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Al Bawaba
3 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Kuwait actress Shejoun Al-Hajri arrested for drugs — Internet reacts fast
ALBAWABA - Kuwaiti actress Shejoun Al-Hajri drug arrest shocks social media. A photograph that was distributed by the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has created a significant amount of discussion across various social media sites. Shejoun Al-Hajri, a social media star from Kuwait, is depicted in the picture, which was shared on the official accounts of the ministry. The ministry has confirmed that Al-Hajri was taken into custody by the General Department for Drug Control. The ministry disclosed in a statement that the arrest will be handled by the Criminal Security Sector. The ministry issued the announcement. The report states that authorities took Al-Hajri into custody for possessing narcotic and psychotropic substances with the intent to use them. This arrest is a part of Kuwait's increasingly aggressive campaign against drug trafficking and abuse. moi_kuw Instagram profile According to the authorities, Shejoun Al-Hajri had been under observation as a result of the investigative procedures that occurred after suspicions were raised about her involvement in the possession of illegal drugs. According to reports, when she was taken into custody, security personnel found that she was in possession of substantial quantities of marijuana and cocaine, in addition to other psychotropic chemicals. The authorities responsible for her protection have initiated a legal proceeding and are currently holding her. Anti-drug efforts will continue with determination as part of a larger national plan to safeguard society from the dangers of narcotics, according to a public statement issued by the Ministry of Justice, which highlighted the ministry's commitment to combating drug-related offenses. The Ministry of Justice urged citizens and residents to assist security forces by reporting suspicious activity or information that could enhance public safety. Officials emphasized the significance of community cooperation and urged citizens and residents to assist security forces. Although the ministry did not provide any additional information regarding the current investigation or the possible legal repercussions for Shejoun Al-Hajri, the public disclosure of her arrest has garnered both criticism and support in the internet community. Discussions on drug use, public figures, and the function of law enforcement in the Gulf area have been rekindled once more as a result of the occurrence.


Zawya
4 hours ago
- Science
- Zawya
University of Dubai and AIJRF launch the first Arab initiative in academic research and AI technologies
The University of Dubai, in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF), has officially launched a groundbreaking Arab initiative titled 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR)'. This is the first initiative of its kind in the region and comes as part of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), which was first announced last year at the University of Dubai. A Regional Step Forward in Academic Innovation His Excellency Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the key recommendations announced at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), particularly those drawn from the inaugural report of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU). The findings underscored the urgent need to integrate AI tools and technologies into both Academic Research and teaching practices across Arab universities. Dr. Al Bastaki stated: 'The current initiative, 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR),' aims to enhance the skills of Arab researchers and academics in embedding AI technologies and tools into teaching methods, curricula, and academic research. It promotes the optimal use of artificial intelligence in higher education across all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate.' Fostering a Widespread Educational Transformation His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Center for Futures Studies at the University of Dubai and the president of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), highlighted the importance of this initiative in reaching a wide audience of researchers. He noted that it offers a specialized training program to help integrate AI applications into both educational practices and academic research processes across all levels of study. A Specialized AI Training Program for Academia His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Abdulzaher, CEO of AIJRF, stressed the initiative's role in launching such a highly specialized training program. This program is designed to teach participants the fundamentals and applications of AI tools in both theoretical and applied research, while also enabling them to analyze research data using AI, yielding faster and more efficient outcomes. Dr. Abdulzaher added: 'The program will also introduce participants to innovative AI-based teaching approaches -from smart classroom practices and automated assignments to AI-generated project ideas- along with the ethical principles guiding the use of AI in education.' Initiative Objectives Enhance researchers' skills in using AI tools and applications in all areas of Academic Research, in an objective and academically sound manner. Integrate AI tools and technologies into the educational process within universities and educational institutions at all levels: undergraduate and postgraduate. Promote a new understanding of how to present ideas for studies, master's and doctoral thesis, and international publications when addressing AI tools and technologies. Empower Arab researchers and academics to use AI tools and technologies in scientific research, in accordance with international best practices. Empower Arab researchers and academics to integrate AI tools and technologies into scientific research using global best practices. Enhance the integration of AI in higher education by developing innovative teaching methods based on intelligent data analysis and interactive learning. Build a specialized Arab knowledge community focused on AI applications in education and research through knowledge exchange, workshops, and training programs. Provide Arabic-language resources and guidelines to support the effective incorporation of AI into university curricula, while considering local academic and cultural contexts. Promote Arab scientific research in the field of AI in education, and encourage the publication of academic work at both regional and international levels. Foster ethical and critical thinking in the use of AI in educational settings by raising awareness of the risks and challenges of emerging technologies. Develop strategic partnerships between universities, research centers, and institutions involved in technology and education to support digital academic transformation across the Arab world. Expected Outcomes Master the use of AI tools and applications in academic research. Utilize AI in data analysis to derive faster and more accurate conclusions. Embed AI into smart curricula and classroom strategies, including automated assignment creation, grading, and project development. Understand and apply the ethical principles of artificial intelligence. Acquire technical and cognitive skills necessary for AI application in academia. Systematically and effectively integrate AI into teaching methods and curricula. Design and develop AI-based academic research in line with global academic standards. Optimize AI usage in university education to improve quality and digital transformation. Prepare a new generation of Arab researchers capable of leading innovation in educational and technological institutions. Training Methodology and Tools 10 AI tools for research writing and scientific publishing 5 AI applications for classroom management 5 AI tools for managing student projects, assignments, and assessments Program Duration and Certification The training program is conducted three times annually Each round includes 150 participants The program spans 4 intensive days, totaling 15 practical training hours Participants who submit a final research or educational project will receive an accredited certificate from: Artificial Intelligence Journalism Foundation (AIJRF) University of Dubai Other participating universities About AIJRF Founded in 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF) is the world's first global research organization dedicated to the study of media, artificial intelligence, content creation, media of Metaverse, the Fourth & Fifth Industrial Revolution, and humanities. It was established by a group of professors and academic researchers specializing in these fields. AIJRF leads over 20 international initiatives in artificial intelligence, including the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), the Global Artificial Intelligence Journalism Index (GAIJI), the Arab Artificial Intelligence Index in Universities (AIU), the AI Skills Camp for Students, AI Skills Challenge for University undergraduates and the Arab AI Researchers (AAIR) initiative. AIJRF offers more than 120 training programs, including a professional diploma in: content creation and artificial intelligence, AI technologies and smart government services, AI and media industries, media of Metaverse, and AI in education, among more than 20 specialized training tracks. These programs aim to integrate AI tools and solutions into key professional and educational sectors. In 2021, AIJRF has published the world's first ethical and professional guide for AI-powered content creation, titled: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism and Professional Code of Ethics. In 2024, it released the second edition under the title: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism Professional Ethics and Codes of Conduct (AIJEC).


