Middle East Experience

Children in the Gaza Strip are the latest victims of vaccine scarcity during the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Gaza's children ravaged by third wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has announced a $13 billion (SAR50 billion) strategy to develop the Aseer region into a tourist destination, with plans to attract 10 million visitors by 2030.The development strategy under the theme of ‘The Arabian Highland’ aims to achieve a comprehensive, unprecedented and sustainable growth in the region, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The allocated funds will finance major vital projects from different sources and develop tourism attractions on and around the peaks of the Aseer mountains, turning the region into an all-year-round world destination.The region will rely on the beauty of its nature and its rich culture, which combines authenticity and modernity. The strategy will also contribute to the social and economic prosperity of the region.The Crown Prince also announced that the strategy aims to make the Aseer region a year-round world tourist destination catering to visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom.The funding will finance major vital projects and develop tourism attractions on and around the peaks of the Aseer mountains and highlight the local cultural heritage and contribute to the social and economic prosperity of the region, SPA reported.The Crown Prince said the Arabian Highland project aims to attract both local and international investments, which will contribute to producing effective and sustainable economic growth. It will also help provide vast new job opportunities, while raising the quality of life and improving the region’s basic services and infrastructure, including communication, healthcare, transport, he said.The plans are in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan – a reform plan put forth by the Crown Prince to transform and diversify the Kingdom’s economy investment and ensuring sustained social and economic progress.Read more:Saudi Arabia announces plans to transform, build museums across the KingdomSaudi Crown Prince launches ‘human capability development’ programSaudi Crown Prince announces ‘Revitalizing Historic Jeddah’ project
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi’s Crown Prince announces new billion ‘Arabian Highland’ development

Saudi Arabia’s finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan and the president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun held a virtual meeting on Monday to discuss the Kingdom’s future in the smart cities space.The inaugural event, ‘Building Smart Cities in the COVID-19 Era: Towards Resilience and Sustainability,’ was part of a lead-up to the 2021 Annual Meeting of AIIB Board of Governors.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The outbreak of COVID-19, which caused several countries to go into lockdown, left the world at a standstill. As more people continue to get vaccinated against the virus, life is gradually returning to normal and businesses have set their sights on recovering from the pandemic’s impact as soon as possible.“The global pandemic has had [a] tremendous impact on our way of governing cities and providing health care services and energy consumption. However, smart cities in the COVID-19 era will adopt modern technologies to realize e-governance, provide accessible tele-healthcare, green energy and transport, all leading toward to resilient and sustainable urban environment in the future,” AIIB President Jin said in a statement released on Tuesday.Saudi Arabia has been working towards creating more interconnected, smart cities for several years now, even before the pandemic.The Kingdom launched its Vision 2030 plan in 2016, and has since accomplished a great deal in the technology space. Under the initiative, Saudi Arabia has been actively working to implement smart city projects across ten cities.One example of the Kingdom’s success in this field would be NEOM, a self-sufficient city, powered by renewable energy, with state-of-the-art superfast 5G infrastructure and digitalized services.“I am pleased that Saudi Arabia was ranked second globally among the G20 countries in the Digital Competitiveness Report for the year 2021,” said al-Jadaan in reference to the country’s experience in this field.“The Kingdom has actively invested in its digital infrastructure under Vision 2030, including by launching the Line city in NEOM,” he said, adding that the country had a number of initiatives underway that aim to enhance the digital infrastructure such as the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).The initiative will develop advanced infrastructure for 35 cities globally.Al-Jadaan, who is the Governor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at AIIB since 2016, noted that “new technologies will continue to play a prominent role in transforming and reshaping the world in a profound way” but stressed that the country would need to simultaneously “keep an eye on its [technology’s] unintended consequences on inequality.”The Kingdom is a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which began its work in 2016. AIIB was set up to promote economic development and improve the connectivity of infrastructure in Asia and beyond through investing in infrastructure that is eco-friendly, sustainable and innovative.Read more:Saudi Arabia summons five social media influencers for violating media content rulesSaudi’s Crown Prince announces new $13 billion ‘Arabian Highland’ developmentSaudi Arabia supports global efforts to ensure Iran does not possess nuclear arms: FM
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia holds meeting to discuss current, future investments in smart cities

A Danish artist who was paid $84,000 by a museum delivered two blank canvases and named the artwork ‘Take the Money and Run,’ CBS News reported on Tuesday.Artist Jens Haaning was commissioned to create some artwork for the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg, Denmark.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The museum asked him to recreate two of his previous works: ‘An Average Danish Annual Income’ 2010 and ‘An Average Austrian Annual Income’ 2007, both of which used actual bank noted to show average incomes from both countries, a statement released by the artist said.In addition to being paid $84,000 to recreate the artwork, he was also given cash to include in his work, museum director Lasse Andersson told CBS News.The contract between the artist and the museum stipulated that Haaning would be given an additional 6,000 euros to update the work if needed.Haaning’s previous works highlighted that the average Danish annual incomes was around $37,800 (328,000 kroner) and the Austrian piece illustrated a salary of around $29,000 (25,000 euros).“We also have a contract that the money $84,000 US dollars to be displayed in the work is not Jens’ and that it must be paid back when the exhibition closes on 16 January 2022,” Andersson said.“The exhibition is called ‘Work it Out’ and features works of art by many different contemporary artists,” he said.The exhibition runs from September 24 this year to January 16, 2022.“The curator received an email in which Jens Haaning wrote that he had made a new piece of art work and changed the work title into ‘Take the Money and Run,’ Andersson said.“Subsequently, we could ascertain that the money had not been put into the work.”The frames that needed to be filled with cash were empty, CBS reported.“The staff was very surprised when they opened the crates. I was abroad when the crates were opened, but suddenly received a lot of mails,” said Andersson.“Jens is known for his conceptual and activistic art with a humoristic touch. And he gave us that – but also a bit of a wakeup call as everyone know wonders where did the money go,” he said.However, according to Haaning’s statement, “the idea behind [it] was to show how salaries can be used to measure the value of work and to show national differences with the European Union.”“Everyone would like to have more money and, in our society, work industries are valued differently,” Haaning said in a statement.“The artwork is essentially about the working conditions of artists. It is a statement saying that we also have the responsibility of questioning the structures that we are part of. And if these structures are completely unreasonable, we must break with them. It can be your marriage, your work - it can be any type of societal structure.”However, Andersson said that Haaning technically did not break the contract and they had gotten new and interesting art due to this.“When it comes to the amount of $84,000, he hasn’t broke any contract yet as the initial contract says we will have the money back on January 16th, 2022.”The museum has said that they are giving Haaning until January 16, 2021, to return the money, otherwise they will “take the necessary steps” to ensure that he complies with the terms of their contract.Read more:‘Worn Out’: Dutch museum finds Van Gogh drawing of tired old manScientists reconstruct 3D faces of Egyptian mummies from over 2,000 years agoDubai-based music company buys ‘side-eyeing Chloe’ meme as NFT for $74,000
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Artist who was paid ,000 for artwork delivers blank canvases

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Idlib, is refusing to sit down with al-Qaeda-affiliated Hurras al-Din leaders to resolve pending disputes.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syrian jihadist group won't reconcile with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib

Tunisian President Kais Saied named Najla Bouden Romdhane, a little-known university engineer with World Bank experience, as prime minister on Wednesday nearly two months after he seized most powers.Romdhane, Tunisia’s first woman prime minister, will take office at a moment of crisis, with the democratic gains won in a 2011 revolution in doubt and as a major threat loom to public finances.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.A geological engineer, Romdhane was responsible for implementing World Bank projects at the education ministry, but she has little experience of government.Speaking in a video published online, Saied said her appointment honored Tunisian women and asked her to propose a cabinet in the coming hours or days “because we have lost a lot of time.”The new government should respond to the demands and dignity of Tunisians in all fields, including health, transport and education, he added.Saied dismissed the previous prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed wide executive powers in July and has been under growing domestic and international pressure to form a new government.Last week he brushed aside much of the constitution, saying he could rule by decree and control the government himself, during an emergency period that has no defined endpoint.Tunisia faces a rapidly looming crisis in public finances after years of economic stagnation were aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic and political infighting. Government bonds are under pressure and the cost of insuring against their default has hit a record high.The new government will have to move very quickly to seek financial support for the budget and debt repayments after Saied’s power grab in July put talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on hold.However, after Saied’s announcement last week that the government will be responsible to the president and that he can select or sack cabinet ministers, the role of prime minister will be less important than in previous administrations.Read more:Tunisia’s political crisis threatens to deepen economic woesAbout 2,000 people gather to protest against Tunisian president: ReportOver 100 officials from Tunisia’s Ennahda Party resign amid crisis
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Tunisia’s president appoints Najla Bouden Romdhane as country's first woman PM

