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In a collective effort to advance sustainable development through education, education leaders and key stakeholders from across the Arab states concluded in Beirut Wednesday the ESD-NET Arab Region 2025 Regional Workshop. The two-day high-level strategic meeting aimed to accelerate the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into national education systems and to strengthen regional collaboration to drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted by the Unesco Regional Office in Beirut, in partnership with the Unesco Regional Office in Doha, the workshop serves as a key milestone in supporting Arab member states to operationalise the ESD-NET Global Network framework. It focuses on confirming the ESD-NET Terms of Reference, finalising the 2026–2027 Regional Roadmap, and aligning collective efforts to mainstream sustainability within education systems in the region. "This workshop is a new beginning towards a green and sustainable Arab education. Unesco, through its offices in Beirut, Doha, and its headquarters in Paris, is fully committed to supporting countries in this journey — strengthening education systems, empowering teachers, developing curricula, and building strong partnerships with communities and the private sector," said Maysoun Chehab, officer in charge of the Unesco Regional Office in Beirut. This gathering builds on the momentum generated by the 2025 ESD-Arab NET webinar series, which mobilised governments, civil society, the private sector and academic institutions to strengthen the ESD ecosystem in the Arab region. A key highlight of the workshop was the official launch of the Arabic language versions of the Greening Education Partnership’s resources, including the Green Schools Quality Standard and the Greening Curriculum Guidance. “These important resources will support countries in transforming learning environments and curricula to be more climate-responsive and action-oriented," said Salah Khaled, director of the Unesco Regional Office for the Gulf states and Yemen.

The Arab region’s renewable energy sector attracted some 360 FDI projects with investments of $351bn in 22 years up to 2024, a report by Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) has shown.This, the report noted, provided more than 83,000 jobs during the period from January 2003-December 2024.According to Dhaman, Qatar is among countries that lead investment and business attraction in power and energy.In its second report for 2025 on the Arab power and renewable energy sector, the Kuwait-based Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation noted five countries - Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, Mauritania and Jordan, made up approximately 69% of the number of projects (248 projects), around 83% of the Capex ($291bn), and 82% of the new jobs (approximately 68,000 jobs).It added that the top 10 companies investing in the power sector in each index accounted for around 25% of the number of implemented projects, 40% of Capex, and 38% of the total new jobs.Five Arab countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt, invested in 90 inter-Arab renewable energy projects, accounting for roughly 25% of the sector’s foreign projects over 22 years. These projects were implemented with Capex of approximately $113bn, or more than 32% of the total Capex of the FDI projects in the sector, providing approximately 22,000 jobs.Based on Fitch Ratings’ assessment of investment and business risks and rewards in the electricity and energy sector in 14 Arab countries, by monitoring and measuring two main indicators, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman topped the Arab rankings as the best and most attractive Arab countries for investment in the power and energy sector in 2025. They were followed by Morocco, Egypt and Algeria respectively.Generated electricity in the Arab region (15 countries) is likely to surge by 4.2% to exceed 1,500 terawatt-hours by the end of 2025 and is even projected to keep rising to 1,754 terawatt-hours by 2030. Electricity generation is largely concentrated geographically, with five countries - Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iraq and Algeria – making up 74% of the region’s total electricity generation by the end of 2025, it said. The report noted that electricity consumption in Arab countries is forecast to edge up by 3.5% to 1,296 terawatt-hours by the end of 2025, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Algeria and Kuwait accounting for 74% of the region’s total electricity consumption: around 958 terawatt-hours.It added that average per capita electricity generated in Arab countries is forecast to go up by 3.1% to 8.6 thousand kilowatt-hours by the end of 2025, amid forecasts of a hike to roughly 9.6 thousand kilowatt-hours by 2030.Arab foreign trade in power generation equipment and electric current shot up by 8% to approximately $39.2bn in 2024, with five countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq and Qatar – making up 81% of the total.This is the result of a surge in power generation equipment and electric current exports of Arab countries by 9% to roughly $7.6bn and its imports by 7.8% to more than $31.5bn in 2024. The list of the region’s top 10 exporting countries made up around 78% of total Arab electricity and power generation equipment imports, valued at $24.7bn.Turkiye topped the list as the region’s top electricity exporter, with a value of $446mn, while the United States came as the largest power generation equipment exporter, with a value of $6.6bn, according to the report.It noted that the list of the region’s top 10 importing countries represented 58% of total Arab electricity and power generation equipment exports worth $4.4bn. Libya topped the list as the region’s largest importer of electricity, with a value of $59mn, while France ranked as the region’s largest power generation equipment importer with a value of $593mn.

