KUWAIT: The Dean of Engineering at Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Professor Ali Chamkha, ranked first in the Arab world and eighth globally out of a total of 150,568 scientists in the field of Mechanical Engineering and Transport for scientific career-wide ranking, advancing two places compared to last year when he was ranked tenth globally.

He also secured first place in the Arab world and second globally in the same field for the year 2025 alone, according to Stanford University’s classification of the world’s top 2 percent of most influential scientists in their disciplines – for the ninth consecutive year. Professor Chamkha’s ranking scores for the year 2025 put me in the top 0.005313% world-wide.

This achievement is considered a landmark in the academic and research career of Professor Chamkha, who is recognized among the world’s leading scientists in engineering, particularly in nanofluids research, heat transfer and renewable energy. He has published hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific papers that have gained wide recognition in the international scientific community. Professor Ali Chamkha emphasized that this recognition reflects Kuwait’s scientific standing on the global stage and highlights the importance of investing in scientific research and innovation as a cornerstone for societal development.

He stressed his vision that the quality of education and research forms the path toward building a knowledge-based economy that advances Kuwait and bridges academic achievements with practical applications serving both Kuwait and humanity as a whole. It is worth noting that Stanford University’s classification is regarded as one of the most accurate and comprehensive global rankings, relying on precise scientific indicators including the number of research citations, impact factor, scientific output and international research standing.

AMMAN: The second edition of the “Invest in Digital Economy” Forum opened Monday in Amman under the theme “Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Digital Economy.” The event is organized by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), an OIC-affiliated organization, and includes participation from Kuwait. Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat, in his opening remarks, said the forum reflects the vision of Jordan’s leadership to enhance a competitive investment environment, with a focus on digital transformation and promoting entrepreneurship.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to providing investment facilities and incentives, including flexible legislation, tax exemptions, advanced infrastructure, and special economic zones, alongside streamlined systems and procedures to facilitate business and support project growth. Minister Smeirat added that Jordan has taken confident steps towards building an integrated digital economy, leveraging economic and administrative modernization to empower youth, attract investments and foster innovation.

Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and senior attendees are pictured during the opening of the Invest in the Digital Economy Forum. – KUNA photos

President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Khalil Tawfiq emphasized that the forum reinforces the royal vision of prioritizing the digital economy as a key driver of sustainable development at national and regional levels. He noted that the second edition, supported by the ICCD, reflects growing confidence in Jordan’s role as a regional hub for digital economy initiatives and a platform for cooperation among Islamic countries. Abdullah Kamel, President of the ICCD, said, “Time no longer allows us anything but serious and dedicated work to shape the future, halt the migration of young talent to major powers and build trillion-dollar economies in the next five years.”

A delegation from the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Director General Rabah Al-Rabah and including Mohammed bin Yousef, Director of the Department of International Organizations and Chambers, is participating alongside representatives from various governments, ministries and leading digital economy experts. The one-day forum features specialized sessions addressing key aspects of the digital economy and provides a platform for decision-makers, investors, and experts to exchange insights and build strategic partnerships in modern technology. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and the Kuwaiti Old Crafts Association took part in the third edition of the Kokand International Handicrafts Festival and the Second International Ceramics Forum in Uzbekistan, held under the auspices of the World Crafts Council (WCC). The Kuwaiti pavilion, organized by NCCAL, featured a wide range of traditional crafts and cultural activities. Artist and potter Ali Al-Awadh and Dima Al-Quraini, supervisor of the Kuwaiti Ceramics House, presented distinctive ceramic works, while children from the Uzbek city of Rishtan also joined in the pavilion’s activities.

Chairman of the Kuwaiti Old Crafts Association Hussein Al-Bazzaz showcased the traditional shipbuilding craft, alongside member Nadia Al-Hammadi, who displayed Sadu weaving, and potter Nasser Al-Quraini, who presented unique ceramic pieces. Speaking to KUNA on Sunday, Al-Bazzaz described the festival, which opened on September 19 and concluded on September 23 , as a global platform for craftsmen and artisans. He noted that the event has quickly grown into one of the most prominent international gatherings in the field, attracting more than 300 artisans from 71 countries, in addition to nearly 1,000 Uzbek craftsmen who highlighted the country’s rich heritage.

Parallel to the festival, the city of Rishtan – renowned for its ceramics – hosted the Second International Ceramics Forum, providing an additional artistic dimension and an opportunity for the exchange of expertise among ceramic artists from various traditions. The festival featured specialized exhibitions, workshops, live demonstrations, and fashion shows that integrated handicrafts into contemporary design, in addition to folkloric, musical, and artistic performances reflecting the identity and traditions of the Fergana Valley. Visitors also enjoyed traditional competitions, including wrestling and a national pilaf cooking contest, as well as a pavilion offering authentic Uzbek cuisine.

This year’s edition also witnessed the inauguration of a permanent handicrafts museum in Kokand to preserve the history of crafts for future generations. A new book documenting the history of Uzbek handicrafts and their leading figures was also launched. For her part, Dima Al-Quraini said the ceramics forum aims to preserve pottery traditions, expand research in the field, and highlight the most important works representing each participating country. She noted that the biennial event attracts participants from around 50 countries worldwide.

Meanwhile, Professor Ali Al-Najadah, head of the craftsmen sector and spokesman for the Expo 965 team, participated as a guest of honor. He expressed pride in seeing the Kuwaiti flag raised at the event and confirmed that he, along with other international judges, will evaluate Samarkand’s nomination as a World City of Crafts – which, if approved, would make it the third in Uzbekistan after Kokand and Bukhara.

The World Crafts Council, an international non-profit organization founded in New York in 1964 and now headquartered in Kuwait under the presidency of Saad Al-Qaddoumi, plays a leading role in safeguarding global craft heritage. Earlier this year, the Council recognized Kuwait City as a World City of Sadu Weaving in acknowledgment of its distinguished efforts in preserving and promoting this traditional art. — KUNA