BERLIN: Authorities in Germany detained three alleged supporters of the Daesh group Tuesday on suspicion of preparing a deadly attack against non-Muslims.
Frankfurt prosecutors said some 170 police officers searched three apartments in the nearby city of Offenbach and detained the men, who were already known to authorities.
“The intervention occurred in time to prevent a concrete threat,” chief prosecutor Nadja Niesen told reporters in Frankfurt. She said that the suspects appeared to have planned an attack in the Rhine-Main region with the intention of killing “as many people, so-called unbelievers, as possible,” but it wasn’t yet known whether they had chosen a specific target.
Niesen said the main suspect, a 24-year-old German citizen with Macedonian roots, had already acquired materials needed to make explosives and searched for firearms online. Police seized various substances and electronic devices at the man’s apartment.
The other two suspects are Turkish citizens aged 21 and 22.
All three suspects are alleged to have spoken of their support for the Daesh group in the presence of witnesses, who informed authorities, Niesen said.
Germany: 3 extremists detained over suspected attack plot
Germany: 3 extremists detained over suspected attack plot
The King Faisal Prize 2024 awarded to four scientists and Japanese Association
- The service to Islam prize was awarded to the Japan Muslim Association
- The event is the most prestigious in the Muslim world and recognizes outstanding achievements in services to Islam
Riyadh: The winners of this year’s King Faisal Prize received their awards at a glittering ceremony staged in Riyadh on Monday.
Held under the auspices of King Salman, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar attended the ceremony, handing over the King Faisal International Award to laureates in its 46th edition.
The event is the most prestigious in the Muslim world and recognizes outstanding achievements in services to Islam, Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal, founder and trustee of the King Faisal Foundation and chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, said: “This award carries a prestigious name in a great country ... to honor science and scientists from various corners of the world who have contributed to presenting scientific research and inventions that have advanced humanity and served mankind.
“This honor always comes primarily for scientific achievement without considering any geographical, racial, religious, or sectarian considerations, hence the prize has gained appreciation from universities and scientific centers in various parts of the world,” Prince Turki added.
The service to Islam prize was awarded to the Japan Muslim Association for its care for the affairs of Muslims in Japan and interest in Muslim youth through education.
The selection committee also decided to grant the award to Dr. Mohammad Al-Sammak of Lebanon, for his early and continuous contributions in promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue, his hard work in strengthening relations and communication with others, and his active participation in dialogue conferences regarding the relationship between Islam and other beliefs, in addition to his presidency and active membership of many establishments, bodies and associations concerned with tolerance and peace.
The Islamic Studies prize was granted to Dr. Wael Hallaq, writer of “Islamic Systems and their Contemporary Applications,” a professor at Columbia University in the US, who succeeded in providing a scientific reference parallel to the traditional Orientalist writings influential in international universities, which appeared in his many works and have been translated into many languages, and his success in building a guide to the development of Islamic legislation throughout history.
Dr. Jerry Roy Mendell, a US national and a professor at Ohio State University, was granted the medicine prize for his work in screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of patients suffering from spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, osteochondrodystrophy, as the first researcher to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of high-dose adeno-associated virus gene transfer therapy for spinal muscular atrophy type 1 patients, a globally approved treatment.
Dr. Howard Yuan-Hao Chang, another US national, won the science prize for his pioneering contributions in explaining the role played by non-coding RNA in the regulation and function of genes. He developed innovative means to identify regulatory sites within DNA. These discoveries have had a great effect on the field of molecular biology and genetics, and a great role in understanding complex human diseases.
The selection committee for the King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language and Literature, whose subject this year was “The Efforts of Establishments Outside the Arab World to Spread the Arabic Language,” decided to withhold the award for 2024 “as the nominated works did not meet the award’s criteria,” according to a statement.
The King Faisal Prize was established in 1977 by the King Faisal Foundation. It was first granted in 1979 to recognize individuals and establishments and their outstanding achievements in its five categories.
AlUla Camel Cup promises a one-of-a-kind experience
- Tickets to major heritage event available online
- The camel racing spectacular runs from April 24-27
AlUla: The AlUla Camel Cup, considered the pinnacle of camel racing in the region, promises an exhilarating spectacle for sports aficionados and cultural enthusiasts from across Saudi Arabia and the world.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, the event will provide a celebration of sport, culture and entertainment.
