World

Crown Prince of Jordan Al Hussein’s wedding details revealed

The highly anticipated wedding of the Jordanian Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II is just around the corner, and it has become the talk of the town in Jordan and across the region.

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The crown prince is preparing to embrace a new phase in his personal and family life as he is getting ready to marry Rajwa Al Saif. Warm wishes and congratulations have poured in for Prince Al Hussein from various individuals in Jordan and across the globe. This momentous occasion holds immense significance for the royal family and the people of Jordan, symbolizing an important milestone in their lives.

Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Saudi national Rajwa Al Saif. (Twitter)

The royal wedding date

The wedding of Prince Al Hussein is set to take place on Thursday, June 1 with live coverage scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. local time. A dedicated team is working tirelessly to create a glorious celebration that befits the significance of this remarkable event. Distinguished guests from around the world, including heads of state, esteemed political and diplomatic figures, and close friends and members of the royal family, will attend the joyous ceremony.

The engagement of Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Saudi national Rajwa al-Saif. (Twitter)

A magnificent and awe-inspiring procession is being prepared for this momentous occasion with the following details:

Wedding Venue

As announced by the Royal Court, the wedding ceremony will take place at Zahran Palace. This distinguished palace, built in 1957, holds a special significance as it was once the home of the late Queen Zein Al Sharaf, the mother of King Hussein bin Talal. Having remained a cherished venue for the Hashemite family, Zahran Palace has witnessed numerous royal weddings, including those of King Abdullah II and the late King Hussein bin Talal.

A view shows Zahran Palace, ahead of the wedding of Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif, the youngest daughter of Saudi businessman Khaled Al Saif, set for June 1, in Amman, Jordan May 28, 2023. (Reuters)

After the ceremony, the wedding procession, accompanied by the iconic Red Procession, will make its way to Al Husseiniya Palace. This location will be the backdrop for the lavish reception and a sumptuous royal dinner, where the royal wedding will be celebrated in grand style.

About the Red Procession

The legendary Red Procession takes center stage, featuring a fleet of 20 striking red Land Rover convertibles. Fourteen of these vehicles lead the procession, while the remaining six are backups, ready to seamlessly step in if needed. This illustrious tradition of the Red Procession traces its roots back to the establishment of Jordan following its independence on May 25, 1946. It holds the esteemed title of being the official Hashemite procession, accompanying the kings during momentous ceremonial events and diplomatic receptions.

Queen Rania and Rajwa al-Saif at the pre-wedding henna party. (Instagram)

Once adorned by elegant white horses, the procession, which is ridden by 71 soldiers from the Royal Guard, now boasts ten motorcycles. These proud soldiers don formal uniforms with red sashes across their chests.

The Red Procession will pass through the streets of Amman, sharing the nation’s exuberance with the Jordanian people and residents.

Rajwa Al Saif: Fiancée of Jordan’s crown prince

Born on April 28, 1994, in Riyadh, Rajwa Khalid bin Masaad Al Saif hails from a prominent Saudi Arabian family with deep roots in the Saba’ tribe. Her family is well-known in the Al Atar town of Sudair, located in the central Najd region of Saudi Arabia. They have been esteemed community members since the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Notably, her family owns a respected contracting company called Al Saif Engineering Consultants, which her father, Mr Khalid bin Masaad bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, manages.

Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II gets engaged to Saudi national Rajwa Khalid bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif. (Twitter)

Al Saif is the youngest among three siblings, Faisal, Naif, and Dana. Her mother, Azza bint Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Ahmad Al Sudairi, completes their close-knit family circle. The bride-to-be pursued her studies in Architecture at Syracuse University in New York after she graduated from high school in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, she holds a professional degree in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in the US.

Al Saif stands out for her unique cultural background, diverse talents, and extensive knowledge, which perfectly complement her esteemed position as the fiancée of the Crown Prince of Jordan and the future Queen of Jordan.

She is not only fluent in Arabic, but she has also mastered the French and English languages. Furthermore, she has several talents, notably excelling in horseback riding and a passion for drawing and creating intricate handmade artwork.

The royal engagement story

The story of their union unfolded as the crown prince said they met on a special occasion through a mutual friend. Al Saif left a lasting first impression, eventually leading the crown prince to propose. The Royal Court officially announced their engagement on August 17, 2022, in a ceremony held at her family’s Riyadh residence in Saudi Arabia.

Jordan’s Royal Wedding: Everything to know about Prince Al Hussein, Rajwa’s big day

Photos: Rajwa al-Saif dons dress by Saudi designer for pre-wedding henna party

World

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

World

At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

World

US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM