DUBAI: A mosque in the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi has been renamed the “Mary, mother of Jesus” Mosque in a bid to “consolidate bonds of humanity between followers of different religions.”
The mosque — “Mariam, Umm Eisa” in Arabic — was renamed following orders of Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who called for consolidating bonds between followers of different faiths.
Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi thanked the crown prince for his “wise directives in carrying out this initiative that set a shining example, and a beautiful image of the tolerance and coexistence enjoyed by the UAE,” according to a statement carried by WAM.
Rev. Canon Andrew Thompson of the nearby St. Andrew’s Church told Gulf News that he was “delighted” to hear the news.
“We are delighted that we are celebrating something that we have in common between both our faiths,” he said.
“Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is of course a holy, special figure in our communities. She is a woman who symbolizes obedience to God. We look forward to growing in deeper understanding with our neighbors, and we celebrate with them the new name of the mosque.”
The mosque was previously called the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Mosque.
Earlier this week, a church in the area of Al-Ain opened its doors to Muslims for Maghrib prayers. The event saw more than 200 Asian Muslim workers perform prayers in the church.
Abu Dhabi mosque renamed ‘Mary, mother of Jesus’ in harmony bid
Abu Dhabi mosque renamed ‘Mary, mother of Jesus’ in harmony bid
Saudi Arabia’s MSMEs see 22.6% growth in credit facilities to $88bn: SAMA
RIYADH: Credit facilities extended to micro, small, and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia grew by 22.6 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2024, totaling SR329.23 billion ($87.8 billion), according to official data.
The Kingdom’s central bank, known as SAMA, revealed that 94.7 percent of these loans were provided by Saudi banks, while finance companies contributed 5.3 percent.
MSME lending represented 9.1 percent of banks’ total loan portfolios and 18.8 percent of finance companies’ credit portfolios.
The Saudi government has been actively encouraging financial institutions to allocate at least 20 percent of their loan portfolios to this critical sector, reflecting its strong and continued commitment to fostering business growth and economic diversification in line with Vision 2030.
In the third quarter, medium-sized enterprises received the largest share of credit facilities, totalling 55 percent, or SR181.05 billion.
Micro enterprises — those generating up to SR3 million in revenue with a workforce of no more than five employees — saw substantial growth, with credit increasing by 50.4 percent to SR36.14 billion, despite holding a smaller overall share.
Credit to small enterprises, which made up 34 percent of MSME financing, rose by 30.4 percent to SR112.03 billion during the same period.
The growth of SMEs in Saudi Arabia is driven by government-backed initiatives and Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitious reforms.
Key programs include Kafalah for loan guarantees, Tamweel for connecting SMEs with financiers, and the Saudi Venture Capital Co. for startup investments.
The Indirect Lending Initiative also enhances SME financing through intermediaries.
Regulatory advancements, such as the 2015 Companies Law, NIDLP, and the National Center for Privatization, have improved the business environment.
Vision 2030 aims to boost SMEs’ GDP contribution to 35 percent by enhancing productivity, developing skills, improving infrastructure, and supporting sector diversification.
Monsha’at key figures
The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, also known as Monsha’at, drives SME growth by improving access to financing through collaborations with financial institutions and initiatives including the Kafalah Program, which is designed to boost lending.
Monsha’at also champions entrepreneurship, supports business development with specialized training programs, and advocates for regulatory enhancements to create a more business-friendly environment.
According to its third-quarter report, Saudi Arabia saw a significant surge in commercial registrations, which grew by 62 percent year on year to 135,909, with 46.8 percent attributed to female-owned businesses.
This momentum points to MSMEs’ growing role as engines of innovation, job creation, and economic diversification, strengthening the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.
It highlights increasing entrepreneurial activity and business confidence, with more diverse participation across industries.
The rise in female-owned businesses, in particular, reflects the success of government initiatives aimed at empowering women and fostering inclusivity in the economy, a core objective of Vision 2030.