History will unfold when the world’s biggest cultural gathering opens for the first time in the Middle East as Expo 2020 Dubai’s inaugural ceremony is beamed live to the rest of the world.The organizing team behind Expo 2020 will be live streaming the opening ceremony on YouTube tomorrow (September 30) at 7.30 p.m. UAE time. YouTube’s livestream will bring Expo 2020 Dubai closer to the channel’s millions of users. One can also tune in at https://virtualexpo.world.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The star-studded line-up features the world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli; Grammy-nominated, Golden-Globe-winning actress, singer and songwriter Andra Day; platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding; international mega-star pianist Lang Lang; and four-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo.Spectacular fireworks will add to the event’s excitement.The opening ceremony will be streamed live to more than 430 locations across the UAE, giving everyone the chance to participate in the mind-blowing spectacle, wherever they might be.This will be followed a night later by three spectacular fireworks displays in Dubai, marking the first full day of the Expo in a spectacular visual celebration commemorating the journey from winning the bid in 2013 to opening the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, and the largest global event held since the start of the pandemic.On Thursday, September 30, nation-wide opening ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country, thanking the nation for its support and inviting everyone to come together to celebrate this momentous occasion for Dubai, the UAE and the region as a whole.Screens will be set up in locations ranging from airports and shopping malls to hotels and other landmarks, relaying the incredible music and cultural performances as they happen.Viewers from anywhere in the world can also join the evening’s proceedings via a global live stream, available on virtualexpo.world and Expo TV from 7:30 p.m. GST onwards.Fireworks displaysThe incredible fireworks displays will take place on the evening of Friday October 1, kicking off at 2020 GST, at Dubai Festival City, The Frame and The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, with each presenting their own unique celebrations.Both The Pointe and Dubai Festival City will incorporate their fountains into a dazzling light and sound show themed on Expo 2020, while The Frame façade will be lit up in Expo colours. The flags of participating countries will also be displayed at each, with booths on the ground for purchasing Expo 2020 tickets.The roster of streaming locations for the opening ceremony includes more than 240 hotels nation-wide, including Emaar’s Rove, Armani, Address Hotels & Resorts, and Vida Hotels & Resorts, as well as Accor, Marriot, Hilton, IHG, Rotana, Jumeirah, Hyatt International and Atlantis The Palm.In addition, 17 Majid Al Futtaim malls, plus City Walk, Nakheel Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall, as well as 50 Jashanmal locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 97 Mediclinics, Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports, and Zabeel Ladies Club, and Sharaf DG will also stream the experience.Expo 2020 Partners are also offering their invaluable support, with many, including Dulsco, Terminus Group, L’Oreal and Nissan, hosting opening ceremony viewing parties for their staff. Emirates, the Official Airline Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, will also stream proceedings across its first and business class lounges, both local and international.Adding to the evening’s magic, viewings are taking place at various locations in Umm Al Quwain, Yas Plaza in Abu Dhabi and across various locations in Ras Al Khaimah, including the Corniche, Al Marjan Island and Manar Mall. Ajman Heritage District and Fujairah Fort will also host a live broadcast, the latter accompanied by an evening of other festivities that include a mini village, folklore bands, traditional crafts, heritage displays and traditional food.Making of a new worldFrom October 1, 2021, to 31 March 31, 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai will welcome visitors from every corner of the globe to join the making of a new world, as it brings together the planet in one place to reimagine tomorrow.With the purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 will be the world’s most impactful global incubator for new ideas, catalysing an exchange of new perspectives and inspiring action to deliver real-life solutions to real-world challengeExpo 2020 will be the biggest cultural gathering in the world, presenting a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days, as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.Expo 2020’s subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability will inspire visitors to preserve and protect our planet, explore new frontiers and build a better future for everyone.For six months, Expo 2020 will be a must-visit family destination, with thousands of events, amazing exploratory experiences, and free entry for children up to age 18.Expo is committed to building a more equitable and just world for everyone, while keeping visitors safe by following the latest guidance of the world’s leading medical, science, and health experts.Read more: What's Expo 2020 Dubai? Top 50 things to do, see and discoverExpo 2020 Dubai showcases UAE, Arab world’s role in advancing human progressExpo 2020 Dubai : Opportunity Pavilion to show how UN goals can be ‘Mission Possible’
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Expo 2020 Dubai: Here’s how to watch the opening ceremony live on YouTube

New measures restrict the entry of Syrian patients to Turkey by canceling free treatment in its state hospitals and forcing them to pay the full cost of treatment.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Turkey suspends free medical treatment for Syrians

Jihadi spat in Idlib; Palestinians’ fashion feud; Lapid pivots left; Palestinians reject Armenian land sale in Jerusalem; Turkey’s generals and Syria; Qatari artist bemoans plastic pollution; and more! In less than 1,200 words.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: The Takeaway: What will it take to jumpstart Iran nuclear talks?

Two months after sacking his former prime minister, Tunisian President Kais Saied has named Najla Bouden Romdhan as the country's next premier.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Tunisia's Saied appoints female prime minister amid coup claims