Egypt and South Korea strengthen long-term ties with speedball sport. A historic event marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and South Korea: the introduction of the Egyptian sport of speedball to the Korean peninsula. The event, titled “Speedball of Republic of Korea Starts Here,” took place on October 23rd, 2023.
Delegates of the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Egyptian Speedball Federation, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO), and Seoul National University’s Dream Together Master (DTM) program, gathered to celebrate this milestone.
Speedball: A Unique Sport
Invented in Egypt in the 1960s, speedball combines elements of racquet sports with specialized equipment. Players use a pole, a heavy base, a rubber ball on a string, and a reinforced plastic racket. The sport has gained international recognition for its ability to promote health, speed, and precision.
A Bridge Between Nations
Kareem Yehia, a key figure in introducing speedball to Korea, emphasized the sport’s potential to foster cultural exchange. “Speedball is not just a sport, but a reflection of Egypt’s creativity and athletic excellence,” he said. Yehia’s passion for the sport, ignited during his university years, led him to support the Egyptian National Speedball Team at the 2011 World Championship.
A Collaborative Future
The introduction of speedball to South Korea aligns with a joint protocol signed by both countries. This agreement, part of a broader sports cooperation framework, reflects the vision of Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy.
The “Speedball of Republic of Korea Starts Here” event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of speedball and strengthens the bond between Egypt and South Korea. The event showcased the various styles of speedball, including solo, single, double, and relay. The double format, in particular, highlights the importance of teamwork and coordination.
Spanish Aitana Bonmati Wins Ballon d’Or Feminin Award For 2nd Year In A Row
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the second time, bringing her level with club and international teammate Alexia Putellas.
The 26-year-old has had another successful year, winning the Liga F and UEFA Women’s Champions League double with Barcelona, as well as the UEFA Nations League with Spain.
Aitana Bonmati has won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for a second time following more club and international success with Barcelona and Spain.
The midfielder fought off competition from Barca team-mates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo to win the award.
She enjoyed another stellar year in 2024 after helping Barcelona win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, scoring the opening goal against Lyon in the final.
The 26-year-old was also named player of the competition and helped the club win a fifth consecutive Liga F title, scoring eight goals and claiming 11 assists.
“Good evening, and thank you very much for your applause,” the back-to-back Ballon d’Or Feminin winner said. “I’m so grateful for being here to receive my second award, but as I say, this is not something you can do alone. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by excellent players who help me grow and improve.
“I would like to all my teammates because I wouldn’t be here without them. I would also like to thank my club, Joan Laporta, for everything you’ve done for us. And I wouldn’t want to forget my colleagues who have let me experience some beautiful moments.
“And finally, my family that surrounds me supports me. We’ve been through hard times together but I’d like to thank you all.
“Thank you very much. It’s been a pleasure to be here again. I thank my team-mates and my club who give me everything and make me a better football player every year, thank you.”
Bonmati’s honors continued at the international level, too, and she produced the goods when it mattered after scoring in a 2-0 win over France to win the UEFA Nations League final.
It marks her second award in a row, and while she is grateful to receive it, she admits there is nothing like winning the first.
“I think that there is nothing like the first time but it’s true that I’m so thankful for being back here, what we do isn’t easy,” she explained. “I’m so grateful for being back here.
“In the end, I’m part of a group effort and surrounded by wonderful players and my national team, and I am thankful because without them, I wouldn’t be the footballer I am.”
Egypt’s PM Participates in 8th Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh
Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, represents President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi at the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), under the theme “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow”.
Kicking off yesterday in Riyadh, the hallmark event is attracting over 5,000 attendees and 500 distinguished speakers from diverse sectors, including policymakers, CEOs, and economic experts.
PM’s Remarks
During his remarks, Madbouly commended the success of the FII in attracting investment and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s development efforts.
“The conference has achieved significant success over the past years in attracting investments and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s development efforts,” Madbouly said.
He referred to the steps taken for bosting the private sector’s investments . This includes unifying the exchange rate, granting golden licenses, and the government’s privatization program.
Madbouly concluded his remarks by expressing pride in the strategic partnership between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
FII8… Platform For Sustainability
FII8 features collaborative discussions on sustainable economic growth. With over 200 sessions planned, the conference will delve into topics ranging from economic stability and equitable development to the impact of artificial intelligence and climate change.
A Platform for Change
In the wake of global disruptions, discussions will center on how nations can build more resilient economies. This includes diversifying supply chains and investing in technology that promotes sustainability.
With climate change at the forefront of global discourse, FII8 explores innovative investment strategies that align economic growth with environmental stewardship. Expect discussions on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and the role of policy in driving change.
Global Collaboration
The FII8 is not just a gathering of minds; it is a call to action for global collaboration. As the world faces interconnected challenges, the initiative emphasizes the need for partnerships across borders. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, FII8 aims to catalyze investments that can reshape the future.
Looking Ahead
FII8 also dubbed “Davos in the Desert” kicked off today in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh. The initiative is seen as kingdom’s ambitious drive to place itself as a global investment hub.
FII8 offer the discussions and strategies emerging from Riyadh will be critical in navigating the complexities of tomorrow’s economic landscape.
