BAGHDAD: An Iraqi court on Wednesday ordered the arrest of senior Kurdish officials responsible for organizing an independence referendum, in the latest salvo by the central authorities over the disputed vote.
The decision ratchets up pressure on Iraqi Kurdistan just over two weeks after voters in the autonomous region overwhelmingly backed independence in the non-binding ballot slammed as illegal by Baghdad.
Acting on a request from the National Security Council headed by Iraq’s prime minister, a court in east Baghdad issued warrants against the chairman of the vote’s organizing commission Hendren Saleh and two other members, Supreme Judicial Council spokesman Abdel Sattar Bayraqdar told AFP.
It ruled that the three “organized the referendum in contravention of a ruling by the Iraqi supreme court,” which had found the vote unconstitutional and ordered it called off.
The supreme court ruling came one week before the September 25 referendum, but the organizers went ahead with it regardless.
In retaliation the central authorities have already severed ties between the region and the outside world by cutting international air links, while neighboring Turkey and Iran have threatened to close their borders to oil exports.
The court’s arrest order is part of a broader legal onslaught from the central government.
The National Security Council on Monday said “a list of names” of Kurdish officials who helped organized the referendum had been compiled and “judicial measures have been taken against them.”
Iraq has also launched a probe into Kurdistan’s lucrative oil revenues and pledged to expose “corrupt” officials in the region who might have illegally monopolized the market.
Baghdad — which has already demanded to take over Kurdistan’s airports and borders — is looking to reclaim control over mobile phone companies in the region, including two of the largest providers in Iraq.
The authorities also announced Tuesday that they are looking to reopen a key oil pipeline to Turkey that would rival a competing Kurdish export route.
The Iraqi pipeline was cut off after the Daesh group seized swathes of the country in 2014, halting a flow of oil to Turkey of up to 400,000 barrels a day.
The angry dispute over the referendum — also rejected by the United States — is the latest twist in the decades-long movement by Iraq’s Kurds to break away from Baghdad.
Iraq is pushing Turkey and Iran — which both opposed the ballot over fears of fueling demands from their own sizeable Kurdish communities — to close their border posts with Kurdistan and stop all trade with the region.
Washington warned the referendum could “increase instability” in the region and have an impact on the battle against Daesh, in which Kurdish fighters have been a key force.
Iraq court orders arrest of Kurd independence vote organizers
Iraq court orders arrest of Kurd independence vote organizers
UFC’s Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady says Palestinian people ‘the real fighters’ ahead of Riyadh bout
- The 29-year-old takes on Belgium’s Bolaji Oki at UFC Fight Night 250 on Feb. 1
LONDON: For more than a decade, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady has — quite literally — been flying the flag for Palestine in the world of professional mixed martial arts.
His nickname, “The Pride of Palestine,” speaks to his roots and why “alam Filastin” can be seen draped over his shoulders before and after each fight.
The Middle East has shaped Al-Selwady, 29, as a person and fighter. His professional career began in the Desert Force and Brave promotions, in Jordan and Bahrain respectively.
On Feb. 1 in Riyadh, he fights in the region for the first time in five years, a rare Arab face in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. At UFC Fight Night 250, Al-Selwady (15-4-0) opens the card against Belgium’s Bolaji Oki (9-2-0).
And while he now lives and trains in Dallas, Texas, the Palestinian-American fighter is expecting the bout to feel like a homecoming.
“Honestly, it’s a very beautiful feeling fighting in the Middle East,” Al-Selwady told Arab News. “It’s almost like you’re fighting at home. Even though I haven’t lived in the region for a long time, I know people are going to be cheering for me and I plan to deliver that big win in front of my people.
“There aren’t that many Arab fighters that are actually from the Middle East who really made a big name in the UFC. Some guys have Arab origins but never actually lived in the region, but it is where I started my MMA career.”
As he does in every fight, Al-Selwady will take to the ring holding a Palestinian flag, with trunks likely some combination of green, white, red and black. He feels strongly that as an athlete he has a duty to remind the world about the struggles of the Palestinian people.
