Professor Mohammed Mamdouh’s critically acclaimed docudrama, ‘Halal Dreams,’ continues its remarkable journey across the global film festival circuit with its upcoming premiere at the New York Short Film Festival this November. The film, which has already garnered multiple international awards in the USA, Thailand, and Russia, is also slated for screenings at the Culver City Film Festival in Los Angeles, the London Global Film Awards, and the Sokcho International Food Film Festival in South Korea. Set against the backdrop of a frigid New York City night, ‘Halal Dreams’ poignantly portrays the life of an Egyptian halal cart worker striving to maintain a connection with his daughter while navigating the relentless pace of urban life. Mamdouh, an Assistant Professor at the American University of Sharjah’s College of Architecture, Art and Design, shared that the film explores themes of distance and belonging, emphasizing the enduring ties to loved ones and cherished memories. The film has earned widespread acclaim, including Best Docudrama awards from the Los Angeles Short Film Award, Ural Shorts International Film Festival in Russia, and the Bangkok Movie Awards, as well as an Exceptional Merit distinction from the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival in California. Notably, ‘Halal Dreams’ was one of only 15 films selected from over a thousand submissions for the Sokcho International Food Film Festival. This success follows Mamdouh’s earlier short film, ‘The Keyboard,’ written by his wife, Jumana Radi, which has been showcased at more than 30 international festivals and won nine awards, including Best Experimental Film honors in New York, Tokyo, and London. Beyond his filmmaking achievements, Mamdouh brings nearly two decades of experience in the UAE’s media industry, spanning film, advertising, brand management, and education. At AUS, he mentors aspiring visual storytellers, teaching courses in film production, screenwriting, AI, documentary film, and media systems.
标签： Africa
非洲
-
Abu Dhabi emerges as global hub for autonomous tech, smart innovation
Abu Dhabi is rapidly transforming into a global hub for autonomous technology and smart innovation, with ambitious plans to make 25% of all trips autonomous by 2040. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), emphasized the city’s role as a ‘sandbox’ for testing cutting-edge technologies during the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025. He announced the signing of 13 commercial pilot agreements, with more to follow, highlighting the importance of speed and innovation in this sector. Al Zaabi noted that Abu Dhabi is not only focusing on smart and autonomous vehicles but also investing in 13 key clusters, including manufacturing, to integrate technology, talent, and robotics at an advanced level. This initiative is part of broader diversification efforts, with the non-oil sector now contributing 57% to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, a significant shift from its previous oil-dominated economy. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities & Transport – Abu Dhabi, also emphasized the importance of risk management in maintaining the city’s leadership in innovation. Abu Dhabi’s strategic investments and forward-thinking policies are positioning it as a global leader in autonomous technology and smart innovation.
-
Smart FM and sustainability drive residential property management evolution in the Middle East
The Middle East’s residential property management sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the integration of smart facility management (FM) technologies and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Owners’ associations, particularly in the UAE, are increasingly adopting data-driven solutions to streamline operations, control service charges, and enhance property value. This shift is fueled by rising resident expectations, regulatory pressures, and the need for cost efficiency. The transition from reactive maintenance to predictive management is gaining traction across the region, with digital platforms and energy optimization strategies becoming central to FM operations. A 2024 Frost & Sullivan report projects the GCC FM market to reach $71 billion by 2026, with residential services playing a significant role due to urban expansion and smart city initiatives. Engie Solutions, a leading player in the region’s FM landscape, is at the forefront of this evolution. The company’s Smart O&M platform, a cloud-based solution powered by AI, enables real-time monitoring of assets such as HVAC systems and elevators. This proactive approach not only reduces emergency callouts but also delivers energy savings of 5–15%. A notable example is Engie’s work on the DMCC Uptown Tower in Dubai, where the company achieved a 10% reduction in energy consumption while supporting LEED Gold certification. Engie’s energy management programs, which include occupancy-based HVAC optimization and automated controls, help residential owners’ associations reduce utility expenses and lower service charges. With over 3,000 employees in the region and global expertise from 30 countries, Engie is uniquely positioned to address both international standards and local market needs. Graham Easton, Managing Director of Engie Solutions IFM GCC, emphasizes that digital transformation and sustainability are essential for the future of property management. “Properties with strong environmental credentials will command premium values,” he states, highlighting the importance of optimizing performance and enhancing asset value.
