The annual Takreem America Awards took place in Washington on Friday night, as the organisation honoured achievements from the Arab-American community.
Takreem America was founded in 2019 with the goal of connecting Arab Americans to their heritage and fostering inclusivity and prosperity.
Prominent members of the Arab-American community arrived in the US capital to celebrate this year's award winners, who are making a difference in a host of areas, from sustainability to medicine to fashion.
"A lot of times, in the Middle East, we tend to wait until someone passes away before we recognise them and so I'm thrilled that people are being recognised, because they become role models for the younger generations," Nermien Riad, founder and executive director of Coptic Orphans, a children's charity that operates in Egypt, told The National.
Earlier in the day, Takreem America held the Takminds Forum, which showcased conversations and panels with global experts in politics, technology, culture and business.
"I think it's really important for us, people in the global Arab community to celebrate what we're doing and the advancements in our community," Syrian American Dannia Hakki, co-founder of public relations firm MoKi Media who was a guest on one of the Takminds panels, told The National.
"I feel like we get wrapped up in this political narrative and there's this stereotype that we just can't shake when we're constantly in political turmoil. And the things that we're doing to contribute to society are kind of glossed over or overlooked."
Here are those honoured at the Takreem Awards this year:
Rabi Mohtar, Sustainability and environmental leadership
Mr Motar is a professor at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus trade-offs, with the aim of providing sustainable strategies for managing natural resources. His work attempts to build bridges between science and policy, influencing global sustainability efforts through research, governance and capacity building.
He serves as a governor of the World Water Council and an executive board member of the International Water Resources Association, leading initiatives to modernise integrated water resources management
"It's a good feeling to be recognised, especially by your own people," Mr Motar told The National, saying the award was particularly significant "coming from home". He added that he hoped for more cohesion in the Arab-American community so that it can become a stronger force in society.
Charbel Farhat, Scientific and technological achievement
Mr Farhat is the Vivian Church Hoff Professor of Aircraft Structures at Stanford University in California. With his research focused on computational mechanics, fluid-structure interaction and high-performance computing, Mr Farhat has made major contributions to aerospace engineering, defence technology and computational modelling.
His research, supported by Nasa, the US Department of Defence, Boeing, Toyota, Volkswagen and other global companies and institutions, continues to drive advancements in aerospace engineering, supercomputing and other areas.
Joseph Geagea, Corporate leadership
Mr Geagea is a global energy executive with a 40-year career at Chevron. As a member of Chevron’s executive committee, he played a major role in overseeing technology, capital projects, cybersecurity and other areas for the company’s worldwide operations.
He is credited with developing and carrying out Chevron’s corporate transformation strategy, modernising its culture, structure and digital capabilities, and implementing enterprise-wide cost-saving initiatives that delivered multibillion-dollar efficiencies.
Mr Geagea told the audience that during his decades-long career, he found that "leadership is not about making decisions - it's about listening, it's about adapting and earning trust".
Reem Acra, Cultural excellence
Ms Acra is a fashion designer known for her bridal and ready-to-wear collections that blend tradition with modernity. Her creations have been worn by A-list celebrities including Angelina Jolie and Taylor Swift, and have been seen on the red carpet at the Oscars, Grammys and other events.
Forbes has recognised her as one of the world's 10 most influential Arab women, and she has mentored many emerging designers as host of Middle East Fashion Star.
Ms Acra told the audience that her journey from the souqs of Lebanon to the runways of New York allowed her to take her Arab heritage and "transform it into something new, something timeless".
Richard and Kaye Westmark, Lifetime achievement
Kaye Westmark is clinical assistant professor of radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Centre, and Richard Westmark is founder and executive chairman of Westmark Enterprise as well as founder and chief investment officer of Triple V Management.
The couple have made many contributions to medicine, finance and philanthropy.
Richard Westmark told the event that the Arab community "is a role model that should be held up to the world ... it's certainly a role model in how to survive and often thrive in a setting of adversity".
Samia Farouki, Lifetime achievement
Ms Farouki is founder and chairwoman of HII-Finance Corporation, a global investment company in Washington. The firm is focused on originating and overseeing women-owned businesses, and helping them grow across national and international markets.
She has spent decades building bridges between the Arab world and the US. She founded and oversaw the Arab American Cultural Foundation/Alif Gallery, the first US-based platform dedicated to showcasing Arab art and culture. She has also served on the board or advised several major institutions, including the Middle East Institute and the Kennedy Centre’s International Committee on the Arts.
Michael and Hoda Kardoush, Lifetime achievement
Michael Kardoush is an engineer and entrepreneur, and Hoda Kardoush is a community leader and advocate for Arab culture and education. Both are also involved in philanthropy.
Together, the Kardoushes support a variety of philanthropic initiatives. After the loss of their son to cancer, the couple created the Paul Kardoush Memorial Endowed Lecture Series at the University of Houston to foster conversations across the Arab world.
Their work with the Leonard Education Organisation provides scholarships for Palestinian students globally.
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines
Jonathan Miller, Scribe Publications
Company profile
Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
More from Neighbourhood Watch
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
SUNDAY'S ABU DHABI T10 MATCHES
Northern Warriors v Team Abu Dhabi, 3.30pm
Bangla Tigers v Karnataka Tuskers, 5.45pm
Qalandars v Maratha Arabians, 8pm
The specs: 2019 Mini Cooper
Price, base: Dh141,740 (three-door) / Dh165,900 (five-door)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder (Cooper) / 2.0-litre four-cylinder (Cooper S)
Power: 136hp @ 4,500rpm (Cooper) / 192hp @ 5,000rpm (Cooper S)
Torque: 220Nm @ 1,480rpm (Cooper) / 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (Cooper S)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 4.8L to 5.4L / 100km
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last 16, first leg
Liverpool v Bayern Munich, midnight, Wednesday, BeIN Sports
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