As the fastest-growing healthcare provider in the MENA region, Apex Health stands out for its exceptional patient-centered care with earning five recognition awards.Apex Health, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding and one of the Middle East and North Africa’s leading healthcare providers, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its journey, with the organization itself, along with four of its hospitals recognized among the winners of the Arab Hospitals Federation’s Gold Initiative Certificate - Star of Excellence in Patient Experience. Each hospital achieved distinction in its own category, reflecting Apex Health’s unwavering commitment to delivering patient-centered excellence care across its hospitals.The recognition took place during a ceremony held on Wednesday, under the patronage and in the presence of distinguished leaders, with the participation of the Arab Hospitals Federation, the support and knowledge contribution of The Beryl Institute, and the presence of leading healthcare institutions from across the Arab world.Following a rigorous evaluation by a jury panel in collaboration with The Beryl Institute. These hospitals stood out among 267 participating healthcare institutions from 10 countries for their excellence in safety, quality, innovation, governance, and the overall patient journey. For Apex Health, this achievement reinforces its reputation for operational excellence, innovative practices, and a culture that places patients at the heart of everything it does.Apex Health’s celebrated itself and four of its hospitals in both Qatar and Iraq, each earning top positions in multiple categories within the Gold Initiative Certificate. In Qatar, The View Hospital, and the Military Medical City Hospital, managed by EWS stood out, while in Iraq, Al Imam Al Hassan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital in Karbala Governance and Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar Governance were distinguished.Apex Health itself was honored with a Recognition Award under the Gold Initiative Certificate – Star of Excellence in Patient Experience. This distinction highlights the group’s dedication to delivering trusted, high-quality healthcare, building a resilient and sustainable health system, and fostering innovation across all its projects and partnerships.The View Hospital, in affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, has been recognized for its leadership in clinical excellence and continuity of care, and earned Gold in both Safety and Quality of Care and Continuity of Care and Transition Management. A reflection of its commitment to ensuring every patient’s journey is safe, smooth, and supported at every stage.The Military Medical City Hospital, managed by EWS, has been acknowledged for its progressive approach to healthcare innovation, with achieving Silver in Sustainability, Innovation & Technology, reflecting its efforts to integrate advanced solutions, adopt sustainable practices, and continually enhance the way care is delivered.Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospitall, Dhi Qar Governance, Iraq, in recognition for its strong governance and organizational culture, received a Silver in Leadership, Governance, Policy & Culture, highlighting its commitment to effective leadership, clear policies, and a supportive environment that puts patients first.Al Imam Al Hassan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, Karbala Governance، Iraq, has been recognized for its high standards in clinical safety, and was awarded Silver in Safety and Quality of Care, underscoring its dedication to protecting patients, upholding rigorous safety protocols, and delivering reliable, high-quality treatment.Commenting on the achievement, Joseph Hazel, Group Chief Executive Officer, Apex Health, said: “This is a proud moment for our entire team. Earning a Recognition Award along with five certificates in Qatar and Iraq across different categories is more than recognition, it’s a reflection of our people’s dedication, our patients’ trust, and our vision to set new benchmarks in healthcare across the MENA. Our success is strengthened by trusted international partnerships and strong relationships with government entities which have been instrumental in advancing the quality of care we provide, and this belongs to every member of our hospitals who works tirelessly to deliver care that is safe, innovative, and deeply personal.”The recognition from the Arab Hospitals Federation underscores Apex Health’s vision to shape a healthier future through trusted care, advanced technology, and global partnerships with delivering measurable improvements in healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The Gulf countries and the entire Middle East region are going through extraordinary times since the outbreak of open war between Iran and Israel in last June, noted several experts at a panel discussion.Organised by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs earlier this week, the discussion ‘ Rethinking Gulf Security Following the Iran- Israel War' brought four experts on the topic who delved deep into current developments and their implications. They felt that the outbreak of an open war between Iran and Israel in June has considerably intensified challenges to Gulf security.Sanam Vakil, director, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House said that the countries in the region are going through a period very much defined by geopolitical competition. She noted that there are a lot of questions about consistency in these countries' relationship with the United States and the reliability of US as a security partner.“Conflicts have doubled across the world, and we are, of course, seeing that in the region, but we don't have to look too far from the Middle East itself to see the devastating impact of a conflict. And multilateralism and the investment of the international community is not just stabilising conflicts. Settling conflicts is also proving to be ineffective. We see this very visibly in Gaza,” said Vakil.The panelists also noted that the region is confronting complicated questions including charting the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and Israel’s increasing incursions on Gaza, the West Bank, and the wider region.Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East Policy, International Institute for Strategic Studies noted that Israel represents and presents an objective threat to the security of the Arab countries.“There are multiple reasons why that is the case. Most certainly, Israel started a war that I would be fairly confident in saying that probably most or at least perhaps all of the Gulf States did not want to be at war. I think Israel actually presents more of a direct threat because of the fact that it seems to have embraced the view of the region as an open battleground. This has direct security destabilising spillover effects for the Arab and the Gulf States,” explained Alhasan.The panel also noted that diplomatic efforts to revive a nuclear deal with Iran have been significantly undermined by the “12-day war.”According to Yasmine Farouk, director, Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Project, International Crisis Group, the picture is much more complex and difficult to manage. “It is very clear that there is a gap in how the US sees the conflicts and this conflict in this region and how the Gulf countries see them. The Gulf countries see the conflicts of the region as interconnected,” she pointed out.Shahram Akbarzadeh, nonresident senior fellow, Middle East Council said that there is a deep distrust, especially among the leadership of the international system, and how the United States manages to utilise the system to its full advantage. The session was moderated by Adel Abdel Ghafar, senior fellow, Foreign Policy Programme director, Middle East Council.

