World

France bans athletes from wearing hijab at Paris Olympic games, sparking outcry

The ban on headscarves for French athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games announced by the country’s sports minister has sparked an outrage on social media with many people labelling it Islamophobic while others applauded the move.

Speaking during the ‘Sunday In Politics’ show on France 3 TV, French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said that no member of the French delegation would be allowed to wear the hijab or headscarf and expressed her support for “strict secularism,” according to multiple media reports.

“We agree with the recent judiciary system decision which the Prime Minister also expressed clearly, supporting strict secularism in sport. This means the prohibition of any kind of preaching and public sector neutrality. This means that members of our delegation, in our sports teams, will not wear the veil,” Oudea-Castera was quoted as saying.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

The ban comes amid a series of regulations in France prohibiting any religious garments in public institutions including government offices, schools and universities as part of the country’s strict ideology of laïcité or state-enforced secularism.

The sports minister’s statement triggered a heated debate on social media, with some users condemning the ban as Islamophobic while others hailed it for upholding secularism.

“This country has a problem with Islam, I say it loud and clear and everyone – without exception – knows it,” a user who identified as Mehdi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ce pays a un problème avec l’islam je le dis haut et fort et tout le monde -sans exception- le sait

— Mehdi ⚡️💛 (@Mehdiodas) September 24, 2023

Another user called Hassen Hammou questioned the decision expressing that it would make sports inaccessible for many athletes, largely Muslim women.

“Democratizing sport means making it accessible to everyone,” he posted on X.

Supporters of the ban said that the decision endorses French ideals of secularism and athletes much adhere to its rules.

“The specificity of French secularism is a modernity that Anglo-Saxon countries do not have. What is exclusive is to distinguish oneself, to separate oneself from others, with an obscurantist religious outfit,” a user who identified as Erik Verhagen, wrote on X.

Au contraire, la spécificité de la laïcité française est une modernité que les pays anglo-saxons n’ont pas. Ce qui est exclusif c’est de se distinguer, se séparer des autres, avec une tenue religieuse obscurantiste. Pas de religion dans le sport pour la France. Et nous y tenons.

— Erik Verhagen (@ericverhagen_) September 26, 2023

Another user argued that not accepting secularism in sports may lead to further refusal of rules.

“If it does not accept the rules of secularism today, tomorrow it will not accept the rules of sport either!,” wrote a user called Paule Adda on X.

The Paris Olympic Games will be held next year from July 26 to August 11 in the French capital. Several non-French athletes and sports officials are expected to wear the hijab because the International Olympic Committee allows it and does not regard the headscarf as a religious symbol but a cultural one.

Since 2014, FIFA has also allowed its players to wear a hijab. In July this year Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first veiled player in a World Cup.

Throughout last year, a group of footballers, known as “Les Hijabeuses,” lobbied the French Football Federation to overturn the ban, meeting with officials and even staging protests at the federation’s headquarters, but to no avail.

According to media reports, the group had applied to the Council of State against the FFF’s decision to ban the head covering but in June, their appeal was rejected and the Council of State upheld the ban.

Mixed reactions follow French ban on abayas in schools

Court upholds ban on barristers wearing hijab in France’s Lille law courts

World

Almarai signs an MoU with the Authority of People with Disabilities to train and employ them.

Almarai Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Authority of People with
Disabilities to train, qualify and employ persons with disabilities. This came on the sidelines of
the First International Labor Market Conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development on December 13 – 14, 2023, at the King Abdulaziz Convention Center
in Riyadh.

The memorandum was signed by the Chief Human Resources Officer of Almarai Company,
Fahad Mohammed Aldrees, and the CEO of the Authority of People with Disabilities, Dr.
Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Haidari.

“This agreement comes within the framework of the company’s social responsibility program, as
Almarai employs more than 500 people with disabilities, which is one of the most suitable work
environments for them.” Fahad Aldrees said. Pointing out that Almarai has the “Silent Line”,
which is one of its production lines that is designated for people with hearing disabilities.

It is worth mentioning that Almarai supports over 300 charity organizations annually across the
kingdom that operate in the field of community development.