In addition to the camel racing, there will be static and mobile displays and acts that celebrate AlUla’s heritage and Saudi Arabia’s artistic legacy, including music and performances that highlight the historical significance of the camel in local culture.
Workshops for adults throughout the day will cover calligraphy, traditional pottery making, incense crafting and Sadu weaving, providing hands-on learning experiences for visitors. Children, meanwhile, will enjoy a range of educational and creative activities, from camel origami and clay modeling to an augmented reality scanner that animates drawings.
Additional attractions include camel riding, a Light Brite experience where guests can try their hand at face painting, and a calligraphy light show after sunset. Visitors can also indulge in a traditional Saudi Arabian coffee roasting and tasting session.
Culinary delights from various cuisines will be available at pop-up stalls, while the retail experience will feature regional brands offering an array of products, including camel-themed streetwear, souvenirs and artisanal items reflecting AlUla’s heritage.
The event will also host the AlUla Design Award Ceremony on Friday, where the winning camel covers will be displayed in the Heritage Village.
Rami AlMoallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the commission, said: “As the second edition of the AlUla Camel Cup draws closer, we warmly invite sports and culture enthusiasts from around the globe to join us for an experience unlike any other. This event exemplifies RCU’s commitment to sporting excellence infused with cultural depth, reflecting both our rich Saudi heritage and our forward-looking vision for AlUla.
“We are gearing up to deliver an unparalleled celebration of the ancient sport that is camel racing, set against the breathtaking backdrop of this oasis city that will resonate with fans and families alike. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience in person this culmination of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural landscape and sports innovation.”
The event, being staged at the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village, will feature the region’s fastest camels and most skilled jockeys, promising several rounds of top-tier competition.
The inaugural Camel Cup last year drew thousands of visitors and this year promises an even more significant experience because 2024 is the Year of the Camel, celebrating the animal’s status in Saudi culture and society.
Ticket prices start at SR50 ($13). For bookings and further information, visit experiencealula.com.
Egypt increases funding needed in 2024-2025 budget by over $59bn
RIYADH: Egypt has increased the amount of funding required in its 2024-2025 budget by over 2.8 trillion pounds ($59 billion) following successive shock waves.
In the financial statement of the new draft budget, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait highlighted that the changes are reflective of the continuous struggles that the North African country has been facing following the COVID-19 epidemic.
The added funding aims to alleviate the inflationary effects that have been burdening the Egyptian public, improve the standard of living, and meet the developmental needs of citizens, the report said.
The allocation of spending in the budget will also seemingly reflect the needs of individuals by increasing spending on health and education and aiming to improve job opportunities.
Egypt’s economy has witnessed blows over the last half year due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has slowed tourism growth and cut into Suez Canal revenue, two of the country’s biggest sources of foreign currency.
Amid a staggering shortage of foreign currency and rapidly increasing inflation, the challenges prompted the International Monetary Fund to expand its financial support to Egypt to $8 billion in an attempt to shore up the country’s economy.
In a statement in March, the IMF board said its decision would enable Egypt to immediately receive about $820 million.
Similarly, the UAE, represented by a private consortium led by the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., signed a landmark agreement with Egypt in February to invest $35 billion in Ras El-Hekma, a region on the Mediterranean coast 350 km northwest of Cairo.
Since securing the deal, which marked the single largest foreign direct investment in the North African country, the nation launched some long-sought reforms with the central bank delivering a 600 basis-point interest rate hike and a pledge to unshackle its currency alongside a devaluation.
This led S&P Global Ratings to note that it has been encouraged by the rush of financial support to Egypt, therefore lifting its economic outlook for the country to positive from stable after the long-awaited currency devaluation, which is poised to ease foreign currency shortages.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation growth plays pivotal role in economic development: GACA president
RIYADH: Growth in air traffic, heightened investment interest, and a comprehensive strategy are driving Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector expansion, according to a top official.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, highlighted the sector’s pivotal role in economic growth and sustainable development during his speech at the Airlines Economic Growth Frontiers conference in Riyadh.
