TheDajjah

17/10/2023

: Meta Accused of Censoring Pro-Palestinian Posts

Social media users from around the world are raising concerns about the suspension and banning of posts and accounts expressing pro-Palestinian views following Israel’s intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Instagram users also complained about account restrictions and the inability to livestream.

One London-based user revealed to Arab News that her Instagram stories about Palestine received minimal views, while a picture of a skirt garnered much higher engagement. A number of pro-Palestinian accounts highlighted the same issue, with one user noting that her stories continued to be unnoticed until she started using the hashtag .

A Palestinian digital rights group called ‘7amleh’ documented excessive moderation and scrutiny of Palestinian content on major online platforms. They pointed out a double standard, where an Arabic hashtag associated with the recent escalation was hidden while a parallel Hebrew hashtag remained visible.

Meta, the parent company behind platforms like Facebook and Instagram, denied claims of censorship and shadow banning, stating that their policies aim to voice all opinions while ensuring safety measures on their platforms. However, they claimed the possibility of content being mistakenly removed because of the high volume of reports.

Meta is not the only company facing accusations related to this situation. Mondoweiss, a news account on X and TikTok devoted to Palestine reported a temporary takedown of its TikTok account.

The European Commission has launched an investigation into X for misinformation related to Hamas and Israel. Similarly, Tiktok’s CEO also received a warning for misinformation and the company’s handling of violent content.

17/10/2023

: Canadian Singer Shania Twain to Perform At Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix

Canadian country-pop icon, Shania Twain, is set to grace the stage at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. Etihad Park will come alive with the mesmerizing tunes of the five-time Grammy Award-winning artist on November 25.

Known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, Twain will treat her fans to an unforgettable performance, featuring timeless favourites, including ‘As Many of Mine’, ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’, ‘You’re Still the One’ and ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman’.

The entertainment lineup for this event is nothing short of stellar. Alongside Shania Twain, fans can anticipate performances by acclaimed Dutch DJ Tiesto and US pop sensation Ava Max, happening on November 23, as well as an incredible show by the legendary Foo Fighters on November 26.

While the artist set to perform on November 24 remains under the covers, one thing is certain: access to all these concerts is exclusive for Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix ticket holders.

17/10/2023

: Welcome to the World of Tomorrow Where Your Face is Tender

In a development that can only be described as ‘facial recognition technology gone wild’, residents of Dubai will soon have the option of paying their taxi fares with nothing more than the face god gave them.

At tech conference GITEX 2023, the Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced that buses will use cameras that recognise faces and undertake a 3D analysis. From there, the captured faces are converted into bio data, before the fare is automatically withdrawn from your bank account.

The news comes after it was announced that a handful of banks in Dubai have launched a service that allows customers to withdraw money without a card. Instead, verification is done through an app, as Dubai moves further and further forward into the kind of future that 90s sci-fi movies could barely imagine.

17/10/2023

: Saudi’s New Bus Service Will Transport 6 Million Passengers Annually

In another leap in transportation infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is launching an expansive bus service, connecting 200 cities and provinces across the country. This ambitious initiative, which comes with the hefty price tag of $853 million, is set to enhance connectivity and improve accessibility for people as it plans to transport six million passengers a year.

In the inaugural ceremony, the chairperson of the board of directors at the Transport General Authority (TGA) highlighted the economic benefits that would come with such a project, including the job opportunities that would surpass 35,000 direct and indirect ones, as well as a notable impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of SR 3.2 bn.

With state-of-the-art facilities, a focus on efficiency and sustainability, and the potential to fuel economic growth, the comprehensive bus network will further serve the needs of the people and support the country’s vision for the future.

17/10/2023

: MSNBC Suspends Three Muslim Anchors

Amid the escalating crisis in Gaza, US news network, MSNBC, has suspended the shows of three Muslim anchors, as confirmed by two MSNBC sources to Arab News.

