Latest news with #Kazem
Arab Times
a day ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Sahel Business app rolls out new update for enhanced user experience
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: The unified government e-services platform Sahel has released a new update to its Sahel Business smartphone application, aimed at improving services for business owners, announced spokesperson Yousef Kazem on Wednesday. Kazem stated that the update features an upgraded digital infrastructure, a user-friendly interface, and instant notification capabilities, enhancing the overall efficiency of the application. Since its launch, Sahel Business has completed 498,927 services for 95,518 users. The application offers access to 214 electronic services related to business and commercial activities, provided by 18 government agencies in Kuwait.
Arab Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Sahel app surpasses 100 million transactions since its 2021 launch
KUWAIT CITY, June 3: The spokesperson for the unified government e-services application (Sahel), Yousef Kazem, announced Tuesday that the platform has completed over 100 million electronic transactions since its launch on September 15, 2021. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kazem said the milestone reflects increasing public trust in digital government services and the growing reliance on the application. He noted that the total number of notifications sent through Sahel has exceeded 282 million. Kazem added that Sahel currently offers 454 e-services provided by 39 government agencies, representing a significant transformation that underscores inter-agency integration and a collective drive toward digitization and simplifying procedures for citizens and residents. He thanked all participating government agencies for their cooperation and competition in launching services through the app, highlighting their shared commitment to digital transformation and improving the efficiency of government performance. Kazem also praised the strong support of Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar, noting the Minister's continuous follow-up on the app's development. He emphasized that Sahel is undergoing ongoing improvements on both technical and service levels to ensure a smooth, integrated user experience. He stressed the importance of enhancing user experience by expanding the app's "user journeys" to include key life events such as marriage, residency, and obtaining lifetime home documents. This approach aims to deliver a comprehensive digital experience that supports improved government performance based on the highest standards of security and reliability.
Shafaq News
07-05-2025
- Shafaq News
Historic Baghdad house of Agatha Christie nears ruin
Shafaq News/ Overlooking the Tigris River in the Karradat Mariam district of western Baghdad, a once-grand Ottoman-era house bearing the warning 'Danger: At Risk of Collapse' continues to quietly mark a forgotten chapter of literary and archaeological history. This now-dilapidated building once hosted famed British crime novelist Agatha Christie during her stay in Iraq in the mid-20th century. A Literary Landmark in Decay From the outside, the house appears fragile and partially ruined, yet passersby still regard it as one of the most beautiful buildings on the street. It served as a resting place for Christie and her archaeologist husband, Max Mallowan, during their excavation expeditions across Iraq and Syria. 'This house is a registered heritage property, but it remains under private ownership,' said Iyad Kazem, Director General of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, in comments to Shafaq News. 'According to Law No. 55 of 2002, public funds cannot be allocated to restore private properties unless legally acquired.' Kazem explained that the government has repeatedly offered to purchase the house from its current owner, Humam Al-Qaraghouli, who has consistently refused. 'He insists on restoring it himself in cooperation with international organizations,' Kazem said, noting that recent contact with the owner was made through the Prime Minister's Office just last month. An Endangered Cultural Treasure The home, once described by late Palestinian writer Jabra Ibrahim Jabra as 'one of the finest Ottoman-era houses,' features a two-story layout with wooden ceilings, a narrow upper balcony, and a courtyard flanked by towering date palms. However, parts of the roof have collapsed, and its structural integrity now poses a danger to pedestrians and nearby buildings. Local activist Dhekra Sarsam, who lives adjacent to the house, confirmed its deteriorating condition. 'It's beautiful, but the upper level is collapsing. It's dangerous,' she told Shafaq News. A Source of Inspiration Christie, who authored 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, stayed at the house during her time with the British archaeological mission in Nineveh. Scholars and biographers note that the Baghdad residence heavily influenced her work, with references to it appearing in her novel They Came to Baghdad. Iraqi archaeologist Mehdi Al-Badiri said the house previously belonged to Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, the brother of King Faisal I of Iraq. 'Christie called it the house of the king in her novel,' he noted. Christie herself reminisced about the home in her autobiography, describing it as 'a delightful old Turkish house on the west bank of the Tigris.' She wrote fondly of its cool courtyard, high palms brushing the balcony, and the surrounding date groves watered by small canals. Preservation Challenges The home's future remains uncertain. Al-Qaraghouli, the current owner, says he purchased the property three years ago and has recently agreed with the British Embassy in Baghdad to collaborate on its restoration. Meanwhile, heritage advocates express frustration with laws that prevent intervention in privately owned historic buildings. 'Many important sites like this one remain off-limits to restoration,' said cultural expert Amer Junaid, calling for updated legislation to enable public-private partnerships in heritage preservation.
Observer
29-04-2025
- General
- Observer
Session explores role of cultural diversity
MUSCAT: The Cultural Committee of the Muscat International Book Fair organised a dialogue session titled "Cultural Diversity and Identity" as part of Fair's activities. The session highlighted Oman's cultural heritage and its role in solidifying national identity and fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion, led by Dr Nader Kazem (a writer and former professor of cultural studies at the University of Bahrain), examined the significance of cultural diversity as a fundamental element in shaping a unifying national identity, as well as strategies to preserve it amid rapid regional and global changes. Dr Kazem emphasised that multiculturalism and the coexistence of diverse identities within a single society require high levels of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for others — a theme that has persisted throughout history but gains new relevance in the context of modern nations. Dr Kazem noted that globalisation, emerging decades ago, has increased interconnectivity among societies, influencing local cultural distinctiveness and giving rise to standardized global cultural patterns in areas such as architecture, cuisine and fashion. The session spotlighted Oman's pioneering experience in cultural pluralism and peaceful coexistence, showcasing tangible examples from its cultural, artistic and literary heritage as key contributors to national identity. — ONA
Times of Oman
29-04-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Role of cultural diversity in strengthening national identity
Muscat: The Cultural Committee of the Muscat International Book Fair organized a dialogue session titled "Cultural Diversity and Identity" as part of Fair's activities. The session highlighted Oman's cultural heritage and its role in solidifying national identity and fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion, led by Dr. Nader Kazem (a writer and former professor of cultural studies at the University of Bahrain), examined the significance of cultural diversity as a fundamental element in shaping a unifying national identity, as well as strategies to preserve it amid rapid regional and global changes. Dr. Kazem emphasized that multiculturalism and the coexistence of diverse identities within a single society require high levels of tolerance, acceptance, and respect for others—a theme that has persisted throughout history but gains new relevance in the context of modern nations. Dr. Kazem noted that globalization, emerging decades ago, has increased interconnectivity among societies, influencing local cultural distinctiveness and giving rise to standardized global cultural patterns in areas such as architecture, cuisine, and fashion. The session spotlighted Oman's pioneering experience in cultural pluralism and peaceful coexistence, showcasing tangible examples from its cultural, artistic, and literary heritage as key contributors to national identity. An open discussion followed, featuring academics, intellectuals, and cultural figures who explored the importance of cultural diversity in building a cohesive national identity and strategies to sustain it amid regional and global transformations. The session concluded with recommendations calling for continued efforts to preserve cultural heritage and promote initiatives that highlight Oman's authentic identity on the global stage.