-
‘Cutest comeback ever’ – Jabeur announces pregnancy
Former world number two and two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur has revealed that she is expecting her first child, marking a significant pause in her tennis career. The 31-year-old Tunisian athlete, currently ranked 79th, announced the news on Instagram, sharing her excitement about welcoming a baby boy in April. Jabeur, affectionately known as the ‘Minister of Happiness’ for her vibrant personality, explained that she decided to step away from the sport in July to prioritize her mental and physical health. She expressed that she had not felt joy on the court ‘for some time’ and needed time to ‘breathe, heal, and rediscover the joy of simply living.’ Jabeur also echoed concerns about the grueling tennis schedule, describing it as ‘killing everyone,’ a sentiment shared by other top players like Iga Swiatek. Despite her hiatus, Jabeur remains a trailblazer as the highest-ranked Arab player in WTA history, with five singles titles to her name. Fans eagerly await her eventual return to the court, but for now, she is focused on her growing family.
-
Sharjah: Free organic wheat seeds to be given to farmers under Ruler’s grant
In a significant move to enhance food security, Sharjah has launched the fourth phase of its agricultural initiative, distributing 20 tonnes of organic, non-GMO wheat seeds to 500 local farmers. This initiative, funded by Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign imports and bolster the emirate’s strategic food reserves. The distribution is taking place at the Mleiha wheat farm’s administrative building and will continue for a week. The Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock is spearheading the effort, aiming to empower farmers by providing essential resources for expanding organic wheat cultivation. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji, Chairman of the Department, emphasized the initiative’s strategic importance, stating that it aligns with the government’s goal to increase local production and reduce dependency on external sources. Beyond seed distribution, the program includes comprehensive support such as guidance from agricultural engineers, training in modern techniques, and the development of a smart agricultural platform to monitor farms via satellite. This platform will enhance production efficiency, promote natural resource conservation, and facilitate market access for farmers. Mohammed Obaid Al Teneiji, Director of the Central Region Branch, highlighted the holistic approach, which includes land preparation, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting services. Sharjah’s focus on organic wheat cultivation underscores its commitment to sustainable agriculture and community participation in achieving long-term food security.
-
Armed men in Mali publicly killed a TikTok influencer, authorities say
In a chilling act of violence, a prominent TikTok influencer in Mali was abducted and executed by armed men, authorities confirmed on Monday. Mariame Cissé, known for her pro-military posts on the platform, was forcibly taken from a weekly market in Echel on Friday. The following evening, she was brought to Independence Square in Tonka and publicly executed in front of a horrified crowd. Yehia Tandina, the mayor of Timbuktu, provided these harrowing details to The Associated Press. Mamadou Konipo, the mayor of Tonka, corroborated the incident but noted a lack of further information. Tonka, a village near the Niger River approximately 150 kilometers from Timbuktu, is a known stronghold for the al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). No group has yet claimed responsibility for the killing. Cissé, who amassed over 140,000 followers on TikTok, frequently shared images of herself in military attire, which likely drew the attention of her assailants. She had reportedly received death threats days before her abduction. Mali has been grappling with escalating violence since 2012, with JNIM and other armed groups dominating vast rural areas. The military seized power in 2020, citing the need to address insecurity, but the situation has deteriorated further, exacerbated by a recent fuel blockade imposed by JNIM.
-
Sharjah in New York? Luxury coffee table book on ‘capital of culture’ launched globally
Sharjah, the UAE’s cultural hub, has been immortalized in a lavish coffee table book titled ‘Sharjah: The Capital of Culture,’ a collaborative masterpiece with Assouline, the globally acclaimed luxury publisher. The book, unveiled at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, offers a profound exploration of the emirate’s cultural identity through seven thematic chapters: architecture, art, education, environment, literature, museums, and craftsmanship. This publication marks a pivotal moment in Sharjah’s global cultural narrative, showcasing its rich heritage and visionary projects. Ahmad Obaid Al Qaseer, Executive Director of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), emphasized that the book aims to capture the ‘soul of the city’ rather than merely its physical structures. The year-long project involved meticulous research, high-quality photography, and a commitment to excellence, reflecting Assouline’s reputation for producing visually stunning and collectible works. Notably, the book will not have a digital edition, as it is designed to be a physical luxury item, available globally through Assouline’s stores and online platforms. An Arabic edition is also in the works, further extending its reach. The book’s launch coincides with the Sharjah International Book Fair, where it will be prominently featured, alongside Shurooq’s outlets. Al Qaseer envisions the book becoming a cherished piece in homes across Sharjah and beyond, solidifying the emirate’s status as a global cultural capital.