News outlet, Semafor, stated earlier today that Mehdi Hasan, Ayman Mohieddine and Ali Velshi have been temporarily removed from their anchor roles following the recent hostilities between Hamas and Israel.

According to Semafor, the news network made changes to its broadcasting schedule, including the cancellation of a scheduled Thursday night episode of ‘The Mehdi Hasan Show’ and abandoned plans for Mohieddine to host Joy Reid’s show on Thursday and Friday. For his upcoming weekend shows, sources also disclosed that Velshi was being replaced by another anchor.

16/10/2023

: Stories From Palestine - Six Books to Read

It’s difficult to even fathom at this point, but there was once a time where Palestinians were free and prosperous. For decades, though, they have suffered under an unjust and illegal Israeli occupation, with Gaza turning into the world’s biggest open-air prison.

Beyond the horrors we see on the news, lives diminished to statistics, there are hundreds of personal stories that speak louder than any news report. From poetry to autobiographical accounts, these six books hone in on experiences and perspectives that are rarely covered or spotlighted.

Swipe right for the list.

16/10/2023

: Highlights from Dubai Fashion Week

From October 9th to 15th, the lavish Emirati city played host to Dubai Fashion Week, a remarkable showcase of fashion that spanned the entire spectrum, from making bold statements to reimagining classic trends.

The week kicked-off with an opening presentation by the American fashion house, Carolina Herrera, showcasing a curated collection of styles from its recent New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 show.

Throughout the week, international brands graced the runway alongside local emerging designers, ensuring a diverse and captivating display of fashion excellence. The grand finale featured none other than the iconic supermodel Namoi Campbell, who took the runway for the Malaysian luxury fashion house, Rizman Ruzaini.

The collections presented during the week showcased a rich tapestry of styles, with striking colors, all-white ensembles, metallics, denim, bold shoulder designs and intricate tailoring, setting the stage for fresh fashion trends. Dubai Fashion Week has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, elevating the city’s creative allure on the international fashion scene.

16/10/2023

16/10/2023

: Christie’s to Auction Six-decade-old Dalloul Collection of Arab Art

A selected array of artworks from the distinguished Dalloul Collection are poised to make a grand entrance into the market next November, marking what is expected to become one of the most significant auctions of Arab art this decade.

Renowned auction house, Christie’s, will host the momentous sale dubbed ‘Marhala - Highlights from the Dalloul Collection’ at their London headquarters on November 9th.

The Dalloul Collection is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional collections of modern and contemporary Arab art globally, featuring \pieces from across the Middle East. Initially established by collectors Ramzi Dalloul and Saeda El-Husseini Dalloul in 1970s, the collection is now curated by their son, Basel Dalloul, and his Beirut-based visual arts institution, the Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation (Daf).

The auction will present 48 artworks, including masterpieces by artists such as Mahmoud Said, Mohamed Melehi, Etel Adnan, Samia Halaby, Dia Al-Azzawi and Ibrahim El-Salahi.

One of the highlights of the Marhala auction is Mahmoud Said’s ‘Fille a l’imprime’ (Girl in a Printed Dress), dating back to 1938 and estimated between $455,000 and $715,000. Another distinctive artwork featured is ‘Kopf Links Gedreht’ by Marwan Kassab-Bachi, painted in 2014, which is estimated between $78,000 and $104,000.

The sale of these select artworks comes as part of Basel Dalloul’s mission to further diversify and continue to grow his parents’ legacy, while also supporting emerging talent in the region.

With over 3,000 pieces in the Dalloul Collection, this auction represents a small fraction of their treasures, offering an idiosyncratic glimpse into the realm of Arab art.

“This is really unique,” Ridha Moumni, Deputy Chairman of Middle East and North Africa at Christie’s says. “You don’t have a lot of families collecting Arab art for almost six decades.”

16/10/2023

: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship Kicks-Off November 1st

There was once a time when Jiu-Jitsu was something of a niche sport, dismissed by the mainstream as a bunch of men rolling around in their pajamas and putting each other in headlocks. It was the advent of mixed martial arts, championed most successfully by the UFC, that shone a light on a combat sport that is now one of the most popular in the world.

