Marsha mencuri tumpuan apabila wajahnya terpampang di papan iklan ikonik di Times Square, New York, Amerika Syarikat.
PETALING JAYA – Penyanyi, Marsha Milan mencuri tumpuan apabila wajahnya terpampang di papan iklan ikonik di Times Square, New York, Amerika Syarikat sebagai duta kempen Spotify EQUAL Asia bagi edisi April tahun ini.
Pemenang Anugerah Juara Lagu Ke-39 itu turut menjadi wajah utama untuk senarai lagu EQUAL Singapura dan Malaysia yang menampilkan dua lagu popularnya, Hening Rindu dan Tangisan Seorang Pendosa.
“Terlalu teruja! Ini kali pertama saya terpilih untuk menjadi duta dan saya bersyukur kerana diberikan peluang sebegini. Saya fikir peluang ini hanya mimpi dan bersyukur ia menjadi kenyataan.
“Sejak dahulu, saya mengimpikan untuk muncul di papan iklan atau billboard dan akhirnya, wanita berasal dari Tamparuli, Sabah ini mendapat peluang itu,” katanya.
Mengulas mengenai pemilihannya sebagai duta, Marsha berkata, dia tiada strategi khusus digunakan, namun percaya karya yang ikhlas akan tetap dihargai.
“Saya berharap pencapaian ini memberi inspirasi kepada lebih ramai komposer berbakat untuk terus hasilkan lagu berkualiti.
“Industri ini sentiasa berubah, jadi kita juga harus bergerak seiring. Namun, jangan sampai hilang identiti diri,” katanya.
Dalam perkembangan lain, Marsha turut terpilih untuk membuat persembahan di Festival Round (Asean- Korea Music Festival) yang akan berlangsung di Zepp Kuala Lumpur pada 21 dan 22 Jun depan.
Festival berkenaan dibawakan dengan sokongan Asean-Korea Cooperation Fund dan menghimpunkan pemuzik serantau bagi meraikan muzik dan bakat Asean.
Saudi racing talent Farah Al-Yousef will make her debut in the 2025 F1 Academy series as a wild-card entry during Round 2 of the championship in Jeddah this weekend.
JEDDAH – Saudi racing talent Farah Al-Yousef will make her debut in the 2025 F1 Academy series as a wild-card entry during Round 2 of the championship in Jeddah this weekend, it was confirmed on Tuesday.
The announcement was made by the Saudi Motorsport Company, main promoter of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which will host the F1 Academy race as part of its race weekend from April 18 to 20 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Al-Yousef’s participation follows in the footsteps of fellow Saudi driver Reema Juffali, who made an appearance in the series at the same venue last year.
“Racing as a wild-card entry in the F1 Academy on home soil here in Jeddah is truly a dream come true,” Al-Yousef said.
“I hope my participation inspires young girls across Saudi Arabia to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.”
The 21-year-old has already made a name for herself in karting, winning the Saudi Women’s Karting Championship in 2022 and competing at the Karting World Finals, where she finished 26th.
She will also represent Saudi Arabia at the FW Nations Cup Finals in Dubai in May.
The F1 Academy, launched in 2023, is an all-female racing series aimed at developing young female drivers aged 16 to 25.
The 2025 season spans seven rounds, each held as part of the F1 World Championship calendar, with races scheduled in Asia, Europe and North America.
After the opener in Shanghai, the series will move to Jeddah before heading to Miami, Montreal, Zandvoort and Singapore, concluding with the finale in Las Vegas in November.
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina hits a return during the women’s singles match against Australia’s Kimberly Birrell at the Billie Jean King Cup at Patrick Rafter Tennis Center in Brisbane on Thursday. (AFP)
BRISBANE – Elena Rybakina showcased her prowess to beat Kimberly Birrell 6-3 7-6(4) as Kazakhstan secured a 2-1 win over Australia in their Billie Jean King Cup Group D qualifier in Brisbane on Thursday.
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, went down an early break but cranked up her powerful forehand and drew level after six games before claiming the opening set with an ace.
Birrell raced to a 5-1 lead in the second set but squandered a set point and Rybakina clawed her way back with some ferocious shot-making to clinch victory in the tiebreak.
“It was such a difficult match,” said Rybakina, who secured her eighth victory in 10 singles matches since her debut in the competition in 2021.
“I’m super happy to bring the win for the team … it’s always nice to be back in Australia.”
Earlier at the Pat Rafter Arena, Yulia Putintseva gave Kazakhstan an early lead with a 6-2 6-1 win over debutant Maya Joint.
However, Australia’s Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez claimed the third match of the night with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Anna Danilina and Zhibek Kulambayeva in the doubles.
Czech Republic beat Brazil 2-1 in Ostrava in Group B, while the Netherlands cruised past Germany 3-0 in The Hague in Group F.
Poland, without French Open champion Iga Swiatek after the world No. 2 opted to skip their Group E ties to focus on her training ahead of the clay season, beat Switzerland 3-0 in Radom.
Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins were among a trio of players to withdraw from the US team, which plays Denmark on Saturday in Group C, for the three-day qualifiers.
Teams have been divided into six round-robin groups of three in the qualifiers this year with the winners joining hosts China and 2024 champions Italy at the Finals in Shenzhen toward the end of the season.
Malaysian backpackers Farhan Mokhali and Ainaa Fakhira reach the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on March 23, 2025. (Farhan Mokhali)
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian backpackers who traveled through seven countries to reach Saudi Arabia for Umrah have completed their 30-day Ramadan journey, fasting with Muslim communities they visited along the way.
Farhan Mokhali, 28, and Ainaa Fakhira, 27, started their journey from Padang Besar, a town bordering Thailand in the northern part of the Malaysian state of Perlis.
“The inspiration and idea solely came from Ainaa. She is the one who has always dreamed of being a backpacker and traveling around the world since she was a teenager,” Mokhali told Arab News.
“After several years of postponing the dream, in 2025 she decided to pursue it because she didn’t want to wait any longer.”
From Hatyai on the other side of the border, they reached Bangkok and traveled to Vientiane in Laos, from where they crossed to Kunming in China and traveled to Xi’an and further to Khorgos, where they entered Kazakhstan.
There the land journey had to end when they faced problems in obtaining visas to Turkmenistan and Syria.
Within 30 days, they visited seven countries, taking 10 trains, three buses and two aeroplanes.
Self-employed and running a media startup, they kept on working during their travel, which they estimate cost them about $4,300 in total.
While the journey took place during Ramadan, both kept on fasting as they experienced the cultures of various Muslim communities that they met on their way.
“We camped in the snow in negative temperatures and hiked 15 km during snowfall just to experience the Altyn Arashan hot springs while fasting in Kyrgyzstan. We loved every part of this journey since it gave us the chance to spend more quality time together and learn a lot of new things,” Mokhali said.
“We are also thankful to have had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Ramadan in other countries. We experienced different cultures, like iftar with the locals, Taraweeh at different mosques in several countries, and many more Ramadan traditions.”
Last week they reached Madinah, from where they traveled to Makkah to complete their pilgrimage.
It was the best part of their journey because they could experience Umrah together, Mokhali said, as they packed to return home on Saturday, right before the end of the fasting month.
“We are going to celebrate Eid in Malaysia,” he added. “We are going back to Malaysia tomorrow. We haven’t experienced Ramadan in our country this year yet.”
AN, 28.3.2025
Pasangan Malaysia lengkapkan perjalanan puasa Ramadan melalui Asia untuk tunai umrah
Pengembara Malaysia Farhan Mokhali dan Ainaa Fakhira tiba di Masjid Nabawi di Madinah pada 23 Mac 2025. (Farhan Mokhali)
KUALA LUMPUR – Pelancong Malaysia yang mengembara melalui tujuh negara untuk sampai ke Arab Saudi untuk menunaikan umrah telah menamatkan perjalanan Ramadan selama 30 hari, berpuasa bersama masyarakat Islam yang mereka lawati sepanjang perjalanan.