The arid Dawkah valley is home to one of Oman's most prized resources: not oil or gas but frankincense trees, their fragrant sap harvested for millennia by residents who call it "white gold".Located in Oman's southern Dhofar region, bordering Yemen, the valley is the world's largest such reserve, home to around 5,000 frankincense trees that dot the barren earth, their trunks bearing kernels that exude a distinctive woody scent."For us, frankincense is more precious than gold. It's a treasure," said Abdullah Jaddad, a frankincense harvester resting in the shade of a tree.The oil extracted from the sap of the frankincense tree is used in perfume and skincare but it is also sold as solid beads of fragrance in local markets.The high-end Omani perfume-maker Amouage, which manages the reserve, sells its luxury scents internationally for hundreds of dollars a bottle -- with one limited edition perfume containing frankincense sold for nearly $2,000.The Dawkah valley is one of the rare places in the world where the Boswellia tree, from which frankincense resin is extracted, grows. Since 2000, it has been a Unesco World Heritage Site as part of the Land of Frankincense listing, along with Khor Rori, Al Baleed and Shisr.With its unique earthy scent, frankincense has long been used as incense, but also in traditional medicine, and even religious rituals.Before modern technology, the frankincense trade, which began in the third millennium BC, extended from Dhofar via sea and caravan routes to Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and Ancient Egypt, all the way to Greece, Rome and even China."Frankincense had roughly the same value as oil today," according to Ahmed al-Murshidi, who heads the Khor Rori site.The ancient port of Samahram, which forms part of the Khor Rori site, served as the gateway for frankincense to the world.As Jaddad collected dried beads of sap from the trees, he told AFP that the type of frankincense found in the valley was the Najdi -- one of four main varieties.The Najdi and Hojari varieties are used for their medicinal properties, according to Faisal Hussein Bin Askar, whose father founded the Bin Askar frankincense shop, in business since the 1950s."The cleaner and purer the frankincense, the more suitable it is for drinking as a treatment, while the rest is used as incense," he said, adding that several factories in Dhofar are specialised in frankincense skincare and oils.The highest-grade and rarest frankincense has a light green colour.'QUICK TO ANGER'The resin is harvested by hand using traditional methods that involve cutting the bark to release the sap and leaving it for a few days to harden.Harvesting the tree requires care and skilled craftsmanship.As one guide put it to a group of tourists at the Land of Frankincense Museum in Salalah: "the frankincense tree is quick to anger"."We strike the tree in specific, small spots, about five times, to preserve" the plant, said Musallam bin Saeed Jaddad, who works in the reserve."No one should cut open a frankincense tree... it could kill it," he said.In 2022, Amouage partnered with Omani authorities to develop the Dawkah reserve and provide jobs for the local community, only harvesting a fifth of the trees to preserve them.Each tree has a unique code and is monitored by a team of specialists, with donations open to anyone wanting to help the reserve in exchange for small gifts of frankincense products every year.A distillery is set to be built in the reserve to extract the frankincense oil, a process for now completed in France, said Mohammed Faraj Istanbuli, the reserve supervisor."The government is carrying out vital projects, like building roads for example, which threatens other areas where frankincense trees grow," he said."We bring those trees... to the reserve. We have saved about 600 trees so far."