Author: BGMN

Red Sea Film Festival Opens With Star Power and Spotlight on Saudi Cinema

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The Red Sea International Film Festival launched its latest edition this week, transforming the Jeddah waterfront into a hub of global glamour and cinematic conversation. The opening days have set a compelling tone, marked by A-list appearances and a strong emphasis on emerging Saudi filmmaking talent. Stars Set the Stage for Dialogue The festival drew immediate star power with its first series of in-depth discussions. International icons, many making their debut in the region, engaged with audiences on opening sidelines. German-American actress Kirsten Dunst described her first visit to the Middle East,…

Tunisia Positions Itself as Strategic Investment Hub, Eyes Doubling FDI

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Bolstered by a commitment to structural reforms and strategic initiatives, Tunisia is pitching itself to international investors as a destination for sustainable returns, emphasizing its strategic location, economic diversity, and youthful talent pool. The nation’s investment potential was in focus last week at an investment forum in Geneva, held on the sidelines of Tunisia’s fourth World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Policy Review. Hosted by the Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA) at the WTO headquarters, the event gathered Swiss economic institutions, Tunisian diaspora entrepreneurs, and representatives of international organizations. Under the theme…

Egypt to Host Landmark Concerts Honoring Charles Aznavour’s Centenary

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Egypt will stage two major concerts next week celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary singer Charles Aznavour, events held under the auspices of the French and Armenian embassies. The announcement was made Thursday evening at a press conference hosted by the organizing committee at the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile Hotel. The tribute concerts, titled “The Century Tribute—From Me to Aznavour,” are scheduled for December 7 at the Cairo Opera House and December 9 at the Alexandria Opera House. Event organizer Huda Abboud framed the celebrations as a…

Marrakech Film Festival Concludes Industry Event with Record Participation

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The 8th edition of the Atlas Workshops, the industry pillar of the Marrakech International Film Festival, concluded Thursday after five days of intensive meetings and development sessions. The event, dedicated to advancing projects from Morocco, the Arab world, and Africa, ran from November 30 to December 4. This year’s program assembled 350 film professionals from around the globe to focus on 28 selected projects from emerging talents. The lineup included 17 films in development and 11 in production or post-production, originating from 12 different countries. Participants, which also included 11…

Tunisia Revives Decades-Old Megaproject to Pipe Water From North to Parched Interior

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The debate over a monumental project to transfer surplus water from Tunisia’s wetter north to its drought-stricken central interior has resurfaced, with a focus on supplying the critical region of Kairouan. The plan aims to alleviate severe water shortages and frequent cuts, driven by a deep drought and critically low groundwater levels. The Scale of the PlanAccording to public radio reports citing officials, the proposed system would span 400 kilometers, cross eight regions, and consist of four phases. The pivotal fourth phase, dedicated to Kairouan, would link the Nebhana and…

EU Launches €20 Million Digital Trade Initiative to Boost Tunisian SMEs and Regional Integration

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The European Union has unveiled a major four-year program based in Tunisia. The initiative, titled “Digital Commerce and E-commerce in the MENA Region,” will run from 2025 to 2029 with a core mission: to accelerate Tunisia’s digital transformation and pry open European markets for its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Funded jointly by the EU and Germany, the program will be implemented on the ground by GIZ Tunisia and the UN’s International Trade Centre (ITC). Officials frame it as a strategic investment in economic partnership and regional integration, aiming to…

Turkish Kanun Maestro Enthrals Tunisian Audience at Cultural Crossroads

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The serene notes of the kanun, a traditional Turkish zither, filled the Théâtre des Régions on Wednesday evening, as virtuoso Aytaç Doğan delivered a captivating performance that bridged cultures and eras. The concert, a highlight of cultural diplomacy, was presented by the Embassy of Turkey in Tunisia in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. From the first delicate pluck of the strings, Doğan commanded the hall, weaving a sonic tapestry that blended complex Eastern maqams with contemporary Turkish arrangements. His program was a journey—transporting the audience from the nostalgic…

Omani Minister’s Tunisia Visit Aims to Forge New Economic Partnerships

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A high-level Omani economic delegation, led by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousef, began an official visit to Tunisia. The two-day trip, undertaken at the invitation of Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, marks a significant push to deepen economic ties between the two nations. In a statement, Dr. Hilal bin Abdullah Al-Sanani, Ambassador of Oman to Tunisia, framed the visit as a reflection of “the commitment of both countries to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic and investment partnerships.” Minister Al-Yousef’s agenda is…

Wealth Tax Adopted as Parliament Approves 2026 Finance Bill

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 In a late-night session on Thursday, the Assembly of People’s Representatives gave final approval to the contentious 2026 Finance Bill. The comprehensive legislation passed with 89 votes in favour, 23 against, and 12 abstentions. The vote culminated a day of debate, dominated by the reintroduction and adoption of a key measure: a new “wealth tax” on high-value personal assets. Article 50, which establishes the tax, was pushed through by Finance Minister Michket Slama Khaldi during an article-by-article review, despite having been previously rejected by the Finance and Budget Committee. The…

Tunisia’s Solar Surge: Major Projects Accelerate After Years of Gridlock

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After years of stalled ambitions, Tunisia’s large-scale solar energy sector is shifting into high gear, with multiple photovoltaic (PV) megaprojects now reporting significant construction progress, according to the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy. The development, structured under concession (over 10 MW) and authorization (under 10 MW) frameworks, marks a tangible turnaround for the country’s renewable energy ambitions. Major Concession Projects Gain Ground The cornerstone first concession tender for 500 MW, split across five regions, is now nearing completion in several areas. The most advanced is the 100 MW Kairouan…