Farhan Mokhali, 28, dan Ainaa Fakhira, 27, memulakan perjalanan dari Padang Besar, sebuah pekan bersempadan dengan Thailand di bahagian utara Malaysia, Perlis.
“Inspirasi dan idea semata-mata datang daripada Ainaa. Dia adalah orang yang sentiasa bermimpi untuk menjadi backpacker dan mengembara ke seluruh dunia sejak dia remaja,” kata Farhan kepada Arab News.
“Selepas beberapa tahun menangguhkan impian itu, pada 2025 dia memutuskan untuk mengejarnya kerana dia tidak mahu menunggu lebih lama lagi.”
Dari Hatyai di seberang sempadan, mereka sampai ke Bangkok dan mengembara ke Vientiane di Laos, dari mana mereka menyeberang ke Kunming di China dan mengembara ke Xi’an dan seterusnya ke Khorgos, di mana mereka memasuki Kazakhstan.
Di sana perjalanan darat terpaksa ditamatkan apabila mereka menghadapi masalah dalam mendapatkan visa ke Turkmenistan dan Syria.
Dalam masa 30 hari, mereka melawat tujuh negara, menaiki 10 kereta api, tiga bas dan dua kapal terbang.
Bekerja sendiri dan menjalankan permulaan media, mereka terus bekerja semasa perjalanan mereka, yang mereka anggarkan menelan belanja kira-kira $4,300 secara keseluruhan.
Ketika perjalanan berlangsung pada Ramadan, kedua-duanya tetap berpuasa sambil menikmati budaya pelbagai masyarakat Islam yang mereka temui dalam perjalanan.
“Kami berkhemah di dalam salji dalam suhu negatif dan mendaki 15 km semasa salji turun hanya untuk merasai mata air panas Altyn Arashan semasa berpuasa di Kyrgyzstan. Kami menyukai setiap bahagian dalam perjalanan ini kerana ia memberi kami peluang untuk menghabiskan lebih banyak masa berkualiti bersama dan mempelajari banyak perkara baharu,” kata Farhan.
“Kami juga bersyukur kerana berpeluang merasai keindahan Ramadan di negara lain. Kami mengalami budaya berbeza, seperti berbuka puasa bersama penduduk tempatan, Tarawih di masjid berbeza di beberapa negara, dan banyak lagi tradisi Ramadan.”
Minggu lalu mereka tiba di Madinah, dari mana mereka pergi ke Makkah untuk menyelesaikan ibadah haji.
Ia adalah bahagian terbaik dalam perjalanan mereka kerana dapat merasai umrah bersama, kata Mokhali, ketika mereka berkemas untuk pulang pada Sabtu, sejurus sebelum akhir bulan puasa.
“Kami akan menyambut hari raya di Malaysia,” katanya. “Kami akan pulang ke Malaysia esok. Kami belum merasai Ramadan di negara kami tahun ini.”
DUBAI – Pempengaruh Saudi berkongsi rancangan kegemarannya, trend popular dan aksesori yang tidak digandingkan dengan gaun hitam kecil.
Rancangan TV atau filem terbaik yang pernah anda tonton?
Nah, ia sebenarnya siri anime yang dipanggil “Attack On Titan”. Tetapi untuk rancangan aksi langsung ia pastinya “Stranger Things”. Dan untuk filem, “Interstellar” kekal tanpa sentuhan.
Rancangan TV paling teruk yang pernah anda lihat?
Saya akan berkata “Dynasty”. Ia terlalu dramatik untuk saya suka tanpa plot yang bagus.
Momen gaya peribadi terbaik setakat ini?
Saya akan mengatakan puteri duyung Laut Merah saya melihat pada Minggu Fesyen Laut Merah.
Momen gaya peribadi yang paling teruk?
Itu sangat rumit kerana saya sentiasa memilih sendiri pakaian saya dan menyemaknya berkali-kali untuk memastikan saya berpuas hati dengan keputusan akhir.
Aksesori terbaik untuk gaun hitam kecil?
Coklat mutiara sentiasa menjadi pilihan yang menakjubkan. Atau sarung tangan hitam panjang. Ia menaikkan rupa.
Aksesori paling teruk untuk gaun hitam kecil?
Saya benci aksesori perak untuk gaun hitam kecil. Saya rasa seperti emas menambah sentuhan keanggunan dan kontras, manakala perak kadangkala kelihatan terlalu redup atau kasar terhadap kegelapan pakaian.
Trend fesyen terbaik 2025?
Gaya bohemian. Saya suka betapa mudahnya, bersemangat bebas dan artistiknya. Ia sangat sesuai dengan gaya peribadi saya. Siluet yang mengalir, tona tanah dan corak yang rumit menjadikan setiap pakaian kelihatan santai dan bergaya. Potongan kegemaran saya ialah skirt maxi, bahagian atas crochet dan perhiasan berlapis, terutama dengan batu atau manik semula jadi. Ia menambah sentuhan peribadi yang begitu unik.
Trend fesyen paling teruk pada 2025?
Seluar slim fit. Saya tidak pernah menyukai seluar jeans kurus pada zaman dahulu, dan saya tidak fikir saya akan mula menyukainya sekarang juga.
Nasihat terbaik yang pernah anda berikan?
“Jangan terima kritikan daripada orang yang anda tidak akan ambil nasihat.” Ia membantu saya menapis negatif dan hanya menumpukan pada maklum balas yang membina daripada orang yang pendapat mereka benar-benar penting. Bukan penilaian semua orang bernilai atau berkaitan dengan pertumbuhan anda. Ia telah menjadi pengubah permainan untuk membina keyakinan dan kekal setia kepada diri saya sendiri.
Nasihat paling teruk yang pernah anda berikan?
Saya telah dinasihatkan untuk berkelakuan dengan cara tertentu jika saya mahu “berkembang”. Nasihat itu membuatkan saya cemas dan terputus hubungan dengan diri sendiri. Kemudian saya menyedari bahawa semua yang diperlukan hanyalah untuk menjadi diri sendiri.
Buku terbaik yang pernah anda baca?
“The Four Agreements”. Saya menyukainya kerana ia menawarkan prinsip yang mudah tetapi berkuasa untuk menjalani kehidupan yang lebih aman dan tulen. Empat perjanjian itu ialah: menjadi sempurna dengan kata-kata anda, tidak mengambil perkara secara peribadi, tidak membuat andaian, dan sentiasa melakukan yang terbaik. Ia benar-benar mengubah minda saya. Ia membantu saya melepaskan tekanan yang tidak perlu, memperbaiki hubungan saya dan memberi tumpuan kepada pertumbuhan peribadi.
Buku paling teruk yang pernah anda baca?
Saya tidak fikir saya telah membaca buku yang buruk setakat ini. Anda belajar sesuatu daripada setiap buku yang anda baca.
Perkara terbaik untuk dilakukan apabila anda berasa rendah diri?
Saya suka mandi dengan garam untuk membersihkan tenaga saya setiap kali saya berasa lemah. Dan saya memakai muzik yang bagus dan hanya menari! Menari melakukan keajaiban. Selepas itu, saya berasa lebih ringan, segar dan lebih selaras dengan diri saya. Pancuran garam menghilangkan sebarang negatif, dan menari membantu saya menghilangkan sebarang emosi yang terperangkap. Apabila saya selesai, saya berasa kembali bertenaga, lebih positif dan bersedia untuk menerima apa sahaja yang akan datang.
Perkara yang paling teruk untuk dilakukan apabila anda berasa baik?
Untuk tidak hadir. Sangat mudah untuk terperangkap dengan terlalu berfikir, bimbang tentang masa depan, atau malah menatal tanpa berfikir pada telefon anda dan bukannya menikmati masa ini sepenuhnya. Apabila anda tidak hadir, anda terlepas untuk benar-benar mengalami kebahagiaan dan menghargai perasaan gembira.
Destinasi percutian terbaik?