Environment Minister, Yasmin Fouad, recently toured the “Agrimaster” factory in 6th of October City, a facility dedicated to recycling paper and cardboard waste into various paper products. The factory, spanning 12,000 square meters, boasts a daily production capacity of 131 tons, utilizing state-of-the-art, eco-friendly technology.
Minister Fouad emphasized the factory’s role in promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation. By recycling waste materials, “Agrimaster” contributes to a circular economy and reduces environmental impact. The factory’s commitment to using the latest technology ensures efficient and environmentally friendly production processes.
The minister’s visit highlighted the importance of such initiatives in Egypt’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. By supporting recycling and promoting eco-friendly practices, the country can reduce its reliance on natural resources and mitigate climate change.
The Arab Youth Media Creativity Summit, organized by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), started in Cairo on October 27, 2024.
Held under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the Egyptian Cabinet, the summit aimed to inspire young media professionals and foster innovation in the Arab media landscape.
The two-day event brought together prominent media figures, policymakers, and young talents from across the Arab world. Through panel discussions, workshops, and training sessions, participants explored key topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence, digital security, and mental health on the media industry. Additionally, a competition was held for young Arab media professionals, recognizing and rewarding exceptional talent.
The highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, a monumental project dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization, has commenced a trial operation. Located adjacent to the iconic Giza Pyramids, the museum is currently open to visitors for a limited period, allowing them to explore 12 exhibition halls showcasing a vast collection of archaeological artifacts.
The trial phase aims to fine-tune the museum’s operations and identify potential challenges before its official grand opening. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the initiative, emphasizing the importance of addressing any operational issues to ensure a seamless visitor experience.
As the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 100,000 artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. The colossal statue of Ramses II, standing at 10 meters tall and weighing 83 tons, welcomes visitors to this magnificent cultural landmark.
International Tourism Chief at Egypt’s Tourism Authority, Mohamed Atta Elsherbeiny, highlighted this new dynamic during a recent tourism fair in Antalya. He emphasized the role of airlines in strengthening this partnership, with approximately 100 weekly flights connecting the two countries. This robust air connectivity not only facilitates direct travel but also positions Turkey as a significant transit hub for tourists heading to Egypt.
The strategic alliance extends beyond mere cooperation. Turkish investors are actively participating in Egypt’s tourism sector, with a prominent Turkish company already operating seven hotels in the country and planning to add three more. This influx of foreign investment underscores the growing confidence in Egypt’s tourism potential.
While Turkey attracts a surge of tourists during the summer months, Egypt’s peak season falls in the winter. This complementary nature of their tourism calendars further strengthens their partnership, as they can tap into different segments of the global market without direct competition.
Elsherbeiny concluded by emphasizing the need to maintain and further bolster this cooperative approach. By working together, Egypt and Türkiye can unlock new opportunities, enhance their global tourism appeal, and drive economic growth.
Sony Middle East & Africa recently hosted a full- day event for content creators in Egypt, the Sony Creators Convention. Over 600 photography enthusiasts and content creators gathered at the Boom Room in Madinty’s Open Air mall to engage in thought-provoking panel discussions and keynote sessions led by industry experts.
The convention featured prominent content creators like Omar El Dash, Karim Gomaa, and Hany Kamal, who shared insights on the evolving landscape of content creation, successful brand partnerships, and the power of content to drive cultural change. TikTok MENA’s community manager, Shahinaz Moataz, delved into the art of mastering TikTok content. Additionally, Ramy Soliman and Amr Beshr captivated the audience with discussions on culinary content and the rising gaming and live streaming community.
Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director at Sony Middle East & Africa, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the creator community. “The Sony Creators Convention is an exclusive platform designed to empower creators with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to succeed,” he said. “Through technology and innovation, Sony reaffirms its dedication to fostering creativity and helping content creators excel in the ever-evolving digital space.”
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population, announced that the Presidential Initiative “Bedaya – A New Beginning for Human Development” has made significant strides in delivering essential services to millions of Egyptians.
Over the past four days, the initiative has extended a wide range of services. Empowerment and training programs have benefited 36,049 individuals, particularly women. Food security efforts have seen the distribution of 5.5 tons of food and meat to 5,507 families in need. Community outreach convoys have reached 56,839 citizens, providing various services.
Youth and sports activities have engaged 195,740 individuals, including cultural tours and awareness programs. Social and economic support initiatives have provided assistance to 66,957 citizens and financed 4,425 small and micro-enterprises. Health services have reached 7,159,000 citizens, offering preventive and therapeutic care, family planning, and maternal and child health services.
Cultural activities have enriched the lives of nearly 150,657 individuals through seminars, lectures, and theatrical performances. Literacy and education programs have benefited 525 individuals, and 86 individuals have received literacy certificates. Digital skills training has equipped young people for the future, with 100 workshops conducted.
Environmental awareness campaigns have engaged 4,071 participants, focusing on waste recycling and women’s economic empowerment. Veterinary services have been provided to 321,583 animals, including vaccination, deworming, and reproductive care. Water conservation awareness programs have reached 508 students.
Marriage preparation programs have benefited 3,635 individuals, while occupational safety and health training has reached 1,079 employees. Vocational training and employment initiatives have provided opportunities to 265 individuals, and 283 individuals have been placed in jobs in the tourism sector.