-
Want to be future-ready? Dubai’s new ‘micro-master’ degree to train you for tomorrow
Dubai is pioneering a groundbreaking educational initiative with the launch of a ‘micro-master’ degree in planning and future foresight for municipal work. This six-month hybrid program, developed in collaboration between Dubai Municipality and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai, aims to equip participants with the skills to address real-world workplace challenges and implement practical solutions immediately. The course is being hailed as a transformative step in higher education, offering a flexible and efficient pathway to professional development. Participants who complete the program will receive an accredited, internationally recognized academic certificate. Those who wish to further their education can use the credits earned toward a full master’s degree. Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, emphasized that this program reflects the future of education, where learners can acquire essential skills in a shorter timeframe and apply them directly to their careers. The curriculum covers qualitative and quantitative foresight methodologies, including scenario planning, strategic road mapping, and environmental scanning. Participants will engage in hands-on capstone projects, supported by global experts, to tackle pressing issues such as achieving net zero by 2050, ensuring food security, and designing sustainable urban environments. The initiative is designed to institutionalize future foresight capabilities within Dubai Municipality’s leadership, enabling participants to anticipate trends, manage uncertainty, and develop adaptive strategies that align with Dubai’s long-term urban, environmental, and economic goals. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted the importance of anticipating change as a collective responsibility to ensure readiness for the future. This program not only strengthens municipal leadership but also fosters agility and informed decision-making grounded in emerging trends.
-
Rajiv Sharma of NLP Limited receives ‘Best Leadership Training’ award from Alleem Group
Rajiv Sharma, Program Director at NLP Limited, has been awarded the ‘Best Leadership Development Program’ accolade at the 2025 Alleem Business Congress in Ajman. This prestigious recognition underscores Sharma’s groundbreaking work in crafting leadership training initiatives that blend Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) principles with evidence-based frameworks. These programs are designed to foster adaptive, emotionally intelligent leaders capable of navigating the complexities of today’s diverse and digitally driven business landscape.
NLP Limited’s training model emphasizes behavioural intelligence, enabling participants to decode client intent, manage multicultural communication effectively, and influence decision-making with empathy and precision. Over the past year, the program has been adopted by organizations across various sectors, including real estate, banking, hospitality, and professional services. Companies have reported significant improvements in negotiation outcomes, team collaboration, and client retention, attributing these successes to the program’s focus on leadership resilience and human-centred learning.
The award from the Alleem Business Congress highlights a broader trend in the GCC region, where leadership development is increasingly shifting from process-oriented training to approaches that prioritize emotional intelligence and adaptability. NLP Limited continues to expand its collaborations with both private and public sector entities, aiming to enhance workforce capabilities and drive performance excellence across the region.
-
SIBF 2025: Feeling low? Poetry ‘pharmacy’ prescribes poems to visitors
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 has introduced a unique and captivating attraction: the Poetry Pharmacy. This innovative stall, designed to resemble a traditional dispensary, offers visitors a literary remedy for their emotional needs. Rows of glass jars, neatly labeled with titles such as ‘First Aid,’ ‘Calm,’ ‘Words for Love,’ and ‘Joy,’ contain not medicine but verses printed on tiny scrolls of paper. Each scroll, rolled like a capsule, is ready to be “prescribed” to soothe the heart and mind. The concept, originating from the UK, has become one of the most photographed and talked-about features of this year’s fair. Visitors can browse shelves marked ‘Prescriptions’ and select a poetic cure tailored to their emotional state, guided by a chart that suggests categories like ‘Feeling Lost? Start Here.’ Founder Deborah Alma, known as the ‘Emergency Poet,’ explained that the idea stems from the belief that literature can function as therapy. ‘In the UK, our bookshops are divided by emotional state,’ she said. ‘Here, poems are presented in pill bottles, each containing a verse that resonates with your feelings.’ At the stall, visitors receive personalized prescription slips filled out by ‘pharmacists’ dressed in white coats. The scrolls inside the capsules feature works by renowned poets such as Tagore, Emily Dickinson, and Maya Angelou. The Poetry Pharmacy also offers bottles and matching books for purchase, each color-coded to represent different emotions. For many attendees, the stall is a perfect blend of literary charm and visual delight, making it a memorable highlight of SIBF 2025.