Bali atau AlUla pastinya. Saya suka pantai yang tenang, kehijauan yang subur dan tenaga rohani Bali. Budaya ini sangat kaya, dan orang-orangnya sangat hangat. Ia adalah tempat yang sesuai untuk berehat dan berhubung semula dengan diri anda. Dan AlUla rasa nak melangkah ke alam lain. Ia adalah destinasi yang ajaib dan unik. Sejarah dan keindahan tempat yang tidak disentuh adalah yang paling menarik perhatian saya — ia damai, misteri dan mengagumkan sekaligus.
Destinasi percutian paling teruk?
Setiap tempat mempunyai keajaibannya sendiri.
Subjek terbaik di sekolah?
Sudah tentu biologi, saya seorang gadis sains!
Subjek paling teruk di sekolah?
Matematik. Nombor adalah musuh saya.
Perkara terbaik untuk dilakukan untuk memastikan anda mempunyai hari yang produktif?
Bangun awal dan mulakan dengan makanan berprotein tinggi. Itu membuatkan saya berasa lebih bertenaga, fokus dan bersedia untuk menjalani hari itu. Bangun awal memberi saya masa tambahan untuk menetapkan nada untuk hari itu tanpa rasa tergesa-gesa, dan makanan berprotein tinggi membuatkan saya kenyang dan bertenaga, mengelakkan ranap tenaga. Apabila saya memulakan pagi saya dengan cara ini, saya berasa lebih bermotivasi dan jernih, menjadikannya lebih mudah untuk kekal di atas segala-galanya.
Perkara paling teruk untuk dilakukan apabila anda cuba menjalani hari yang produktif?
Berlengah-lengah dan tersesat dalam media sosial. Ia menghabiskan tenaga anda, membuang masa yang berharga dan membawa anda lebih jauh daripada mencapai matlamat anda, membuatkan anda berasa tidak produktif dan kecewa pada penghujung hari.
Konsert terbaik yang pernah anda kunjungi?
Coldplay di Abu Dhabi. Ia benar-benar gembira – suasananya tidak nyata. Mereka benar-benar tahu bagaimana untuk berhubung dengan penonton dan mewujudkan rasa perpaduan yang luar biasa ini. Lampu, visual dan cara seluruh stadium menjadi hidup semasa lagu seperti “Fix You” dan “Viva La Vida” adalah ajaib. Rasanya seperti pengalaman yang sangat kuat dan tidak dapat dilupakan. Saya pergi dengan perasaan seperti saya telah menjadi sebahagian daripada sesuatu yang lebih besar daripada sekadar konsert.
Konsert paling teruk yang pernah anda kunjungi?
Justin Bieber. Dia kelihatan terganggu, dan tenaganya tidak seperti yang kami jangkakan. Kami semua pernah menjadi peminat besar, tetapi rasanya dia tidak memberikan yang terbaik, yang mengecewakan. Kami mengharapkan persembahan bertenaga tinggi dan menarik, tetapi rasanya lebih seperti dia akan melalui pergerakan itu. Ia pasti tidak menepati gembar-gembur.
AN
Best and Worst: Ratana Mohammed
Ratana Mohammed.
DUBAI – The Saudi influencer shares her favorite shows, top trends, and the accessory she would never pair with a little black dress.
Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?
Well, it’s actually an anime series called “Attack On Titan.” But for a live-action show it would be “Stranger Things” for sure. And for a movie, “Interstellar” remains untouched.
Worst TV show you’ve ever seen?
I would say “Dynasty.” It was too dramatic for my liking with no good plot.
Best personal style moment so far?
I’d say my Red Sea mermaid look at Red Sea Fashion Week.
Worst personal style moment?
That’s very tricky because I always hand-pick my outfits and go over them many times to make sure I’m satisfied with the final result.
Best accessory for a little black dress?
A choker of pearls is always a stunning option. Or long black gloves. They elevate the look.
Worst accessory for a little black dress?
I hate silver accessories for a little black dress. I feel like gold adds a touch of elegance and contrast, whereas silver can sometimes look too muted or harsh against the darkness of the dress.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
Bohemian style. I love how effortless, free-spirited and artistic it feels. It really aligns with my personal style. The flowy silhouettes, earthy tones and intricate patterns make every outfit look relaxed and stylish. My favorite pieces are maxi skirts, crochet tops and layered jewelry, especially with natural stones or beads. They add such a unique personal touch.
Worst fashion trend of 2025?
Slim-fit pants. I never liked skinny jeans back in the day, and I don’t think I’m going to start loving them now either.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Do not take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.” It helps me filter out negativity and focus only on constructive feedback from people whose opinions truly matter. Not everyone’s judgment is valuable or relevant to your growth. It’s been a game-changer for building confidence and staying true to myself.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
I have been advised to behave a certain way if I wanted to “grow.” That advice made me anxious and disconnected from myself. Then I realized that all it takes is just to be authentic.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“The Four Agreements.” I love it because it offers such simple yet powerful principles for living a more peaceful and authentic life. The four agreements are: being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best. It completely shifted my mindset. It helped me let go of unnecessary stress, improve my relationships, and focus on personal growth.
Worst book you’ve ever read?
I don’t think I have read a bad book so far. You learn something from every book you read.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
I like to take a shower with salt to cleanse my energy whenever I am feeling low. And I put on good music and just dance! Dancing does wonders. Afterwards, I feel so much lighter, refreshed and more in tune with myself. The salt shower washes away any negativity, and dancing helps me shake off any stuck emotions. By the time I’m done, I feel re-energized, more positive and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
To not be present. It’s so easy to get caught up in overthinking, worrying about the future, or even scrolling mindlessly on your phone instead of fully enjoying the moment. When you’re not present, you miss out on truly experiencing happiness and appreciating how good things feel.
Best holiday destination?
Bali or AlUla for sure. I love the serene beaches, the lush greenery and the spiritual energy of Bali. The culture is so rich, and the people are incredibly warm. It’s the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself. And AlUla feels like stepping into another world. It’s such a magical and unique destination. The history and untouched beauty of the place are what captivate me the most — it’s peaceful, mysterious, and awe-inspiring all at once.
Worst holiday destination?
Every place holds its own magic.
Best subject at school?
Definitely biology, I am a science girlie!
Worst subject at school?
Math. Numbers are my enemy.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Wake up early and start with a high-protein meal. That makes me feel more energized, focused and ready to take on the day. Waking up early gives me extra time to set the tone for the day without feeling rushed, and a high-protein meal keeps me full and fueled, preventing energy crashes. When I start my morning this way, I feel more motivated and clear-headed, making it so much easier to stay on top of everything.
Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?
Procrastinate and get lost in social media. It drains your energy, wastes valuable time and takes you further away from accomplishing your goals, leaving you feeling unproductive and frustrated at the end of the day.
Best concert you’ve ever been to?
Coldplay in Abu Dhabi. It was absolutely ecstatic — the atmosphere was just unreal. They really know how to connect with the audience and create this incredible sense of unity. The lights, the visuals, and the way the whole stadium came alive during songs like “Fix You” and “Viva La Vida” was magical. It felt like such a powerful, unforgettable experience. I left feeling like I had been part of something much bigger than just a concert.
Worst concert you’ve ever been to?
Justin Bieber. He seemed distracted, and the energy wasn’t what we expected. We’d all been big fans, but it felt like he wasn’t giving his best, which was disappointing. We were hoping for a high-energy, engaging show, but it felt more like he was going through the motions. It definitely didn’t live up to the hype.
Andria Tayeh is the Middle East beauty ambassador for Giorgio Armani.
DUBAI – Lebanese Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh this week fronted Armani’s Ramadan campaign, set against the backdrop of a desert landscape.
Draped in a flowing emerald-green abaya, Tayeh was seen in the video applying the Vert Malachite perfume from Armani Prive as the camera captured the details of the fragrance and her attire. The setting featured sand dunes stretching into the horizon.
The campaign integrates elements of regional aesthetics with Armani’s luxury branding, aligning with the themes of Ramadan. Vert Malachite, known for its rich and opulent notes, is presented as part of the brand’s seasonal focus.
