Category: slide

Omani filmmakers win top honours at Tunisian film fest

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Two Omani filmmakers have won top awards at the International Environmental Film Festival of Gabes in Tunisia, marking a significant achievement for Oman’s growing film industry. Mohammed al Darwish received the Pomegranate Golden Award for Best Picture for his documentary Beta Carotene, which explores Oman’s unique natural landscapes and the role of marine bacteria in the formation of mysterious inland lakes. The 12-minute film, combining live-action footage with animation, was selected from among over 145 submissions, with only 15 films making to the final competition. “It took longer than expected…

Returning Collaboration Between Mona Zaki and Kamla Abu Zekri, Along With Shahinaz Al-Akkad

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After 19 years, actress Mona Zaki collaborates for the second time with director Kamla Abu Zekri in terms of cinema. In 2006, they presented “About Love and Passion”. Producer Shahinaz Al-Akkad noted that intensive working sessions and preparations are being held for the new film “Rizk El Hebl” by George Azmy. She mentioned that filming will begin shortly after completing the required preparations and inspections of filming locations. The film is to be released this year. Moreover, the film marks the third collaboration between Zaki and Al-Akkad, following “Flight 404”…

China… The Quiet Partner

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As global power dynamics shift and the map of influence and interests in the Middle East becomes more complex, China emerges as a steadily rising global player—but one that operates quietly. While the region is accustomed to overt and sometimes forceful Western influence, China offers a different model of engagement—one based on economic cooperation and long-term partnerships, with minimal political or military intervention. In this context, China has come to be known as “the quiet partner” for Middle Eastern nations—an apt description of its growing yet balanced role in the…

First Teaser for Arabic Action Epic 7 Dogs Unveils Global Stars, Monica Bellucci, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Max Huang Alongside Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz

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The long-awaited teaser for 7 Dogs has roared online, signalling the arrival of the most ambitious Arabic-language action film ever mounted. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the duo behind Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the USD 40 million thriller pairs regional icons Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz with an international line-up: Italian legend Monica Bellucci (The Matrix Reloaded), Bollywood superstar Salman Khan (the Tiger franchise), Indian screen titan Sanjay Dutt (Vaastav: The Reality), and German-Chinese martial-arts talent Max Huang (Mortal Kombat). Along with Tara Emad (The…

Bizerte Bridge Enters Main Phase of Work, Completion in 2027

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The new Bizerte bridge, one of Tunisia’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, has officially entered its main construction phase. The project, managed by the Chinese consortium Sichuan Engineering, represents a strategic infrastructure for the economic and logistical development of Tunisia. During a recent monitoring visit to the construction site in Menzel Abderrahmane, the governor of Bizerte, Salem Ben Yacoub, verified the progress of the work, confirming the completion of the geotechnical works and the imminent conclusion of the underwater works by the end of June. Starting in July, deep drilling will begin…

Tunisia’s Kumulus Water closes $3.5 million seed round

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Tunisia-based WaterTech startup Kumulus Water, which turns air into safe drinking water, has closed a $3.5 million seed funding round to accelerate the development of its atmospheric water generation technology and support expansion into key markets, including France, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. The round saw participation from Bpifrance (through France 2030 SGPI and Île-de-France Region), PlusVC, Khalys Venture, Flat6Labs, several European and North African family offices, and European bottled water leader Spadel. The new funds will support the launch of the Kumulus Boks line—high-capacity, off-grid water units designed for industrial…

Tunisia witnesses explosive growth in mobile payments during Q1 2025

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Mobile payments in Tunisia have experienced a remarkable surge, recording a sixfold increase in transactions during the first quarter of 2025. This significant growth is attributed to a strategic plan by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) aimed at accelerating the digitalization of payments, reducing cash usage, and bolstering financial inclusion. Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of mobile payment transactions soared to two million operations. The total value processed during this period exceeded 600 million Tunisian dinars, equivalent to approximately €196 million. This impressive expansion is…

Tunisia: Number of repatriations reaches 3,400 since beginning of 2025

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As of May 29, Tunisia’s National Guard spokesperson reported that around 3,400 undocumented migrants have utilized the country’s offer of voluntary repatriation since the start of the year. On May 29, Radio Sfax reported that National Guard spokesperson Houssemeddine Jebabli had stated that around 3,400 undocumented migrants had voluntarily left Tunisia since the beginning of the year. Jebabli added that the country currently runs two flights for voluntary return every week and numerous individual departures also occur. He said, ” a special flight was organized from the Tunis-Carthage airport, and…

“Pakistani Music and Food Festival” at Kasr Said

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Spiritual atmosphere and oriental colors celebrate the 67th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Pakistan Iqra Arif, a renowned Pakistani singer, sang the Tunisian and Pakistani national anthems from the Kasr Said Center for Arts, Culture and Literature, embodying the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries, which are celebrating their 67th anniversary. The celebration, organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Tunis on Wednesday evening, was titled “Pakistani Music and Cuisine Festival” and was accompanied by a large number of guests from the diplomatic corps, the media, art…

Grain harvest rising 64% to 1.8 million metric tons this season in Tunisia

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Tunisia’s grain harvest is expected to reach 1.8 million metric tons this season, marking a more than 64 percent increase from last year’s harvest and a strong season for the country after consecutive drought seasons over the past five years, according to Agriculture Minister Ezzedine Ben Cheikh. Experts attribute the sharp increase to improved rainfall in key agricultural regions. “It is a good season with about 1.8 million metric tons,” said Ben Cheikh. Last year’s grain crop was around 1.1 million metric tons. Tunisia, which is experiencing a severe financial…