At the same time as UFC was finding its way into the mainstream, the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship was founded, in 2012 as the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup.

Now, it is considered one of the most prestigious and toughly-contested jiu-jitsu competition on the plant, the main event of the Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP), a tournament circuit that boasts over 80 events in all six continents, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour.

For 2023, the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world will descend on Mubadala Arena between November 1st-10th, with competitions in seven weight categories for men and five for women.

Looking back at previous editions, it’s no surprise that Brazilian competitors - who have made the sport their own over the last 50 years and even developed a ‘Brazilian jiu-jitsu’ as a separate practice - dominate the medalling, but there is hope for others, even the UAE. Last year, Emirati competitor, Zayed Alkatheeri (pictured), became only the second non-Brazilian contestant to win at the 56kg weight class, and one of only a handful of non-Brazilians to medal at large.

The competition offers a prime example of the growing interest in combat sports in the region, with mainstream boxing and mixed martial arts also finding a home in the Middle East.

You can find out more at events.uaejjf.org.

.

16/10/2023

: Leyja to Become One of KSA’s Most Spectacular Ecotourism Destinations

As Saudi Arabia continues to elevate a local tourism sector that has unbound potential, a new sustainable eco-tourism destination has been announced, promising to bring unforgettable experiences in nature with best-in-class facilities.

Leyja, a new development by NEOM, is shaping up to be a sustainable haven, nestled along the Gulf of Aqaba coast, where azure waters meet towering mountains. and a verdant valley. In keeping with NEOM’s dedication to preserving the environment, 95% of Leyja’s land will be protected as a nature reserve.

But among the ever prospering nature will rise three exquisitely designed hotels, offering a unique experience suited for different tastes.

The first hotel at Leyja caters to the adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, with a deconstructed design seamlessly blending into the surrounding terrain. But alongside the rock climbing adrenaline junkies, wellness enthusiasts who are longing for rejuvenation will also find their place with a second hotel in Leyja, deriving its tranquility from the wadi’s natural passage that flows through its center.

The third hotel, offering panoramic views of the valley, is located in the midst of Leyja’s largest oasis, making this property best suited for those seeking a dose of discovery and exploration.

Across the three hotels is a wide array of experiences and activities offered to guests. With rooftop infinity-style pools, guided wadi walks, and fine dining options by top rated chefs, Leyja is promising to be both an oasis of tranquility and adventure, as well as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to ecotourism, sustainable development, and the harmonious coexistence of nature and innovation.

16/10/2023

: UAE Launches M42, An AI Tool Poised to Revolutionize the Healthcare Sector

UAE-based healthcare network M42 has revealed its groundbreaking innovation: Med42, an open-access Clinical Large Language Model (LLM) that could revolutionize the healthcare sector and take ethical artificial intelligence to new heights.

Med42 boasts a substantial 70-billion parameter generative AI model designed to transform the healthcare landscape by directly influencing patient care outcomes.

Serving as an invaluable assistant to healthcare professionals, M42 simplifies complex medical inquiries, assists in personalizing treatment plans based on a patient’s medical history, expedites decision-making for doctors, aids pharmacists in dosage decisions and supports scientists in efficiently reviewing medical literature.

This open-sourced AI model scored 72 percent on the United States Medical Licensing Examination Sample, surpassing its larger, closed-model counterparts.

Developed by a dedicated team in Abu Dhabi and fine-tuned with the expertise of Cerebras and Core42, the model’s accuracy was verified by the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

Group Chief Operating Officer of M42, Ashish Koshy, explained how the AI model is more than just a tool saying “It’s a platform for collaboration. M42 aims to catalyze global innovation in AI for healthcare, empowering experts across the globe to refine and expand the model's applications in various medical domains.”