“Ramadan is a time of gratitude and blessings,” the star wrote to her 1.1 million followers on Instagram. “Honored to share this journey with Armani Prive and Vert Malachite, and wishing you a month filled with light and peace.”
Tayeh, known for her roles in Austrian filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub’s “Mond” and Netflix’s hit series “Al-Rawabi School for Girls,” has had a busy start to the year, collaborating with multiple brands and fronting their campaigns.
Last month, Giorgio Armani announced her appointment as its new Middle East beauty ambassador.
She took to Instagram to express her excitement, writing: “I am thrilled and honored to embark on this new journey with Armani beauty.
“This marks a real milestone for me, as the brand embodies values I have always cherished: timeless elegance, dramatic simplicity, and women empowerment,” she said. “Armani beauty reveals one’s charismatic personality in the most subtle and natural way. It’s this pure simplicity that creates an impact, and this is exactly what I hope to bring to the Arab cinema world.”
That same month, she was named the first Middle Eastern ambassador for French hair care brand Kerastase.
In a promotional clip, she appeared in an all-white studio, answering questions about why she is the ideal Kerastase ambassador. Tayeh spoke in a mix of English, Arabic and French, playfully flipping her hair for the camera as she discusses her dedication to maintaining healthy hair.
“Growing up, hair was always a big part of my identity, and now, representing a brand that celebrates hair in all its beauty feels surreal. Here’s to confidence, strength and great hair,” Tayeh captioned her post on Instagram at the time.
OSLO – Kerajaan Norway berkata pada Khamis ia akan menyumbang $24 juta kepada agensi PBB yang membantu menjaga pelarian Palestin, pada hari yang sama Israel melarang kumpulan itu beroperasi di wilayah Israel.
“Gaza sudah hancur, dan bantuan UNRWA lebih diperlukan berbanding sebelum ini,” kata Menteri Luar Norway Espen Barth Eide dalam satu kenyataan. “Amat dramatik bagi Palestin bahawa undang-undang Israel berkuat kuasa yang dalam amalan boleh menghalang UNRWA daripada berfungsi.”
Mulai Khamis, UNRWA dilarang beroperasi di bumi Israel dan hubungan antaranya dengan pegawai Israel adalah dilarang. Mahkamah agung Israel menolak pada lewat Rabu cabaran terhadap larangan itu.
UNRWA telah memberikan sokongan kepada pelarian Palestin di sekitar Timur Tengah selama lebih 70 tahun, dan ia mengatakan ia telah membawa masuk 60 peratus bantuan makanan yang telah sampai ke Gaza sejak permulaan perang Israel dengan Hamas pada 2023.
Tetapi pegawai Israel telah berulang kali menuduhnya sebagai perlindungan bagi kumpulan militan dan menjejaskan keselamatan negara. Permusuhan semakin sengit susulan serangan Hamas pada 7 Oktober 2023 ke atas Israel, dengan tuduhan bahawa sebilangan kecil pekerja UNRWA mengambil bahagian dalam serangan itu.
Satu siri penyiasatan, termasuk yang diketuai oleh bekas menteri luar Perancis Catherine Colonna, menemui beberapa “isu berkaitan neutraliti” di UNRWA, tetapi berkata Israel tidak memberikan bukti untuk tuduhan utamanya.
Ramai penderma memotong sokongan mereka untuk UNRWA berikutan tuduhan itu, walaupun hampir semua telah menyambung semula pembiayaan mereka.
Hubungan antara Norway dan Israel bertambah buruk sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, terutama selepas negara Scandinavia itu mengiktiraf negara Palestin Mei (tahun) lalu bersama Sepanyol dan Ireland.
Pelakon dan utusan khas PBB AS Angelina Jolie (kiri) dan suaminya pelakon AS Brad Pitt menghadiri hari keempat Sidang Kemuncak Global untuk Mengakhiri Keganasan Seksual dalam Konflik di London pada 13 Jun 2014. (AFP)
LOS ANGELES – Angelina Jolie dan Brad Pitt mencapai penyelesaian perceraian, menamatkan salah satu perceraian paling lama dan paling dipertikaikan dalam sejarah Hollywood tetapi bukan setiap isu undang-undang antara keduanya.
Hakim Mahkamah Tinggi Los Angeles Scott J. Nord meluluskan perjanjian itu pada Selasa, sehari selepas Jolie dan Pitt menandatanganinya.
“Lebih lapan tahun lalu, Angelina memfailkan perceraian daripada Pitt,” kata peguam Jolie, James Simon, dalam satu kenyataan. “Dia dan anak-anak meninggalkan semua harta yang mereka kongsi dengan Pitt, dan sejak itu dia memberi tumpuan untuk mencari ketenangan dan penyembuhan untuk keluarga mereka. Ini hanyalah sebahagian daripada proses berterusan yang panjang yang bermula lapan tahun lalu. Terus terang, Angelina keletihan, tetapi dia lega bahagian ini telah tamat.”
Pemfailan itu mengatakan mereka melepaskan hak untuk sebarang sokongan kewangan pasangan masa depan, tetapi tidak memberikan butiran lain. E-mel kepada peguam Pitt yang meminta komen tidak segera dijawab.
Jolie, 49, dan Pitt, 61, adalah antara pasangan paling terkenal di Hollywood selama 12 tahun, kedua-duanya sebagai pasangan suami isteri.
Pemenang Oscar itu mempunyai enam anak bersama.
Jolie memfailkan perceraian pada 2016, selepas penerbangan jet peribadi dari Eropah di mana dia berkata Pitt menderanya dan anak-anak mereka secara fizikal. FBI dan pegawai perkhidmatan kanak-kanak menyiasat tindakan Pitt dalam penerbangan itu. Dua bulan kemudian FBI mengeluarkan kenyataan mengatakan ia tidak akan menyiasat lebih lanjut, dan peguam AS tidak membawa pertuduhan.
Laporan FBI yang telah banyak disunting yang diperoleh oleh The Associated Press (AP) pada 2022 mengatakan bahawa seorang ejen memberikan kenyataan sebab berkemungkinan kepada pendakwa raya mengenai Pitt, tetapi selepas membincangkan merit, “ia telah dipersetujui oleh semua pihak bahawa pertuduhan jenayah tidak akan diteruskan.”
Dokumen itu berkata Jolie “berkonflik secara peribadi” tentang menyokong pertuduhan, dan dalam pemfailan mahkamah kemudiannya dia berkata dia memilih untuk tidak mendesaknya demi kepentingan keluarga.
Sumber yang biasa dengan siasatan perkhidmatan kanak-kanak memberitahu AP pada 2016 bahawa siasatan perkhidmatan kanak-kanak telah ditutup tanpa dapatan penderaan.
Seorang hakim pada 2019 mengisytiharkan Jolie dan Pitt bercerai dan bujang, tetapi pembahagian aset dan hak penjagaan anak perlu diselesaikan secara berasingan.
Kedua-duanya telah bebas untuk berkahwin lagi sejak pengisytiharan itu, tetapi kedua-duanya tidak. Perkahwinan itu adalah yang ketiga untuk Jolie, yang sebelum ini berkahwin dengan Jonny Lee Miller dan Billy Bob Thornton, dan yang kedua untuk Pitt, yang sebelum ini berkahwin dengan Jennifer Aniston.
Tidak lama selepas itu, seorang hakim persendirian yang kedua-duanya telah diupah untuk mengendalikan kes itu mencapai keputusan yang termasuk hak penjagaan anak-anak mereka yang sama, tetapi Jolie memfailkan supaya dia dikeluarkan daripada kes itu kerana konflik kepentingan yang tidak dilaporkan.
Mahkamah rayuan bersetuju, memecat hakim dan mengosongkan keputusannya. Pasangan itu terpaksa memulakan proses itu semula.
Semasa pertelingkahan perceraian yang panjang, empat anak mereka menjadi dewasa, menafikan keperluan untuk perjanjian hak penjagaan untuk mereka. Satu-satunya kanak-kanak bawah umur yang tinggal ialah kembar Knox dan Vivienne berusia 16 tahun.