World

Central Phuket Shopping Center Prepared Surprises This Christmas & New Year 2024

Central Phuket Shopping Center, the luxury lifestyle landmark o Phuket, invites everyone to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024 in The Great Celebration 2024 Campaign. Joining hands with global partner ‘The Pokémon Company’, Central Phuket bring over Pokémon, the super cute character popular around the world, for all locals and international fans. The special campaign launch presents a procession of cute ‘Pikachu’ alongside with the giant Christmas tree for the first time in Thailand.
This December, Central Phuket prepared many activities for shoppers when visiting Phuket! Experience the “Surprise of the Day” with free Cotton Candy for our little ones, a sweet and fluffy treat, a special gift from Central Phuket. Bring your kids to enjoy this sweet treat every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December. Don’t miss the Christmas Carol that
everyone loves, little Santas spread freshness by singing together in the Christmas Carol activity. Plus, Christmas Live Music, the festival of joy is back! Celebrate Christmas in a luxurious and classy atmosphere, enjoying the music that will bring us joy. Also, there will be Christmas Troop, Santa Claus is coming to town! The Santa troop will spread happiness throughout Central Phuket. Lastly, Cake Workshop, workshop activity with Chef Sebastien’s IRON CHEF Thailand teaching how to make Christmas Vanilla Cake. A special activity for the Christmas season. Moreover, Central Phuket provides special promotion exclusively for international tourists throughout December 23 – January 24 including:

1) Get Free! Tourist welcome discount package valued up to THB 10,000.
2) Receive THB 100 Gift voucher when spending up to THB 2,500 per receipt.
3) Get to buy ‘Happy Holiday Collections’ special price: Pokémon 2-in-1 pillow blanket, tumbler, travel bag set, and keychain. Visit redemption counter for the price.
4) Exclusive for Grab Users get discount code up to 25% off* when traveling to participating Central Shopping Centers.
5) Receive famous Elephant Pants when spending over THB 5,000 in shopping center.
6) Get Free! H&M THB 100 gift voucher when booking any accommodations in Phuket with Agoda. Terms and conditions apply.

Central Phuket is a home of global luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Exclusive for this season, Louis Vuitton launches a pop-up store located at Central Phuket. The design is inspired by the story of Damier or Checkerboard, the brand’s signature pattern. This classic pattern was created by Louis
Vuitton and his son Georges Vuitton in 1888 and has always been part of the design of Maison’s iconic items and concepts. Find clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories for men at the Pop-up Store from Louis Vuitton at Central Phuket, 1st floor, from today until 31 March 2024. And with over 500 renowned fashion brands and lifestyle shops ranging from local to international
well-known brands covering all categories, international shoppers will be able to find what they are looking for in Central Phuket.
Central Phuket is located in the heart of one of the world’s most famous beach cities, Phuket and await to welcome both locals and international visitors this holiday. Also, don’t miss one of the most joyful New Year Count Down events in Phuket city at Central Phuket Shopping Center on December 31, 2023.

World

Saudi Fund for Development Provides $100 Million Development Loan for the Rogun Hydropower Project

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed a new development loan agreement with the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Kahhorzoda Fayziddin Sattor, through which SFD is contributing $100 million USD to fund the Rogun Hydropower Project, a landmark initiative that will enhance energy,
food, and water security, and foster sustainable development in the country. The signing was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Al-Reshiadan, and the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Akram Karimi, alongside other officials from both sides. SFD’s development loan will help contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable food and water future for Tajikistan, while driving the country’s energy transition and climate resilience. The project aims to contribute to the national energy security and will help advance sustainable
development in the Republic of Tajikistan, by providing the renewable electricity supply to meet local demand and expand electricity production domestically and regionally, producing 3600 MW of energy. The loan agreement will also finance the construction of a 335-meter-tall dam, which will enhance irrigation capabilities and bolster agricultural activities across the country. Additionally, the project will improve flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic
tunnels for diversion and drainage. It will also provide clean and drinkable water to people through desalination, and help advance socio-economic development, by creating both direct and indirect jobs.
Importantly, this project also supports the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, SDG 2, Zero Hunger, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
On this occasion, the CEO of SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan’s energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of
hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy. It will propel Tajikistan towards environmental stewardship and prosperity.”