15/10/2023

: Thousands Dead or Displaced as Palestinian Attacks Continue

Israeli attacks continue to advance for nine consecutive days, wrecking down neighbourhoods, schools and hospitals, while Palestinians continue to fight for their territory, upholding a tenuous thread of survival. Casualties among men, women and children are rising exponentially with each passing minute.

A staggering one million Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes, following the evacuation order issued by the Israeli Army. Although the Palestinian-Israeli war has endured for years, the year 2014 is remembered as the bloodiest in Palestinian history, with approximately 2,200 citizens losing their lives in the span of 50 days.

Today, the ongoing conflict has shattered that record in just eight days. Swipe for more information on the crisis in numbers.

15/10/2023

: Sony’s New ‘Access Controller’ to Open Up Gaming for the Disabled

Sony has revealed that it is set to publicly release a new Playstation controller designed for gamers with disabilities this December.

The ‘Access Controller’ gives gamers who would otherwise find difficulty in using the traditional two-armed console controllers the chance to customize their gaming experience, with swappable buttons and stick caps, as well as an extendable control stick, allowing for a custom layout that caters to differing mobility challenges.

The 360° controller has been five years in the making, with Sony working with the accessibility community and accessibility consultants to perfect an innovation that has been long overdue. A 2021 report by disability equality charity, Scope, revealed that two-thirds of gamers with disabilities face hurdles in gaming, while up to 40% have purchased games that they were then unable to play.

The controller was initially revealed in January of this year, but has since gone through extensive testing with disabled gamers on three different continents.

The controller will be released on December 6th, with prices expected to be around the $90 mark, in keeping with princes for normal controllers.

15/10/2023

: This Morning Ritual is Your Key to Success, Says New Study

In the pursuit of success and fortune, we often seek out complex strategies and grand endeavors. But sometimes, one simple act, requiring less than a minute each morning, could significantly increase the chances of becoming a millionaire. While generally something that sounds too good to be true, is in fact too good to be true, according to the socio-economist Randall Bell, making your bed is the rich habit that can transform your life.

In his extensive study of over 5,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds, Bell found that daily habits played a crucial role in shaping success. These habits, which he refers to as ‘rich habits’, are seemingly miniscule yet hold immense power.

Bell revealed that highly successful people share the common practice of making their beds at the start of each day. Astonishingly, those who embrace this habit are up to 206.8% more likely to become millionaires. But why does such a seemingly mundane task hold such significance?

Making your bed may appear trivial, but its impact reaches far beyond neatness and orderliness. Bell explains that this act sets the stage for a positive mindset, igniting a chain reaction of productivity and success throughout the day.

Alongside this habit are other colorful rituals that successful people include in their lives such as waking up early, at least three hours before the workday begins, and prioritizing physical and mental well being by making time for exercise.

So before you lay out your master plan on how to become a millionaire, maybe you can just start out by making your bed.

15/10/2023

: Saudi Arabia to Expand Abha International Airport

In a significant move towards advancing the Kingdom’s infrastructure and tourism sector, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the launch of a master plan for the expansion of Abha International Airport.

The initiative aims to create a modern and iconic airport, mirroring the heritage and architectural identity of the Asir region, while significantly increasing its capacity and efficiency.

With a planned expansion of the terminal area from its current 10,500 square meters to an impressive 65,000 square meters, the airport is set to experience a groundbreaking transformation. The first phase of this monumental project is expected to be completed by 2028.

Key highlights of the expansion plan include the construction of passenger boarding bridges, the incorporation of self-service facilities, enhancing the overall travel experience.

The airport’s capacity is set to increase exponentially, with the new design aimed at accommodating over 13 million passengers annually. This is a remarkable jump from the current capacity, which stands at 1.5 million passengers.

Additionally, the number of flights handled by the airport is set to surge. The new Abha International Airport will manage over 90,000 flights per year, marking a substantial increase from the current 30,000 flights. This expansion also includes the addition of 20 gates and 41 check-in counters, seven of which will be equipped with self-service check-in kiosks, further enhancing the efficiency of the travel process.