Mahkamah akan mengekalkan bidang kuasa ke atas hak penjagaan kanak-kanak walaupun dengan perjanjian yang dimuktamadkan, seperti yang berlaku dalam semua kes California. Pada Jun, salah seorang anak perempuan mereka, yang kemudiannya dikenali sebagai Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, berjaya membuat petisyen untuk mengeluarkan nama Pitt daripada namanya.
Penggunaan hakim persendirian pasangan itu – langkah yang semakin biasa dalam kalangan selebriti yang berpecah dalam beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini – merahsiakan butiran perceraian itu. Tiada tindakan mahkamah rasmi dalam kes itu dalam hampir setahun, dan tiada petunjuk bahawa kedua-duanya hampir bersetuju.
Beberapa elemen pertikaian mereka, bagaimanapun, telah didedahkan melalui tuntutan mahkamah berasingan yang difailkan oleh Pitt atas penjualan Jolie ke atas separuh daripada kilang wain Perancis yang mereka miliki.
Pitt ingin membeli separuh daripada kilang wainnya, Chateau Miraval, dan dia berkata dia telah meninggalkan rundingan mereka dan menjual bahagiannya kepada kumpulan wain Tenute del Mondo. Pitt berkata ia adalah tindakan “pendendam” dan “melanggar undang-undang” yang tidak sepatutnya dibuat tanpa persetujuannya dan merosakkan ruang peribadi yang telah menjadi rumah kedua.
Jolie dan peguamnya berkata bahawa Pitt telah menuntut dia menandatangani perjanjian tidak mendedahkan secara meluas mengenainya sebagai sebahagian daripada perjanjian yang dicadangkan yang merupakan percubaan untuk menutup penderaan terhadapnya dan anak-anak.
Perjanjian perceraian itu tidak menjejaskan tuntutan mahkamah berkenaan kilang wain, di mana pertikaian undang-undang antara kedua-dua bintang itu boleh diteruskan.
Secara umum, kedua-dua Pitt dan Jolie telah sangat menutup mulut tentang segala-galanya yang mengelilingi perpecahan mereka, walaupun lawatan promosi yang mantap untuk pelbagai projek.
Pitt berkata dalam temu bual 2017 dengan GQ bahawa dia mempunyai masalah minum pada masa kejadian pesawat dan perpecahan, tetapi sejak itu menjadi sedar dan akan menjalani terapi. Dia tidak mempertahankan tingkah lakunya dalam penerbangan keluarga.
Kedua-duanya adalah antara bintang paling elit dalam filem apabila mereka mula berkencan pada 2004, selepas membintangi bersama sebagai pasangan hitman-and-hitwoman dalam “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” dan kekal di atas senarai A Hollywood sepanjang gandingan mereka.
Bintang “Maleficent” dan “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” Jolie memenangi Oscar untuk persembahannya dalam “Girl, Interrupted” 1999.
Pitt, bintang “Fight Club” dan “Inglourious Basterds,” berkembang maju sebagai pelakon dan penerbit selepas perpisahan. Dia memenangi Anugerah Akademinya sendiri untuk “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” 2019, pencapaian tertinggi dalam musim anugerah yang dirangka oleh beberapa media sebagai penebusan dan membawa kasih sayang orang ramai kepadanya.
Jolie mengekalkan profil yang kurang kelihatan pada tahun-tahun sejak perceraian, walaupun dia mengarahkan beberapa filem dan muncul dalam beberapa lagi sambil cuba memberi tumpuan kepada membesarkan anak-anak. Dia telah kembali ke perbualan Oscar tahun ini untuk penggambarannya tentang soprano legenda Maria Callas dalam “Maria.”
AN-AP
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt reach divorce settlement after 8 years
US actress and special UN envoy Angelina Jolie (L) and her husband US actor Brad Pitt attend the fourth day of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London on June 13, 2014. (AFP)
LOS ANGELES — Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement, ending one of the longest and most contentious divorces in Hollywood history but not every legal issue between the two.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott J. Nord approved the agreement Tuesday, a day after Jolie and Pitt signed off on it.
“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt,” Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, said in a statement. “She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”
The filing says they give up the right to any future spousal financial support, but gives no other details. An email to Pitt’s attorney seeking comment was not immediately answered.
Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, were among Hollywood’s most prominent pairings for 12 years, two of them as a married couple.
The Oscar winners have six children together.
Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, after a private jet flight from Europe during which she said Pitt physically abused her and their children. The FBI and child services officials investigated Pitt’s actions on the flight. Two months later the FBI released a statement saying it would not investigate further, and the US attorney did not bring charges.
A heavily redacted FBI report obtained by The Associated Press in 2022 said that an agent provided a probable cause statement to prosecutors on Pitt, but that after discussing the merits, “it was agreed by all parties that criminal charges would not be pursued.”
The document said Jolie was “personally conflicted” about supporting charges, and in a later court filing she said she opted not to push for them for the sake of the family.
A source familiar with the child services inquiry told the AP in 2016 that the child services investigation was closed without a finding of abuse.
A judge in 2019 declared Jolie and Pitt divorced and single, but the splitting of assets and child custody needed to be settled separately.
Both have been free to marry again since that declaration, but neither has. The marriage was the third for Jolie, who was previously married to Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton, and the second for Pitt, who was previously wed to Jennifer Aniston.
Soon after, a private judge that the two had hired to handle the case reached a decision that included equal custody of their children, but Jolie filed to have him removed from the case over an unreported conflict of interest.
An appeals court agreed, removing the judge and vacating his decision. The couple had to start the process over.
During the long divorce fight, four of their children became adults, negating the need for a custody agreement for them. The only minors that remain are 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.
The court will maintain jurisdiction over the child custody even with the finalized agreement, as it does in all California cases. In June, one of their daughters, then known as Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, successfully petitioned to remove Pitt’s name from hers.
The couple’s use of private judges — an increasingly common move among splitting celebrities in recent years — kept the details of the divorce largely under wraps. There had been no official court actions in the case in nearly a year, and no indication that the two were near agreement.
Some elements of their disputes, however, have been revealed through a separate lawsuit filed by Pitt over Jolie’s sale of her half of a French winery they owned.
Pitt had wanted to buy her half of the winery, Chateau Miraval, and said she abandoned their negotiations and sold her part to the Tenute del Mondo wine group. Pitt said it was a “vindictive” and “unlawful” move that should not have been made without his consent and ruined a private space that had been a second home.
Jolie and her attorneys said that Pitt had demanded she sign a wide-ranging non-disclosure agreement about him as part of the proposed deal that was an attempt to cover up his abuse of her and the children.
The divorce agreement does not affect the winery lawsuit, where the legal battle between the two stars could continue.
Publicly, both Pitt and Jolie have been extremely tight-lipped on everything surrounding their split, despite robust promotional tours for various projects.
Pitt said in a 2017 interview with GQ that he had had a drinking problem at the time of the plane incident and the split, but had since become sober and was going to therapy. He has not defended his behavior on the family flight.
Both were among the most elite stars in film when they began dating in 2004, after co-starring as hitman-and-hitwoman spouses in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” and remained atop the Hollywood A-list throughout their coupling.
The star of “Maleficent” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” Jolie won an Oscar for her performance in 1999’s “Girl, Interrupted.”
Pitt, the star of “Fight Club” and “Inglourious Basterds,” thrived as both actor and producer after the split. He won his own Academy Award for 2019’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” the crowning achievement in an awards season that some in media framed as a redemption and brought major public affection for him.
Jolie kept a less visible profile in the years since the divorce, though she directed several films and appeared in several more while trying to focus on raising the children. She has very much returned to the Oscar conversation this year for her portrayal of the legendary soprano Maria Callas in “Maria.”
Above, the new Pixel 9 smartphone series during an unveiling event in Mountain View, California on Aug. 13, 2024. (Reuters)
JAKARTA — Indonesia said it has banned sales of smartphones made by Alphabet’s Google due to rules requiring the use of locally manufactured components, days after blocking sales of tech giant Apple’s iPhone 16 for the same reason.