“I’ve represented Palestine throughout my career and it’s a beautiful responsibility,” Al-Selwady explained. “It’s a beautiful weight to carry on your shoulders because you feel almost like you’re leading and your people are watching.
“It gives me such motivation and really does fuel me because anytime you’re feeling like you’re going through something, you look at the people that you’re representing. It fuels me to go through all of the pain and to come out as a winner.
“They’re the real fighters out there. They’re my heroes, they’re my inspiration. It just pushes me to work harder harder because I choose to go through the fighting, the weight cuts, the discomfort. They don’t choose to be under genocide. But that’s their situation just because of who they are and where they live.”
The contest with Oki in Riyadh will be his first fight since the recent ceasefire in Gaza, following 18 months of bombardment.
“It’s a great announcement,” Al-Selwady said. “We’ve been waiting for it since the day this started so it makes me really happy. It will be nice for people to be able to take a breath after so long. I hope to give the Palestinian people a victory, though I always say that winning a fight is great, but the more important fight is still going on.”
Al-Selwady’s contest will be extra special because for the first time in five years he will have his father in his corner. The father-son combination was a regular fixture during Al-Selwady’s MMA career in the Gulf, but has been a rarer sight in recent years as he has fought mostly in the US and Europe.
“In Saudi this is going to be the first time my dad will be cornering me in a long time,” Al-Selwady said with a smile. “My family, especially when I lived in the Middle East, were very invested in my career. My mom was basically my nutritionist, and my dad was my coach.
“We did every single training session together. He would film every session that I did on tape and then review it, and then he would study tape of my opponents too.
“Even now, we have a shared folder and I upload my weekly sparrings, and he’s always giving me advice on how I can improve. I guess you could call it a family business.”
That family business began when Al-Selwady was a teenager. He recalls being “a really high-energy kid” who was “always getting into trouble.” A natural athlete, he dabbled in baseball and football but it was when broadcasts of the UFC and Strikeforce were on TV that he was left most transfixed.
“When I first saw MMA, I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Al-Selwady said. “I was smart in school and got good grades but I was never going to be a doctor or an engineer. I always wanted to be a professional MMA fighter.”
Al-Selwady started with kickboxing and then became a sparring partner for some fighters in the Desert Force MMA promotion in Jordan. He made his first Desert Force appearance at 10 days’ notice as a 17-year-old, winning by technical knockout.
“They were really surprised at how good I was, how aggressive; and how even if I was getting caught in submissions, I would get right back up and say, ‘let’s go some more.’ I trained so hard and God just set everything up for me to take my place the way I did.
“MMA has just grown so much since then. Back when I started, I was one of the first active MMA fighters in the Middle East; now I’m one of the last ones going. There are just a few of us left who started at that time and are still going strong right now.”
After building a reputation over more than a decade, Al-Selwady finally made his debut last year in the UFC, widely regarded as the pinnacle MMA promotion. The Jordan-born grappler fought valiantly but lost a roller-coaster contest to Loik Radzhabov.
“Feeling bad after losing isn’t going to change anything and, honestly, the way I lost, I learned so much from it,” Al-Selwady said philosophically. “It actually gave me even more confidence in myself than before.
“Most of the fights that I’ve won before, I was winning the whole time but in this one I had to fight through adversity in the beginning of the fight. I came back from that and then I was winning but let go of the gas pedal in the third round because I felt confident. Then he just leaped in and caught me.
“It was definitely a lesson for me, like God reminding me that I could do it, I was there, but then I got a little too cocky. You have to focus second by second because I looked at him and I smirked in the third round like … ‘that’s it, we’re done.’ But we weren’t done.”
Al-Selwady put that defeat behind him by beating Amin Ayoub last May by unanimous decision in the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship’s ADXC 4 event. In Riyadh, he returns to the UFC and faces a late addition to the card in Oki; his original opponent Daniel Leavitt dropped out, though he is in talks to rebook the fight for April.