Regionally, Riyadh led with 39 percent of new commercial registrations, totaling 53,150, followed by Makkah with 18 percent, or 24,782, and the Eastern Province with 15 percent, amounting to 19,841.
In their final meeting, Zelensky and Austin say military aid to Ukraine must continue under Trump
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: US to send another $500 million in security assistance to Ukraine
- The US has provided about $66 billion of the total aid to Kyiv since February 2022
“We’ve come such a long way that it would honestly be crazy to drop the ball now and not keep building on the defense coalitions we’ve created,” Zelensky said. “No matter what’s going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased of the map.”
Austin also announced the US would send another $500 million in security assistance to Ukraine, including missiles for fighter jets, sustainment equipment for F-16s, armored bridging systems and small arms and ammunition.
The weapons are funded through presidential drawdown authority, meaning they can be pulled directly from US stockpiles, and the Pentagon is pushing to get them into Ukraine before the end of the month.
This latest package leaves about $3.85 billion in funding to provide future arms shipments to Ukraine; if the Biden administration makes no further announcements, that balance will be available to President-elect Donald Trump to send if he chooses.
“If Putin swallows Ukraine, his appetite will only grow,” Austin told the approximately 50 member nations who have been meeting over the last three years to coordinate weapons and military support for Ukraine. “If autocrats conclude that democracies will lose their nerve, surrender their interests, and forget their principles, we will only see more land grabs. If tyrants learn that aggression pays, we will only invite even more aggression, chaos, and war.”
Austin leaves a consortium that now has more than a half dozen independent coalitions of those countries who are focused on Ukraine’s longer-term security capabilities and who have committed to continuing to stand up those needs through 2027.
Globally, countries including the US have ramped up domestic weapons production as the Ukraine war exposed that all of those stockpiles were woefully unprepared for a major conventional land war.
The US has provided about $66 billion of the total aid since February 2022 and has been able to deliver most of that total — between 80 percent and 90 percent — already to Ukraine.
“Retreat will only provide incentives for more imperial aggression,” Austin told the group. “And if we flinch, you can count on Putin to push further and punch harder. Ukraine’s survival is on the line. But so is the security of Europe, the United States, and the world.”
New expansion increases Riyadh airport’s capacity to 7m passengers
RIYADH: The first phase of the Terminal 1 expansion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was inaugurated on Jan. 8, enhancing the airport’s capacity to accommodate up to 7 million passengers per year.
The ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, who also serves as chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector has experienced significant growth, marked by record passenger numbers, an expanding fleet, and new international partnerships—all aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives.
King Khalid International Airport, in particular, has remained the top airport in the Kingdom for several months in 2024, achieving the highest compliance and operational standards. The expansion of Terminal 1 follows the completion of Terminals 3 and 4 in November 2022.
In his remarks, Al-Jasser emphasized that the phased expansion will increase Terminal 1’s annual passenger capacity from 3 million to 7 million. This development is part of a broader initiative to enhance both Terminals 1 and 2, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to strengthen the nation’s transportation infrastructure, improve the passenger experience, and stimulate economic growth through enhanced air connectivity.
“This expansion not only boosts the terminal’s operational capacity but also reinforces Riyadh’s role as a global hub for international travel and trade,” Al-Jasser said.
He further noted that the project would bolster tourism and economic activity while optimizing the overall passenger experience.
The newly expanded Terminal 1 features a host of modern amenities, including 38 check-in counters, 10 self-service kiosks, 26 passport control counters, and 10 automated gates. In addition, the terminal offers 24 boarding gates and 40 passport control counters in the arrivals area, complemented by 11 self-service gates designed to streamline passenger flow.
When combined with the upcoming enhancements to Terminal 2, the total capacity of both terminals is expected to reach 14 million passengers annually.
The expansion also includes upgrades to commercial spaces, air circulation systems, energy efficiency measures, and enhanced safety protocols.
Al-Jasser also highlighted the transformative potential of the recently unveiled master plan for King Salman International Airport.