Indonesia blocked sales of Google Pixel phones because the company has not met the rules which necessitate certain smartphones sold domestically to contain at least 40 percent of parts manufactured locally.
“We are pushing these rules so that there’s fairness for all investors in Indonesia,” Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, industry ministry spokesperson, said on Thursday.
“Google’s products have not adhered to the scheme we set, so they can’t be sold here.”
Febri said consumers can buy Google Pixel phones overseas, so long as they pay the necessary taxes, adding the country would consider deactivating the phones that are illicitly sold.
Google did not immediately respond to a message and email requesting comment.
The block comes a week after Indonesia said it had blocked the sales of iPhone 16 domestically, also for not meeting local content rules.
Companies usually increase the use of domestic components to meet such rules through partnerships with local suppliers or by sourcing parts domestically.
Google and Apple are not among the top smartphone makers in Indonesia.
The top two smartphone makers in the first quarter of 2024 were Chinese firm OPPO and South Korean firm Samsung, research firm IDC said in May.
Indonesia has a huge, tech-savvy population, making the Southeast Asian nation a key target market for tech-related investment.
Bhima Yudhistira, director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies think tank, said the move was “pseudo” protectionism that hurts consumers and impacts investor confidence.
“This creates a negative sentiment for investors looking to enter Indonesia,” he said.
AN-REUTERS
Indonesia haram penjualan telefon pintar Google beberapa hari selepas sekat iPhone 16 Apple
JAKARTA — Indonesia berkata ia mengharamkan penjualan telefon pintar dibuat Alphabet Google kerana peraturan yang memerlukan penggunaan komponen buatan tempatan, beberapa hari selepas menyekat penjualan iPhone 16 Apple atas sebab sama.
Indonesia menyekat jualan telefon Google Pixel kerana syarikat itu tidak memenuhi peraturan yang memerlukan telefon pintar tertentu dijual di dalam negara mengandungi sekurang-kurangnya 40 peratus bahagian dikeluarkan secara tempatan.
“Kami mendesak peraturan ini supaya ada keadilan untuk semua pelabur di Indonesia,” kata Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, jurucakap kementerian industri, pada Khamis.
“Produk Google tidak mematuhi skim yang kami tetapkan, jadi ia tidak boleh dijual di sini.”
Febri berkata pengguna boleh membeli telefon Google Pixel di luar negara, selagi mereka membayar cukai diperlukan, sambil menambah negara akan mempertimbangkan untuk menyahaktifkan telefon yang dijual secara haram.
Google tidak segera membalas mesej dan e-mel yang meminta komen.
Sekatan itu datang seminggu selepas Indonesia berkata ia telah menyekat jualan iPhone 16 di dalam negara, juga kerana tidak memenuhi peraturan kandungan tempatan.
Syarikat biasanya meningkatkan penggunaan komponen domestik untuk memenuhi peraturan tersebut melalui perkongsian dengan pembekal tempatan atau dengan mendapatkan bahagian dalam negeri.
Google dan Apple bukanlah antara pembuat telefon pintar terkemuka di Indonesia.
Dua pembuat telefon pintar teratas pada suku pertama 2024 ialah firma China OPPO dan firma Korea Selatan Samsung, kata firma penyelidikan IDC pada Mei.
Indonesia mempunyai populasi yang besar dan mahir teknologi, menjadikan negara Asia Tenggara itu sebagai pasaran sasaran utama untuk pelaburan berkaitan teknologi.
Bhima Yudhistira, pengarah Pusat Kajian Ekonomi dan Undang-undang badan pemikir, berkata langkah itu adalah perlindungan “pseudo” yang menyakitkan pengguna dan memberi kesan kepada keyakinan pelabur.
“Ini mewujudkan sentimen negatif bagi pelabur yang ingin memasuki Indonesia,” katanya.
Al-Ibrahim relied on AI to generate the imagery for this art exhibition. She described the process as a challenge as AI databases are not fully versed with data from the Arab world.
Saudi producer Farah Al-Ibrahim’s new digital art show “Pearls of emotions” is set to premiere at the Theater of Digital Art in Dubai on Dec. 2.
Presented by her production company Artellosa, Al-Ibrahim told Arab News she hopes this show, which explores the rich history of pearl diving in the Gulf, resonates with viewers and offers them a new perspective on the region and its culture.
“I feel it’s in my DNA to talk about pearls and our relationship to the sea. But knowing this culture and keeping it in our hearts is not enough. We need to preserve it and reflect it to international audiences,” she said.
The desire to engage a diverse audience is a key driving force behind the experience, as “Pearls of Emotion” features a unique musical score that fuses traditional Gulf melodies with contemporary sounds in order to appeal to visitors from around the globe, as well as younger generations seeking a fresh take on the exploration of Gulf heritage.
“A lot of people think our civilization started when oil money entered the region. This is not correct, we have the need and duty to change that perspective and reflect the beauty and richness of our culture,” Al-Ibrahim explained.
“Pearls of emotions” tells the story of a bride who says goodbye to her husband days after their marriage as he embarks on a pearl diving journey, explained Al-Ibrahim.
“Pearls of emotions” tells the story of a bride who says goodbye to her husband days after their marriage as he embarks on a pearl diving journey, explained Al-Ibrahim.
“The show has seven parts, each one talks about a certain emotion such as love, resilience, strength, pride and so on,” she added.
The show offers a 360° immersive journey back in time at TODA, a 1,800-square-metre immersive art space located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Al-Ibrahim relied on AI to generate the imagery for this art exhibition. She described the process as a challenge as AI databases are not fully versed with data from the Arab world.
By talking to her family, who have a long history in the trade, Al-Ibrahim was able to collect information on what ships, sailors and diving experiences looked and felt like so she could feed it to AI programs and generate a depiction of these stories.
“It’s very important to have these stories documented, even if it’s AI,” she said.
Maria Sharapova (pictured) and twins Bob and Mike Bryan are first-ballot selections for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.The Newport, Rhode Island-based Hall announced the Class of 2025 on Thursday. (AFP)
NEW YORK — Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion known for plenty of on-court grit and off-court attention, and Bob and Mike Bryan, twins who won a record 16 major titles in men’s doubles together, are first-ballot selections for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The Newport, Rhode Island-based Hall announced the Class of 2025 on Thursday.
Sharapova won at least one championship at each of her sport’s four most prestigious events, making her one of 10 women in tennis history to complete a career Grand Slam, and she was the first Russian woman to reach No. 1 in the WTA singles rankings. She retired in 2020 at age 32 after a career that included 15 years in the spotlight, a 15-month doping ban and multiple operations on her right shoulder.
In a message posted on social media, Sharapova called herself “incredibly grateful to receive this honor.”
The Bryan brothers also compiled a career Grand Slam and spent 438 weeks at No. 1 in the ATP doubles rankings. They won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and helped the United States win the 2007 Davis Cup title; Bob is currently the captain of the American team that will go to Malaga, Spain, for next month’s finals to compete for the country’s first triumph in that competition since then.
Mike Bryan — he’s right-handed, and his brother is a lefty — is the career leader with 18 major men’s doubles trophies overall; he got two with Jack Sock while Bob was injured in 2018.
“We are truly humbled and grateful to receive this honor. Though making it to Newport was never our goal, being included among so many of our idols and role models is incredibly special,” Bob Bryan wrote in a text message to The Associated Press on Thursday. “Mike and I continue to be best friends, and we feel lucky to have been able to ride this tennis rollercoaster together.”
Sharapova became an instant star when she won her first major title at Wimbledon in 2004 at age 17 by beating Serena Williams in the final, then collected the trophies at the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008 and the French Open in 2012 and 2014.
Sharapova helped Russia win the team competition now known as the Billie Jean King Cup in 2008, and she claimed a silver medal in singles at the 2012 Olympics, losing to Williams in the final.
All the while, Sharapova earned millions of dollars more in endorsement deals than prize money.