The expansion of Abha International Airport is closely aligned with the Asir development strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. The ambitious project will not only help in the aviation strategy, which aims to increase air connectivity to 250 destinations but will also be instrumental in transporting 330 million passengers.

15/10/2023

: Get Your VR Glasses On and Prepare for Your Interview with the first ever AI Interviews in Dubai

Artificial intelligence is seeping into every aspect of life and so it was only a matter of time before it found its way into human resources and the hiring process. One Dubai-based hiring firm, Marc Ellis, is taking the leap after it revealed that it will be utilizing AI to conduct job interviews.

The firm is currently piloting an AI recruitment platform in preparation for its launch in December, using open-source AI technologies. This cutting edge development aims to streamline the hiring process, enhance efficiency, and create what can be deemed as a unique candidate experience.

While foreign sounding, robot interviews are designed to stimulate human-to-human interactions, providing candidates with a familiar environment while also leveraging the advantages of AI. Equipped with speech recognition, computer vision, and natural language processing, the robot will be capable of posing questions, listening to responses, and analyzing facial and body language, eventually evaluating the suitability of candidates for the role.

Further benefits of this project include eliminating manual CV scans, cutting down what can be a time consuming process, and offering immediate feedback to candidates.

15/10/2023

: Arab Publishers withdraw from Frankfurt Book Fair in solidarity with Palestine

In a powerful display of solidarity, Arab publishing bodies have withdrawn their participation from the Frankfurt Book Fair after a planned award for a Palestinian author was abruptly canceled, in light of the continuing siege of Gaza.

The Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest and most prestigious events in the publishing world, was set to honor Palestinian author Adania Shibli (pictured) with the LiTeraturpreis Piterature prize for the German translation of her novel ‘Minor Detail’, which book delves into the harrowing experiences of a Palestinian Bedouin woman who was subjected to sexual violence by Israeli soldiers in 1949.

Subsequently, the Sharjah Book Authority, the Emirates Publishers Association, and the Arab Publishers’ Association in Egypt have withdrawn their participation from the fair with immediate effect, citing the biased stance taken regarding the tragic events unfolding in Gaza.

In a statement made on Linkedin, Chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, said, “I strongly believe in the fundamental rights of civilians worldwide to live in safety, free from the dangers of armed conflict. In times of crisis and conflict, I strongly advocate for the role of books, culture, authors, book fairs, intellectuals, and artists in promoting unity, de-escalating tensions, and making diverse voices heard. By doing so, we can improve the prospects for peace and harmony."

With that being said, the pursuit of justice and the amplification of marginalized voices remains ongoing beyond the literary world, as a mighty battle to resist the censorship and bias of Western media continues.

15/10/2023

: The Kid Laroi is Coming to Dubai Next December

Renowned Australian rapper and songwriter, The Kid Laroi, is set to light up the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Friday 8th December. The concert promises to be an unforgettable experience, boasting a playlist featuring chart-toppers like ‘Without You’, ‘Best for Me’, ‘Love Again’ and more. With additional artists in the lineup and surprises in store, fans can anticipate a night to remember.

Presented by Virgin Radio in collaboration with Coca-Cola and supported by Dubai Calendar as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, tickets are now available, starting at just Dhs195 on coca-cola-arena.com.

Growing up in Sydney Australia, Charlton Howard, known as The Kid Laroi, held an unwavering dream of becoming a musician from a young age. Throughout his teenage years, he remained dedicated to his musical journey, aiming to reach the heights of hip-hop and R&B legends such as Tupac, Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne and Kanye West.

The megastar’s breakthrough came thanks to the guidance of his close friend, the late Juice Wrld. In July 2020, Laroi unveiled his debut album, ‘F*** Love’ which delved deeply into his personal experiences and heartache, featuring a poignant verse previously recorded by Juice Wrld before his passing.

Following the success of his hit collaboration with Justin Bieber on ‘Stay’, which dominated the Hot 100 chart in 2021, Laroid has garnered a number of awards, including Grammy Award nominations for Best Artist of the Year, Best Album of the Year and Best International Song of the Year for ‘Stay’ in 2022.