With his sights now firmly set on the first UFC victory of an impressive MMA career, Al-Selwady is in confident mood and guarantees that he will put on a show for those in the Saudi capital, and the millions watching at home.
“I don’t train for fights, I train to be a better fighter and I train to be a better person,” Al-Selwady said. “I’m focused on getting the job done and I’m really excited to get back in there.
“Since the day I started fighting until now, I’ve never had a boring fight. Ever. And I don’t ever plan to. I’m not a boring fighter and I’m not a boring person, even outside of fighting. I always keep things interesting.
“Whether you’re an MMA fan or not, this fight will catch your attention. It is the first fight of the night, and it will be the fight of the night.”
Frenchman on Indonesian death row to be sent home
- Senior law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra signed a deal for the transfer of Serge Atlaoui
- Atlaoui’s fate upon his return to France remains unclear
Jakarta: A Frenchman on death row in Indonesia since 2007 for drug offenses will be sent back to his home country, an Indonesian minister said Friday.
Indonesia has in recent weeks released half a dozen high-profile detainees, including a Filipino mother on death row and the last five members of the so-called “Bali Nine” drug ring.
Senior law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra signed a deal for the transfer of Serge Atlaoui, a 61-year-old arrested in 2005 at a drug factory near Jakarta, in a video call with French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin.
“I think this is a process that has been quite long... but under the current government the negotiation has been relatively swift,” Yusril told reporters at a press conference alongside French ambassador to Indonesia Fabien Penone.
The deal caps months of talks for the transfer of the Frenchman, who will likely be repatriated on February 4, Yusril told AFP on Friday.
Atlaoui is currently suffering from an illness in a Jakarta prison and receives weekly treatment at a hospital, raising the stakes of his transfer.
“It is obviously a great relief to finally learn of the agreement concluded between France and Indonesia for the transfer of Serge,” Atlaoui’s French lawyer Richard Sedillot told AFP.
“These last few days have been difficult, since the conclusion of the agreement has been postponed several times,” he said.
Atlaoui’s fate upon his return to France remains unclear.
The father of four long maintained his innocence, insisting he was installing machinery in what he thought was an acrylics plant.
He was initially sentenced to life in prison, but the Supreme Court in 2007 increased the sentence to death.
Activists campaigning for an end to the death penalty hailed the agreement.
“We are delighted with this transfer decision... and to know that Serge Atlaoui can now return to France after everything he has experienced,” Raphael Chenuil-Hazan, executive director of NGO Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM), told AFP.
He said Atlaoui “has largely served his sentence and well beyond that” and called for the French government to grant him clemency.
Atlaoui was held on the island of Nusakambangan in Central Java, known as Indonesia’s “Alcatraz,” following the death sentence, but he was later transferred to the city of Tangerang, west of Jakarta.
He was due to be executed in 2015 alongside eight other drug offenders, but won a reprieve after Paris stepped up pressure, with Indonesian authorities agreeing to let an outstanding appeal run its course.
Indonesia has some of the world’s toughest drug laws and has executed foreigners in the past.
At least 530 people are on death row in the Southeast Asian nation, according to data from rights group KontraS, mostly for drug-related crimes.
Indonesia’s Immigration and Corrections Ministry said more than 90 foreigners were on death row, all on drug charges, as of early November.
Last month, Filipino inmate Mary Jane Veloso tearfully reunited with her family after nearly 15 years on Indonesia’s death row.
The Indonesian government recently signalled it will resume executions, on hiatus since 2016.
Saudi Arabia champions youth as it drives talent development to fuel Vision 2030
- Kingdom is encouraging entrepreneurship
- 76 percent of young Saudis view the government as a positive change-driver
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia redefines its economy and aspirations under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is placing a tremendous focus on its most valuable asset — its youth.
Through a dynamic blend of public-private partnerships, targeted training, and groundbreaking programs, Saudi Arabia is setting the stage for a new generation of skilled professionals who will not only fuel growth but also transform the economic landscape.
