ABU DHABI: To mark World Autism Day, Saudi Hassan Dennaoui spoke to CNN’s “Connect the World” with Becky Anderson about how his 6-year-old son Ahmad’s diagnosis has pushed him to raise awareness about autism in the Arab world.
A few years ago, Hassan — better known as Big Hass, and the host of Saudi Arabia’s first FM hip-hop radio show — moved his family to the UAE following Ahmad’s diagnosis. Hassan now uses radio and social media to challenge how the Arab world views autism.
“In 2010 we were blessed with a baby boy, and three to four years down the line we found out he’s autistic,” he said, adding that the move from Jeddah to Dubai was aimed at providing his son with the right atmosphere to excel.
“We moved here (the UAE) exactly a year ago, and now he’s starting to speak. He’s starting to be much more aware of his surroundings.”
When discussing how this experience has affected him and his work, Hassan said: “When I say on the air that my son is autistic and that I’m not ashamed of it — and when I take a picture with my son, for example — I always use the hashtag #AutismisNotADisease or #AutismParent.”
He added: “Some people are a bit rude. They say, ‘Why are you so proud? He’s disabled.’ And I engage in the discussion. I think that’s what we want in the Arab world. As a radio host that’s what I try to do.”
Hassan explained what it is like for those dealing with autism and Down’s syndrome in Saudi Arabia: “They’re boxed down, put in houses with a ‘nanny’ while the parents are out, and that really brings tears to my eyes.”
His son being autistic “has opened another dimension for me,” he said, “supporting local (music) talents, changing perceptions about hip-hop, talking about my son, talking about how he changed me, how he made me more patient.”
Big Hass realized his passion for Arabic hip-hop in 2008 after discovering local hip-hop artists. “I started listening to hip-hop from Syria, from Iraq, from Palestine. I’m like, wow!”
He said rappers grew to become his primary news source: “I’d listen to them and educate myself on what’s going on in the region. See 99.9 percent of Arabic music is about love. You know we have other issues: Community issues, social issues and political issues.”
Hassan concluded his discussion with CNN by saying: “I want Ahmad, my son, to be the person he is destined to be, to become a man that can be dependent on himself, which is very challenging when it comes to autism, but I’ll definitely fight for that.”
Saudi dad of autistic child says autism not a disease
Saudi dad of autistic child says autism not a disease
KSrelief providing ongoing medical care in Yemen
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief is providing ongoing cardiac surgery and catheterization for children and adults at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Yemen’s Aden governorate.
The project runs until May 15, with 23 medical specialists participating in cooperation with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The medical team has already performed 35 cardiac catheterizations and eight open-heart surgeries, all of which were successful.
Meanwhile, KSrelief has completed another medical project which included 226 procedures for people with burns, deformities, and sports injuries.
This initiative took place from April 27 to May 5, 2024, in Yemen’s Aden governorate.
In addition, there were 1,026 individuals treated at the dermatology clinic, 2,317 at the family medicine clinic, and 587 at the dentistry clinic.
Training was also provided for 78 staffers in sports rehabilitation.
KSrelief to restore homes damaged in Aleppo earthquake
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief signed a pact on Wednesday to restore the homes of families affected by the earthquake in Aleppo, Syria.
In collaboration with a civil society institution in Syria, this project aims to restore 743 homes to benefit over 4,500 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Renovations will include the provision of new water tanks and ventilation systems.
KSrelief’s Assistant Supervisor-General for Operations and Programs Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz signed the pact at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh.
Saudi Armed Forces participate in military exercise in Turkiye
- The field exercise phase of EFES 2024, which begins on Friday and continues until May 30, follows a command center phase that began on April 25 and ended on Wednesday
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Armed Forces are taking part in a multinational military exercise in the Turkish city of Izmir, the Kingdom’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
Upon arrival in Turkiye ahead of the field-exercise phase of EFES 2024, the Saudi units were greeted by the military attache at the Saudi embassy in Ankara, Commodore Adel Al-Kalthami, the director of the exercise from the Kingdom, Brig. Gen. Nasser Al-Suhaimi, and officers from branches of the Armed Forces.
The exercise involves two main phases, the first of which was a command-center exercise at the Multinational War Center in Istanbul and the Joint Command Training Center in Izmir, which began on April 25 and concluded on Wednesday. The second phase, involving live-firing field exercises at Izmir’s Doganbey Firing and Exercise Area, begins on Friday and continues until May 30.
The head of the Saudi Armed Forces Education and Training Authority, Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, said participation of the nation’s forces in the exercise reflects the care and support of the Saudi leadership for the development of their capabilities and the enhancement their organizational, training and armaments skills.
The exercise provides an opportunity for forces from participating nations to exchange skills, train together in the planning and coordination of joint operations in various environments, raise their combat efficiency, and enhance military cooperation, he added.
During the exercise the Saudi units and their counterparts from other countries will carry out many field maneuvers on land and sea, including sea-landing operations, search and rescue missions, and responses to threats posed by drones, using light arms loaded with live ammunition and other weaponry, Al-Balawi said.
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to Brazilian president over flood victims
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a message of condolences and sympathy to Brazilain President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following the floods that swept the state of Rio Grande do Sul that killed and injured several people and left a number missing, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
“We learned of the news of the floods that swept through the state of Rio Grande do Sul, south of the Federal Republic of Brazil, and the resulting deaths, injuries, and missing persons,” the king said.
He added: “We share Your Excellency’s pain of this tragedy, and we send to you, to the families of the deceased, and to your friendly people, our warmest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing that the missing will return safely and the injured a speedy recovery.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable to the Brazilian president.
Heavy rains and flooding in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul since last week also have left 128 people missing, authorities said. More than 230,000 have been displaced, and much of the region has been isolated by the floodwaters.
(With AP)
Saudi crown prince, Ukrainian president discuss Russia-Ukraine conflict during call
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday received a phone call from Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed several issues of common interest.
They also discussed developments in the Ukrainian-Russian war and efforts to resolve the conflict.