“There are a couple of sides of me,” Sharapova said in an interview with the AP in 2006, shortly before she won the title at Flushing Meadows. “There’s the Maria that’s a tennis player. There’s the Maria that is a normal girl. And there’s the Maria who’s a businesswoman. And that’s where the ‘Maria Sharapova brand’ comes into play.”
At the 2016 Australian Open, Sharapova tested positive for the newly banned drug meldonium and initially was handed a two-year suspension. After appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Sharapova was given a reduced penalty when it was determined that she bore “less than significant fault” in the case and could not “be considered to be an intentional doper.”
The Bryans and Sharapova will be inducted in August.
“We are thankful to so many people who supported us along the way, and we look forward to sharing this moment with them next year,” Bob Bryan wrote. ”Our parents created a magical environment at their club and made tennis fun for us. They helped us fall in love with the game, so tennis never felt like work; it was always play.”
Daniel Nestor, a Canadian who won 12 Grand Slam titles in men’s or mixed doubles, did not receive the 75 percenet of the vote required to qualify for the Hall in balloting among members of the media, historians, Hall of Fame members, industry experts and fans. This was his third — and final — year as a candidate.
Dubai will host the inaugural Formula Woman Global Nations Cup.
DUBAI — Fifty of the world’s best female drivers from 25 countries will battle it out in the first Formula Woman Global Nations Cup qualifying round at the Dubai Autodrome on Dec. 12.
Each will be hoping to make it through to the inaugural Formula Woman Global Nations Cup, which will also be hosted by Dubai in May 2025. Additional races are also planned around the world next year.
Formula Woman, the world’s first all-female motorsport community and is already proving a great success. Its 5,000 members range from beginners with a passion for motorsport to seasoned racers, and it has attracted interest from the industry and global media.
The series aims to tap into the huge pool of talent and passion for motorsport among women, with the ultimate target being an all-female team in the world-famous 24-Hour Le Mans endurance race.
Four drivers — Sofia Necci, Amal Al-Mheiri, Darcy Mead and Manon Robillard — will represent the host nation, UAE. Also competing from the region are Saudi Arabia’s Farrah Al-Yousef, Lebanon’s Stephanie Hobeika, Qatar’s Nuha Koghali and India’s Manisha Ram Kelkar.
Formula Woman is the brainchild of founder and CEO Graeme Glew, a former race driver and Formula One executive who wants women to have the chance to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.
“We’re so excited to come to Dubai to give race fans there, and around the globe, the opportunity to see what our fabulously talented women drivers are capable of,” he said.
“We know that there is a reservoir of female driving stars out there just waiting to show the world what they can do, and Formula Woman will give them the opportunity. The fantastic racetrack at Dubai Autodrome is the perfect setting for this first step in what we believe will be a revolution in motorsport.”
Glew is supported by a highly experienced team of seasoned professionals, dedicated to building the profile of women in motorsport, with additional events planned around next year and beyond.
Actress Meryl Streep reacts during the opening ceremony and the screening of the film “Le deuxieme acte” (The Second Act) Out of competition at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 23 (Reuters) — A female cat has more freedom in Afghanistan than a woman does, Hollywood actor Meryl Streep said at the United Nations on Monday in a bid to get world leaders to focus on the plight of Afghan women and girls.
“The way that … this society has been upended is a cautionary tale for the rest of the world,” Streep told an event on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly to encourage the inclusion of women in the future of Afghanistan.
The Taliban seized power in August 2021 when U.S.-led forces withdrew after 20 years of war. The U.N. has sought a unified global approach to dealing with the Taliban, who have cracked down on women’s rights.
Most girls have been barred from high school and women from universities by the Taliban. The group has closed beauty salons and curtailed travel for women without a male guardian.
“Today in Kabul a female cat has more freedoms than a woman. A cat may go sit on her front stoop and feel the sun on her face. She may chase a squirrel into the park.
A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today, because the public parks have been closed to women and girls,” Streep said.
“A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not and a woman may not in public. This is extraordinary,” she said.
The Taliban say they respect rights in line with their interpretation of Islamic law.
The group formally codified a long set of rules governing morality last month that were based on a decree by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader in 2022 and will be enforced by the morality ministry.
“Without educated women, without women in employment, including in leadership roles, and without recognizing the rights and freedoms of one-half of its population, Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the event
PARIS — Imane Maarifi was one of the first French people to step foot in Gaza after Israel launched its war on the enclave in October last year.
The trained nurse volunteered for two weeks at the European Hospital in Khan Younis earlier this year, and has been a vocal advocate for Palestine ever since her return, sharing her harrowing testimony at various rallies and even the French parliament.
Last week, Maarifi was arrested by French authorities, who raided her home in the early hours of Sept. 5 and took her away as her husband and two children looked on helplessly.
She was accused of “threatening to kill someone because of their race or religion,” charges stemming from a phone call she made to the owners of a venue in Paris that was hosting an Israeli real estate fair.
Speaking to Anadolu in the French capital, Maarifi said her main question to the owner of the venue was whether they knew that they were helping Israel sell occupied Palestinian land, something in contravention of international law.
Their response was dismissive and the director of the salon just hung up, she said.
During her time in custody, Maarifi was questioned about everything from her time in Gaza to her pro-Palestine advocacy in France.
“The police officers took my phone and scoured through my photos and conversations on social media. They asked me several questions about my commitment and support for Palestine, and about the NGO through which I … managed to enter Gaza,” she said.
They also took away things like a Palestinian flag, a shirt with ‘Free Palestine’ written on it, and a heart-shaped pin with the Arabic word ‘Houdna,’ which means cease-fire, she said.
Most shocking for the French activist, however, were the “intrusive” questions about her family life and children, which had “nothing to do with the investigation.”
“I had the impression – and I hope I’m wrong – that this was their attempt at intimidation, because I don’t see any reason why someone would ask about my children,” she added.
This point was also raised by French lawmaker Thomas Portes, who was among the chorus of voices that condemned Maarifi’s arrest.
“The search of the home in front of the family leaves no doubt about the desire to intimidate the voices that are raised to support the Palestinian people and demand an immediate cease-fire,” Portes wrote on X.
Determined and undeterred
Maarifi was released later in the day without any charge.
“I had recorded the phone call and that is what saved me,” she said.
“The police were forced to see that I was not lying in my statements. I cannot even imagine what would have happened to me without that recording.”
Maarifi is now all the more determined to keep raising her voice for Palestinians.
“I am not the same person after witnessing what I did at the European Hospital in Khan Younis – the horror, blood, joy at times, and a lot of death. We are now close to 20,000 child martyrs in Gaza, and many more maimed or under the rubble,” she said.
“I am a nurse specializing in intensive care, and when you choose this specialty, it is because you love life and will do anything to protect it.”
I am willing to risk my own life in Gaza “in this time of war, of genocide, because I care about … people’s lives, which is at the very core of being a humanitarian,” she said.
“The only thing that could make me stop (supporting Palestine) is either if there is a cease-fire, decolonization, and a fair and lasting peace, or if I die,” said the medic.
❝Arrest and ‘intrusive’ questioning about my children was attempt at intimidation❞
Imane Maarifi, a volunteer nurse back from Gaza who was searched in front of her family and arrested by French authorities, tells Anadolu about her time in custody https://t.co/8TMuavTUD2pic.twitter.com/Gg5w45om9I
Stephen Kapos, a 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, speaks to AA during a protest in London, United Kingdom, against the killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank, on September 07, 2024.
LONDON — Stephen Kapos, a Holocaust survivor, and his family have joined many to speak up against the killing of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi during a protest in the occupied West Bank.
Eygi was shot by Israeli forces on Friday while participating in a demonstration against illegal Israeli settlements in the town of Beita.
An autopsy report confirmed that she was killed by an Israeli sniper’s bullet to the head, Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas said Saturday.
Eygi, 26, had been actively involved in solidarity movements supporting Palestinian rights. Her death has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from both local and international communities.
In an interview with Anadolu, Kapos, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor from Budapest, Hungary termed the killing “outrageous.”