Figures from the General Authority for Statistics released in 2023 show that 63 percent of the Kingdom’s population is under 30 years old, and the government and private sector are working hand-in-hand to shape the coming era.
“Digital literacy is essential, as technological advancements require the younger generation to not only be proficient in the latest advancements but also drive innovation in areas like AI and data analytics,” Riyadh Al-Najjar, PwC Middle East chairman and Saudi Arabia country senior partner, told Arab News
He added: “An entrepreneurial mindset is equally important, as the success of Vision 2030 relies on growing the private sector. Young people need to be able to spot opportunities, think critically, and solve problems that add value to the economy.”
On a similar perspective, Zehar Filemban, executive director in talent development at Red Sea Global, noted the essential skills Saudi Arabia is focusing on to prepare its youth for roles in an evolving economy.
In emerging fields like technology, tourism, and renewable energy, digital literacy is crucial, enabling young Saudis to work with advanced technologies, while problem-solving equips them to tackle complex challenges and project management ensures efficient handling of tasks and responsibilities.
“By nurturing these skills, we aim to empower the next generation to contribute effectively to the Kingdom’s evolving economy,” Filemban told Arab News.
Alongside these technical skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership are equally important.
Critical thinking allows young professionals to approach problems analytically, adaptability helps them respond effectively to rapid changes, and leadership empowers them to drive projects and inspire teams.
By cultivating both technical and soft skills, Saudi Arabia aims to equip the next generation to lead in a competitive job market, fostering innovation and supporting the country’s ambitious economic transformation under Vision 2030.
“An entrepreneurial mindset is equally important, as the success of Vision 2030 relies on growing the private sector,” Al-Najjar said, underscoring that the future workforce must not only navigate established pathways but also create their own.
Robust youth engagement
PwC's Middle East Youth Outlook 2024 report underscores the importance of local talent development for the Kingdom’s future, indicating that a large portion of Saudi youth are highly motivated to contribute to the nation's progress.
The report reveals that 76 percent of young Saudis view the government as a positive change-driver, reflecting trust in the Vision 2030 agenda and a desire to align with national goals.
It also emphasizes that Saudi youth are keenly interested in career pathways that not only offer upward mobility but also provide opportunities to build skills in fields critical to the Kingdom’s sustainable future, like technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism.
Filling the skills gap via private-public partnerships
Private companies in Saudi Arabia are working alongside government initiatives to improve youth employment and skill development.
"We actively partner with various ministries and educational institutions to offer tailored training programs that address industry-specific needs,” Filemban said.
He continued: “These collaborations, such as the RSG Elite Graduate Program, RSG Scholarship Program, Red Sea Vocational Training Program, and partnerships with local educational institutions, ensure that Saudi youth gain practical, hands-on experience while building a strong foundation for their careers, ultimately aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 and beyond.”
The alignment of private companies with government initiatives has been essential to the Kingdom’s approach, creating job readiness programs that meet the demands of the local labor market.
PwC, along with other private-sector giants like Aramco, NEOM, and Red Sea Global, are deeply committed to skill development and Saudization, reducing dependency on expatriate labor by equipping local talent with the expertise necessary to fill high-demand roles.
The firm’s Hemam program provides Saudi youth with training in consulting and technology, coupled with mentorship to bridge the gap between education and employment.
“It is also important for the private sector and educational institutions to continue working closely together, as it plays a pivotal role in preparing young Saudis for their careers,” Al-Najjar said.
He added: “Universities and academic institutions are increasingly working alongside businesses to ensure that curricula and training programmes are aligned with the specific needs of in demand sectors.”
Al-Najjar went on to say: “This alignment ensures that graduates possess the needed skills and are well-equipped to transition from education to employment seamlessly.”
Encouraging entrepreneurship
Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem is also playing a significant role in economic diversification.
The government, along with private-sector incubators such as The Garage and Flat6Labs, offers young business minds vital resources, including funding, mentorship, and technical support.