The plan aims to position Riyadh as a premier global destination for events, while further establishing the city as a key player in international travel and commerce.
Ayman Abu Abah, CEO of Riyadh Airports Co., opened the ceremony by underscoring the importance of Terminal 1’s expansion. He reiterated that the project aligns with global operational standards and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a vital air transport link between continents.
The inauguration event was attended by several prominent figures, including the President of GACA and the CEO of Airports Holding Company.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious efforts to build world-class transportation infrastructure, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy outlined in Vision 2030.
UN migration agency appeals for $73 million in aid for Syria
- UN’s International Organization for Migration more than doubling an appeal launched last month for Syria
- The Geneva-based agency said it was working to reestablish its presence inside Syria
GENEVA: The UN migration agency on Thursday expanded an aid appeal for Syria to over $73 million, as the country transitions after years of civil war and decades of dictatorship.
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration said it was more than doubling an appeal launched last month for Syria, from $30 million to $73.2 million, with the aim of assisting 1.1 million people across Syria over the next six months.
“IOM is committed to helping the people of Syria at this historical moment as the nation recovers from nearly 14 years of conflict,” IOM chief Amy Pope said in a statement.
“IOM will bring our deep experience in humanitarian assistance and recovery to help vulnerable communities across the country as we work with all partners to help build a better future for Syria.”
The Geneva-based agency said it was working to reestablish its presence inside Syria, after exiting Damascus in 2020, building on its experience working there in the preceding two decades, as well as on its cross-border activities in the past decade to bring aid to northwest Syria.
It said it aimed “to provide immediate assistance to the most at-risk and vulnerable communities, including displaced and returning groups, across Syria.”
The requested funds, it added, would be used to provide essential relief items and cash, shelter, protection assistance, water, sanitation, hygiene and health services.
They would also go to providing recovery support to people on the move, including those displaced, or preparing to relocate.
The dramatic political upheaval in Syria after the sudden ousting last month of strongman Bashar Assad after decades of dictatorship has spurred large movements of people.
Half of Syria’s population were forced from their homes during nearly 14 years of civil war, with millions fleeing the country and millions more displaced internally.
The UN refugee agency has said it expects around one million people to return to the country in the first half of this year.
And by the end of 2024, the UN humanitarian agency had already recorded the returns of nearly 500,000 people who had been internally displaced inside Syria, IOM pointed out.
Journalist-turned-MP faces demeaning attacks as Lebanese parliament votes for president
- The heated exchange led Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to instruct his deputy, Elias Bou Saab, to escort Aoun out of the session
DUBAI: Lebanese journalist-turned-politician Paula Yacoubian was interupted and verbally attacked by MP Salim Aoun during a voting session to elect a president after a two-year power vaccum.
A video broadcast from inside Baabda Palace shows Yacoubian, during the voting session, accusing some MPs of using the constitution as a pretext to obstruct the session, asserting that the real reason was the refusal of some to allow Lebanese army commander Joseph Aoun to become president.
This accusation sparked an objection from Salim Aoun, who retorted: “This is out of order. Paula, you covered for a kidnapped prime minister and now you’re lecturing about virtue.”
He added: “You’re the biggest liar on the political scene, and your whole history lacks honor and morality.”
Yacoubian responded angrily, saying: “Shame on you!”
The argument escalated, with Aoun using offensive language to attack Yacoubian.
The heated exchange led Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to instruct his deputy, Elias Bou Saab, to escort Aoun out of the session to resolve the dispute.
Lebanon’s parliament on Thursday again failed to elect a president, after 12 previous attempts failed to choose a successor to former President Michel Aoun, whose term ended in October 2022.
Joseph Aoun, the leading candidate, failed to muster enough support — getting only 71 votes, or 15 short of the required 86.
As a sitting army commander, Joseph Aoun is technically barred from becoming president by Lebanon’s constitution. The ban has been waived before, but it means that Aoun faces additional procedural hurdles.
