages in the commemorative Book of Memoir. A curated exhibition highlighting student-led research, creative projects and sustainability initiatives made possible through philanthropic support was also on display. In a special moment of the evening, donors were formally honoured by Sheikha Bodour and Dr Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, in recognition of their contributions to the university's continued progress. Their generosity has helped expand access to education, strengthen faculty expertise and bring student-centred projects to life. 'At AUS, we recognise that excellence in education and research is not achieved alone – it is realised through visionary partnerships with those who believe in our mission. Our donors are catalysts for growth, empowering us to drive innovation, expand access and amplify the university's impact regionally and globally,' said Dr Laursen. The programme honoured contributions across several categories, including student scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships, zakat-based giving, naming facilities, commemorative benches and tree legacy initiatives. A fireside chat between Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart surgeon and philanthropist, and Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy UAE, was one of the highlights of the evening. The dialogue explored the broader role of giving in driving progress across education, healthcare and society, while emphasising the lasting impact of structured philanthropy and the role of long-term investment in building institutional resilience. 'It is profoundly moving to stand among individuals who understand that the true pillars of a flourishing society are education, innovation and compassion,' said Sir Yacoub. 'In this event, we honour those whose generosity transcends the present moment, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.' Speaking during the discussion, Badr Jafar highlighted the power of education-focused philanthropy when embedded in strong institutional partnerships, 'Philanthropy reaches its highest potential when it is part of a broader ecosystem – one where donors, institutions and innovators work together to deliver lasting impact. In the UAE, we are proud to foster an enabling environment for such collaboration, and the AUS donor community is leading by example. Their commitment is helping to unlock the full potential of education as a driver of inclusive growth and long-term resilience.' WAM