According to Al-Najjar, the private-sector incubators across the Kingdom play a significant role by providing entrepreneurs with access to technical expertise, strategic advice, and an extensive network of investors.
This guidance is helping young Saudis transform innovative concepts into viable businesses, fostering a generation of self-starters who contribute to job creation and economic growth.
Programs like these underscore the rise in entrepreneurial interest among Saudi youth, who are increasingly drawn to fields such as technology, renewable energy, and gaming.
Building a sustainable workforce: Saudization and beyond
Saudi Arabia’s shift towards a sustainable, homegrown workforce involves not only training but also the transfer of knowledge from foreign experts to Saudi nationals.
Companies are focused on workforce localization and training, with entities like Red Sea Global launching initiatives to empower Saudi talent to take on roles in fields such as tourism and renewable energy.
Filemban described RSG’s Global Leader Program as a targeted leadership initiative aimed at building capacity within Saudi nationals.
“This approach creates a sustainable workforce and also fosters a culture of ownership and innovation, empowering Saudis to take on roles across key sectors. We are also investing in a range of leadership initiatives, including the RSG Global Leader Program,” he said.
Filemban added: “Young Saudis are showing particular interest in sectors like tourism, technology, and renewable energy, areas that align closely with the goals of Vision 2030.”
He further explained that by connecting them with industry experts and providing resources, they enable them to transform their innovative concepts into sustainable businesses that contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth.
Looking ahead to what’s next
When asked about further steps that Saudi Arabia should take to retain and attract talent in fields crucial to Vision 2030, Filemban noted that the Kingdom must continue to develop a robust talent ecosystem that not only attracts skilled professionals but also retains them in essential fields
“This can be achieved by expanding partnerships with global educational institutions, investing in lifelong learning programs, and enhancing incentives for skill development,” he said.
Filemban continued: “At Red Sea Global, we are committed to developing comprehensive career pathways, creating opportunities for continuous professional growth, and fostering an environment where top talent is valued and nurtured.”
On his side, Al-Najjar emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia taking active steps to attract and retain talent in fields critical to the country’s future, even beyond Vision 2030.
“A key priority will be creating flexible, purpose-driven workplaces that connect back to the demand of today’s workforce. As highlighted in our Hopes and Fears Survey, 57 percent of workers value work-life balance and job security,” he said.
Al-Najjar continued: “This makes it essential for businesses to expand initiatives such as remote working policies, wellness programmes, and inclusive environments.
He added that this involves expanding public-private partnerships for advanced training, enhancing the appeal of fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and clean energy, and offering incentives and career growth opportunities for young professionals.
“By focusing on these areas, Saudi will have created a dynamic ecosystem that not only attracts global professionals but also nurtures and retains local talent who will drive the Kingdom’s economic transformation,” Al-Najjar said.
The Middle East Youth Outlook 2024 report recommends that Saudi Arabia continue to invest in scholarships, internships, and public-private collaborations to attract young professionals to emerging industries.
In doing so, the Kingdom is not only positioning itself as a talent hub but also fostering an environment where local youth can thrive and innovate.
Overcoming the challenges
Despite these extensive efforts, challenges remain. As Filemban pointed out: “One of the core challenges is bridging the gap between the skills young Saudis acquire in educational institutions and the rapidly evolving needs of the job market.”
The rapid pace of technological advancement, combined with the evolving demands of industries like AI and data analytics, requires continuous upskilling.
Initiatives such as Vision 2030’s Human Capability Development Program aim to address this by aligning education with industry requirements, preparing youth for careers in key sectors through practical skills and soft skills training.
In response, companies like Red Sea Global and PwC are working closely with universities and vocational training centers to develop curricula and training programs that meet industry standards.
This alignment between academia and industry is crucial to ensuring that young Saudis are equipped with relevant, market-driven skills, enabling them to transition smoothly into the workforce.