The National
4 hours ago
- Business
- The National
AI, investment and energy discussed during UAE meeting at White House with Vice President JD Vance
UAE officials met US Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Friday to discuss AI, recent investment initiatives and increased energy co-operation. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc, along with Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE's ambassador to the US and Minister of State, took part in the meeting with the US Vice President. The discussions centred on the UAE's commitment to invest $1.4 trillion in the US for artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductors, energy and manufacturing. Earlier this week in Washington at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Forum, Dr Al Jaber reflected on the unique opportunities unfolding for countries around the world – chiefly the burgeoning AI sector. In March, Mr Vance praised the UAE's focus on AI at the American Dynamism Summit. 'One of the things they [UAE] consistently hammer upon … is that if you want to lead in artificial intelligence, you have got to be leading in energy production,' he said. Over the past decade, the UAE − the Arab world's second largest economy − has been working to become an AI frontrunner as it diversifies its economy away from oil. The country's efforts have resulted in the establishment of start-ups as well as partnerships and investments with industry leaders like Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI. Through the creation of language models such as Falcon Arabic, the UAE has also sought to ensure aspects of Arabic culture are not left behind in the AI surge, with many large language models based on English-language data. In 2019, the UAE announced the establishment of a university dedicated to AI, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Several years before, the UAE was among the first in the world to appoint an AI Minister, Omar Al Olama.


Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman continues diplomatic push for peaceful resolution in region
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman continues its intensive diplomatic efforts to encourage the international community to adopt all peaceful means to halt the Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Oman views the escalation as a blatant violation of international, humanitarian, and moral law, and a serious obstruction to dialogue and negotiation efforts aimed at securing a fair U.S.–Iran agreement to prevent nuclear proliferation. In this context, Oman, alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt and several Arab and Islamic countries, issued a joint statement condemning Israeli attacks since June 13, 2025. The statement affirmed their rejection of military escalation, called for respect for state sovereignty, and urged the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The statement also expressed deep concern over the consequences of continued escalation, calling for an end to hostilities, the removal of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction from the region, and emphasised the need to protect nuclear facilities and resume negotiations as the only viable path to resolving the crisis while upholding the freedom of international navigation.


Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Jordan FM holds talks with French, Irish, Slovak counterparts on Gaza crisis, Iran tensions
AMMAN: Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi held a series of discussions on Thursday with European counterparts from France, Ireland, and Slovakia, focusing on efforts to end the escalating crises in the Middle East and revive diplomatic paths toward peace. In Paris, Safadi met with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, with the two ministers stressing the urgent need to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Iran and resume negotiations as 'the only way to protect the region from the expansion of the war and its dangerous repercussions.' Safadi welcomed talks planned for Friday in Geneva between France, Germany, the US, and Iran, expressing hope they would give diplomacy a chance to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, the Jordan News Agency reported. Both he and Barrot also called for intensified international efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure the immediate and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid. Safadi said the inhumane reality in Gaza, marked by massacres, starvation, and collective suffering, must end, and warned that illegal Israeli measures in the West Bank are further eroding chances of a viable two-state solution. He reiterated Jordan's backing of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and called for international recognition of the state of Palestine, saying such a move affirms the 'inevitability' of the two-state solution as the only path to a just peace. Safadi also praised France's 'key' role in co-leading efforts, alongside Saudi Arabia, to organize an international conference on the two-state solution, which had been postponed due to the recent Iran-Israel escalation. The ministers also addressed the situation in Syria, highlighting the need for a unified approach that supports Syria's sovereignty, eliminates terrorism, ensures refugee return and lays the groundwork for reconstruction. They reaffirmed their commitment to Lebanon's stability and the wider humanitarian mission in Gaza. In a separate phone call with Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Harris, Safadi discussed similar themes, with both stressing that ending the war and resuming nuclear negotiations with Iran were essential to resolving broader regional instability. They called for enhanced UN humanitarian access to Gaza and warned against actions in the West Bank that could jeopardize the two-state solution. Safadi thanked Ireland for its longstanding support of Palestinian statehood and rights in line with international law. Later in the day, Safadi also held talks with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar. The pair echoed concerns over regional escalation and underlined the urgency of a ceasefire in Gaza. Safadi and Blanar also explored ways to deepen ties and expand cooperation between Jordan and the EU, reaffirming a shared commitment to regional peace and security.