Al-Duailej emphasized that Saudi Arabia is significantly advancing its civil aviation sector under Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
The initiative aims to cement the Kingdom’s leadership in Middle Eastern civil aviation by enabling investments worth $100 billion by 2030 and leveraging private sector resources and expertise.
The strategy also outlines a holistic plan to upgrade airport services, airlines, and associated facilities, including cargo and logistics.
It aims to enhance the Kingdom’s global air connectivity through 29 airports, significantly grow passenger numbers, and establish Saudi Arabia as a premier center for cargo and logistics by 2030.
Al-Duailej pointed out the initiative’s focus on enabling competition and efficiency to stimulate investment and growth, overseeing its implementation, and ensuring compliance with regulations that provide safety, security, and sustainability.
He also highlighted the significant progress made in the aviation sector’s infrastructure and overall performance, driven by several undertakings launched by GACA.
These initiatives include massive investments that offer unprecedented opportunities for global aviation investors and operators.
He also mentioned a partnership between the public and private sectors to triple Abha International Airport’s capacity to accommodate 10 million passengers by 2030. The airport has already received interest from 100 companies to participate in this project.
Among the undertakings is the establishment of Riyadh Air, the launch of the master plan for King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, which aims to serve nearly 120 million passengers by 2030, and the opening of the Red Sea International Airport.
Moreover, Al-Duailej highlighted the launch of the National Air Connectivity Program to support the tourism and travel sectors in the Kingdom.
He also discussed significant investments in renewable energy and advanced air transport involving Saudia Airlines and NEOM, alongside substantial expansions by The Helicopter Co.
These efforts align with broader regulations promoting environmental awareness, ensuring balanced and sustainable growth for the aviation sector in the Kingdom in the long term.
Regarding passenger traffic, Al-Duailej revealed that the Kingdom saw a 26 percent increase last year, reaching a record 112 million travelers and surpassing 2019 figures by 8 percent.
In the first two months of this year alone, air traffic increased by 20 percent compared to the same period in 2023.
Another point of emphasis was the increase in air connectivity to nearly 150 destinations, with low-cost airlines driving growth between 2019 and 2023, thereby doubling their market share both domestically and internationally.
The Airlines Economic Growth Frontiers conference, hosted by AVILEASE, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, aims to highlight opportunities within the civil aviation sector.
The event, held at the Four Seasons in Riyadh from April 22-23, saw the presence of the vice presidents of the GACA, representatives of the PIF, and numerous officials and industry stakeholders from around the world.
PEN America awards canceled after writers’ boycott over Gaza
- Almost half of nominated authors withdrew works from consideration
- PEN America accused of complicity in ‘normalizing genocide’ in Gaza
LONDON: PEN America has cancelled its 2024 annual literary awards after several authors boycotted the event over the organization’s perceived failure to take a strong stance against Israel’s war on Gaza.
The decision came in response to an open letter signed by dozens of authors and translators who withdrew their work from consideration for the awards.
Sixty-one authors and translators were nominated but 28 withdrew their work, according to a statement released on Monday, forcing the organization to cancel next week’s event.
“This is a beloved event and an enormous amount of work goes into it, so we all regret this outcome but ultimately concluded it was not possible to carry out a celebration in the way we had hoped and planned,” said CEO Suzanne Nossel.
The boycott emerged amidst growing tensions with PEN, with authors urging the organization to take a stronger stance on the Palestinian crisis and advocate for a Gaza ceasefire.
In the letter, PEN was accused of acting as a “cultural front for American exceptionalism” and complicity in “normalizing genocide” by failing to address the situation in Gaza adequately.
“In the context of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, we believe that PEN America has betrayed the organization’s professed commitment to peace and equality for all, and to freedom and security for writers everywhere,” said a separate letter signed last month by several famous writers including Michelle Alexander, Naomi Klein and Zaina Arafat.
PEN America has defended its actions, citing its recent condemnation of the loss of life in Gaza, calls for a ceasefire, and the establishment of a $100,000 emergency fund for Palestinian writers.
The awards, which celebrates voices across various genres including writers of fiction, poetry, children’s literature and drama, was scheduled for April 29 at the Town Hall in New York City.