GCC rally legends set for iconic reunion in Hail
- Part of 20th anniversary of Hail Toyota International Rally
- Retired drivers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman will race
JEDDAH: Several retired drivers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman will participate in a “Legends Rally” as a part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Hail Toyota International Rally, which takes place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.
The drivers include Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and former member of Al-Faisal Racing Team, Qatari champion Saeed Al-Hajri, and Saudi rally champion Abdullah Bakhashab.
Other participants include Saudi rally champion Ahmed Al-Sabban, Omani rally champion Hamad Al-Wahaibi, and Saudi rally driver Farhan Al-Shamri, winner of the first edition of the Hail International Rally.
The event is sponsored by the Saudi motor federation and Jameel Motorsports.
The Hail Toyota International Rally covers the first rounds of several contests including the FIA World Cup for Baja Cross-Country Rallies, Middle East Baja Cup, Saudi Toyota Desert Rally Championship, and FIA World Cup for Baja Cross-Country Rallies for motorcycles.
The local and international drivers competing in the two-day event for cars and motorcycles include world champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi, world champion Juan Cruze Yacopini, Dania Aqeel, Saleh Al-Saif, Maha Al-Hamli, Hamza Bakhashab, Miroslav Zapletal and Abdullah Al-Shaqawi.
‘Pioneering change’ — new report highlights rise of women’s football in Saudi Arabia
- The analysis by NEOM Sport highlights the achievements and milestones of women’s football in the Kingdom to date and looks at its future
NEOM: A new report has been published that shines a light on the current landscape of women’s football in Saudi Arabia, looking at how it has grown so far and examining future opportunities.
The report by NEOM Sport, in partnership with the Asian Football Confederation, reveals how football has grown rapidly among women in the Kingdom, the Middle East and Asia. NEOM is a Presenting Partner of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League.
Women’s football in Saudi Arabia has become a catalyst for their increased participation in sport on a wider scale, helping to redefine sports culture and societal norms for the future as well as promoting gender equality and healthier lifestyles in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030.
Aalia Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed, head of women’s football at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said: “It has been a truly remarkable journey for Saudi women’s football over the last six years since the establishment of a dedicated women’s football department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
“Driven by Saudi Vision 2030, we are hugely proud of the transformation across all areas of the game, including the establishment of four national teams, five competitions, 77,000 girls playing in our annual Schools League, six girls’ regional training centers and numerous coaching/refereeing development programs. It is truly something that needs to be seen to be believed.”
Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, said: “This report, created in collaboration with our contributors, is our way of truly understanding the landscape — where we are, what obstacles lie ahead and how the future could look.
“But it’s about more than just football. It’s about providing more opportunities for women and demonstrating the far-reaching impact that sport can have on individuals and communities. Alongside the AFC, we aim to play our part in unlocking the full potential of women’s sport by telling the story of how key stakeholders are redefining football and empowering women across the Kingdom.”
With contributions from multiple stakeholders from the women’s game — including SAFF, the Saudi Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Sports for All Federation, the AFC and more — the report examines the strides taken that led to a significant increase in participation in women’s football between 2022-23.
Milestones over the past six years include the launch of the Saudi Women’s Premier League and women’s national team, the appointment of female leaders and achieving an official FIFA world ranking. Other contributing components include developmental pathways at grassroots level, the importance of leadership and coaching, investment in infrastructure and accessibility, and commercialization of the sport. These insights are among many highlighting how women’s football drives tangible strategic efforts that are propelling the sport and communities forward.
“Our mission is simple: We want to inspire and offer new opportunities for girls throughout the country to realize their dreams and showcase their talent and love for the beautiful game,” Al-Rasheed said.
“Our journey has inspired millions along the way, not just in Saudi Arabia but across different parts of the world. We are not doing this alone. We are open to the world and are already in 62 active partnerships with federations to co-develop the women’s game and realize its full potential. Today, 60 international players from 20 nationalities play in our leagues and have joined us on this journey.
“We are living in hugely exciting times and there is so much more to come from Saudi women’s football in the years to come.”