🇦🇪

15/10/2023

: Cristiano Ronaldo in Line for 99 Lashes?

Sections of Iranian media have reported that Portuguese football legend and crown jewel of the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo, could face 99 lashes under a charge of adultery, after some took offense to a photo of the 38 year-old Al Nassr player showed him posing with and hugging Iranian artist, Fatemeh Hammami.

The artist, who suffers paralysis in 85% of her body, is unmarried, and so Ronaldo’s actions violate Iranian customs, as touching an unmarried woman in any way is considered adultery.

The news was initially released by Iranian outlet, Rouydad24, but it has since been debunked by the Iranian Embassy in Madrid, who have dismissed it as baseless rumors.

"We strongly deny the issuance of any sentence against any international athlete in Iran," a statement read. “Cristiano Ronaldo traveled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official soccer match and was very well received by the people and the authorities. His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country's sports authorities."

The record-breaking forward was in Iran with his Al Nassr teammates, competing in an AFC Champions League fixture, a trip that saw Ronaldo meet several fans and take part in several photo ops.

14/10/2023

: Tough Mudder Infinity Soon to Land in AlUla

While Tough Mudder might seem like a bunch of grownups playing in the desert, it’s so much more than that. Marking the first-ever Infinity competition in the region, the global endurance sports series is set to take place on February 24th 2024, in the ancient oasis city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia.

Made for adrenaline junkies seeking the ultimate physical challenge, Tough Mudder Infinity AlUla is an eight-hour race encompassing over 21 demanding obstacles. While prizes are yet to unfold, the event promises to offer one of the most significant prizes in the sport’s history.

Tickets are now available with prices starting at SAR400 for individual participants and go up to SAR1600 for teams of four. Each ticket includes race entry, two nights’ accommodation, airport shuttles and food and entertainment access.

For those looking to experience the thrill of Tough Mudder without committing to the full eight-hour race, there are 5 and 10 kilometer races happening on the same day. Registration prices start at SAR150 for the 5K race.

Head to toughmudderarabia.com for more info and registration.

13/10/2023

: Sherine Shines With Multiple Middle East Concerts

After a prolonged absence, the renowned Egyptian pop icon, Sherine Abdelwahab, marked her triumphant return with a spectacular performance in August at the ‘Lela El-Domo’ show in Jeddah. She’s now set to delight her adoring fans across the Arab World with a series of concerts that will take her from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Sherine Abdelwahab will grace her audience with a mix of her latest tunes and timeless classics.

Her first upcoming concert is scheduled for October 27th in Saudi Arabia. Following that, she’ll take the stage at the Arena 360 mall in Kuwait on both October 29th and January 12th. Finally, on December 28th, she’ll perform at the Forum De Beyrouth in Lebanon. We’ll keep playing ‘Ah Ya Leil’ as we eagerly await the return of the romance queen.

13/10/2023

: Egyptian Government Announces Price Reduction on Essential Foods

In a bid to alleviate the burden of rising food prices and combat inflation, the Egyptian government has unveiled a new initiative to reduce prices on essential food by 15 to 25 percent. The announcement was made during a press conference held by high-level officials, including the Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and the Minister of Trade and Industry.

The government's proactive measures aim to stabilize prices and ensure the availability of goods, consequently improving the living standards of Egyptian citizens.

During the press conference, the government shed light on the underlying causes of food price inflation, which included the lack of supply, insufficient production, and challenges accessing raw material.

To tackle the issue head on, the government has reached an agreement with private sector producers and retailers to reduce prices on staple foods by 15-25%. This reduction will take effect immediately and is expected to provide substantial relief to consumers. Furthermore, these essential goods will be exempted from customs duties for a period of six months, further reducing costs and ensuring affordability for the general population.

While the initial phase of the initiative will concentrate on stabilizing poultry prices for three months, the government plans to extend its efforts to other essential goods for at least six months.