“I think it’s an obvious outrage because she was, I think, deliberately targeted,” he said during a march for Palestine in London over the weekend.
Kapos also called out the double standards in coverage of Israeli violence against Palestinians, saying the killing should not be paid more attention to than the killing of thousands of Palestinians since Oct. 7 last year.
“It points out the double standards of thousands of others. Palestinians are also being assassinated, murdered and nobody takes an equal amount of interest at all.”
He added that it also shows “the difference in human value given to a Western connected person or a Palestinian, and it should be equal, equal attention, equal treatment.”
Kapos was accompanied by his family members during the march, including his son Peter and daughter Andrea under a banner that said: “Holocaust survivor descendants against Gaza genocide.”
Peter called Israel’s actions “absolutely criminal.”
“It’s obviously part of the way that Israel is prosecuting this war that it assassinates civilians, and it does it in a very targeted way, but it also does it indiscriminately,” he noted.
Calling what is happening in Gaza “genocide,” he said that Eygi’s killing is a “feature of the genocide.”
“Every death is inexcusable, and every death is an absolute tragedy, and what’s happening at the moment is absolutely criminal,” he added.
Andrea labeled the killing of the activist “a symptom of the genocide.”
“There are so many, many, many people being killed, and it just needs to stop,” she said.
“I think any death, any killing, whether it’s specifically targeted or whether people have been caught in the crossfire, it just needs to stop.”
Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year.
The Israeli onslaught has killed more than 40,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 94,700, according to local health authorities.
The military campaign has also turned much of the enclave of 2.3 million people into ruins, leaving most civilians homeless and at risk of famine.
Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo calls the Red Sea his ‘second home.’ Above, Ronaldo with his family in the tourist spot Red Sea. (Instagram: @georginagio)
DUBAI — Portuguese football star Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, said that it was easy for him and his family adapting to Saudi Arabia after signing with the Saudi football club to a two-and-a-half-year contract.
“To be honest, I am really happy to be there [Saudi Arabia],” Ronaldo said in an interview former Portuguese footballer, Rio Ferdinand.
“For me the adaptation was easy, and I really love it to be there,” he said. “It is a lovely country; I love to be there; my family loves to be there.”
Ronaldo was one of the first top-name recruits to the Saudi Pro League at the start of 2023, which paved the way for entry of other big-league players from Europe.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner began his club career with Portuguese side Sporting CP before joining Manchester United in 2003. Ronaldo moved to Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid after six seasons at United. He then played for two years with Juventus before making a return to the Red Devils in 2021 where he played until 2023, before departing for the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo became the first man to score 900 career goals after tapping in the ball at the 34th minute of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League group stage match against Croatia in Lisbon, which they won 2-1.
The Portuguese football star called Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea his “second house,” adding that he loves to spend time there with his family.
“The Red Sea which is my second home or [even my] first home is unbelievable like a diamond,” he said, adding that it is “one of the most beautiful places” he has ever been to.
Ronaldo also spoke on AlUla, an increasingly famous tourist spot in Saudi Arabia’s northwest located near two oases, Khaybar and Tayma.
“It is beautiful because it is spiritual, you can feel the energy there. I felt it as well, to be honest,” the Portuguese star said.
“Even in the mountains they have snow. People in Saudi [Arabia]? Yes, they have snow. They have everything, so it is a lovely country.”
Above, Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez explore AlUla. (Instagram: @georginagio)
Emirati aerospace engineer Marwa Al-Mamari is featured in technology company Dyson’s new FIRSTS campaign.
DUBAI — Emirati aerospace engineer Marwa Al-Mamari is on a mission to encourage young women in the region to take up STEM careers.
Al-Mamari is featured in technology company Dyson’s new FIRSTS campaign, which “celebrates pioneering women from the region who are redefining success and innovation,” according to the brand.
Dyson added that Al-Mamari “made history” as the first Emirati woman to become an aerospace engineer. “She navigated the traditionally male-dominated field to break barriers.”
Al-Mamari told Arab News she wants to encourage women to venture out in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“I always say it doesn’t take someone smart to be what you want. It takes someone who’s committed and resistant … so as long as you have these two things, you can do whatever you want and be whoever you want.”
She added that if women do so they will “overcome all obstacles” and “receive support in return.”
Her path to a master’s in aviation safety and a career in aerospace engineering was fraught with obstacles. She said it took her years to convince her parents that she wanted a career in the traditionally male profession.
They need not have worried.
“I was really taken care of and welcomed and taken care of sometimes, though, because you are the only girl in the room people might underestimate your voice, or your capabilities or what you can offer on the table,” she said of the first phase of her career.
“But once you speak up, you know, the magic starts — they can see there is a brain, actually.”
Al-Mamari currently works at the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, implementing safety frameworks worldwide for the regulatory body. Her core duties include setting up training sessions for operators, airport staff, and other stakeholders.
She said that what “makes you feel alive at work is … doing the drills where I go and check their readiness, make sure they are following the regulations and are up to the standards.”
“Our work, my work, wasn’t only national, it was internationally impactful,” she added, explaining her motivation.
Al-Mamari also touched on being a parent while undertaking a challenging career.
“What I try to advocate here is I always tell all mothers out there, all women, if you need to take a break from your career, do it, know your priorities.
“The minute you feel you’re ready to go back, you will always shine again because you still have that passion and all this potential.”
BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) — China’s Badain Jaran Desert — Towers of Sand and Lakes, has successfully passed the review process to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The decision was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
Located in the hyper-arid region of northwestern China, the Badain Jaran Desert is the country’s third largest desert and second largest drifting desert.
The desert’s notable features include the world’s tallest, stabilized sand mega-dune, reaching a relative height of 460 meters, the highest concentration of inter-dunal lakes, the largest expanse of so-called singing sands and wind-eroded landforms.
The administration said that China will further enhance the protection and management of natural heritage sites, strengthen international cooperation, and promote global ecological civilization.
LONDON — Adidas has apologized to supermodel Bella Hadid after pulling her from an advertising campaign that referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics, Sky News reported on Wednesday.
Israel-linked pressure groups accused the campaign of causing offense due to Hadid’s part-Palestinian background.
At the 1972 games, 11 Israeli athletes and a German police officer were killed by the Black September group.
Hadid is reportedly considering legal action over Adidas’ decision to remove her from the campaign, which is promoting the relaunch of a shoe from the 1972 Olympics.
The brand said on Instagram: “Connections continue to be made to the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Munich Olympics due to our recent SL72 campaign.
“These connections are not meant, and we apologise for any upset or distress caused to communities around the world. We made an unintentional mistake.
“We also apologise to our partners, Bella Hadid, ASAP Nast, Jules Kounde, and others, for any negative impact on them and we are revising the campaign.”
A number of Israeli and Jewish pressure groups targeted Hadid’s involvement in the ad campaign.
The supermodel has long been an outspoken advocate of the Palestinian cause and has criticized Israel’s war in Gaza.
The American Jewish Committee claimed that Adidas was using “a vocal anti-Israel model” for a campaign that “is either a massive oversight or intentionally inflammatory.”
The CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement said: “To have her launch a shoe commemorating an Olympics when so much Jewish blood was shed is just sick.”
US Girls’ Junior champion Rianne Malixi, right, and runner-up Asterisk Talley after the awards ceremony .
TARZANA — Rianne Malixi of the Philippines won the 75th US Girls’ Junior a year after falling in the final, routing Asterisk Talley 8 and 7 in the 36-hole championship match at El Caballero Country Club.
The 17-year-old Malixi won five straight holes to take a 7-up lead after 14, was 6 up after 18 and ended it with a par win on the 29th hole.
Last year in the final, Kiara Romero beat Malixi 1 up at the US Air Force Academy’s Eisenhower Golf Course in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Malixi has verbally committed to play at Duke, starting in 2025.
The 15-year-old Talley, from Chowchilla, California, teamed with Sarah Lim to win the US Women’s Amateur Four-Ball in May in San Antonio.
