Ashraf AboArafe
IN a majestic intellectual embrace, on the banks of the timeless Nile, visions aligned and hearts gathered as Cairo witnessed the dawning of “The First Arab Gulf Conference for Training and Development.” Organized by the International Union for Training and Development over June 19th and 20th, the event unfolded like pearls on a string of shared Arab endeavor, carrying a slogan that collapses all distances: “From the Gulf to the Ocean… Bridges of Knowledge and Development.”
In a grand diplomatic processional reflecting the depth of Arab ties, the gathering was graced by a high-level presence. Leading the distinguished guests were His Excellency Ambassador Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Egypt, and His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, alongside the esteemed ambassadors of the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to a gathering of public figures, diplomats, consultants, media professionals, thinkers, and journalists.
The intellectual frontier opened with words overflowing with hope and determination. Professor Dr. Deraa Moajab Al-Dousari, President of the Union and Conference Chair, initiated the proceedings, followed by an address from His Excellency Dr. Nasser Al-Hatlan Al-Qahtani, Director General of the Arab Organization for Administrative Development. Meanwhile, media personality Kholoud Al-Marri, arriving from the brotherly State of Qatar, brought grace and brilliance to the platform with her elegant presentation. The scene would not have been complete without a touch of gratitude; Dr. Deraa Al-Dousari honored the influential figures who shaped the workshops and inspiring success stories with their dedication, immortalizing a beautiful moment of Arab cohesion through group photographs.
Session I: Tales of Ascent and Inspirers
Under the mindful guidance of Engineer Abdulaziz Al-Ahmadi, the first session commenced to narrate tales woven from light:
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The first story was crafted by Mr. Jamil Obeid Mohammed Turki (Community College of Qatar), playing the melody of “A Journey of Success and a Role Model in Higher Education.”
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Then appeared Ms. Tahani Ramzi Syn G, whispering into the ear of ambition: “Where Challenges Begin, the Strongest Version of You Is Born.”
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From the crucible of struggle, hopes were born in Dr. Mohammed Al-Jandali’s story, beautifully titled “Pain and Hope.”
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Dr. Faten Badr Al-Sayed Hashem Khalifa Al-Sada concluded the session by sowing a “Seed of Passion and a Sustainable Harvest.”
Session II: Intellectual Papers and Future Horizons
Under the patronage of Dr. Khaled Issa, the second session sailed into the depths of rigorous scientific research:
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Mr. Majid Mohammed Al-Marzouqi drew the roadmap in his paper, “Building the Training Course.”
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Dr. Iman Abdullah Ahmed Al-Sharaf traveled with us toward tomorrow in her paper, “AI’s Assimilation of Heritage Identity: Updates and Strategies to Preserve Arabic Digital Content.”
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Meanwhile, Dr. Tarfa Ismail Al-Malki soared into administrative horizons through “Coaching and Its Role in Developing the Skills of Administrative Supervisors in Educational Institutions.”
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Dr. Athari bint Masoud Al-Shehiyah brought the session to a close with a deep voyage into “A Journey into the Leadership Self.”
Session III: Experiences Illuminating the Path
With a spirit of positivity, Engineer Omaima Al-Sayed led the third session, showcasing real-world achievements:
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Ms. Bashayer Abdullah Saeed Al-Shahrani harnessed technology for humanity in “Employing Innovation and Technology to Reduce Fall Injuries Among the Elderly.”
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Ms. Afaf bin Taarit carried us into the digital space with “Human Development in the Age of AI: From Inspiration to Transformation – The Success Story of the (Inio Space) Training Platform.”
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Dr. Nadia Jassim Al-Fakhro offered nourishment for life in “A Recipe for Success: The Journey of a Book That Inspired Society Toward a Healthy and Balanced Life.”
Session IV: Contemporary Issues and Moderation
At the conclusion of the first day, and under the leadership of Dr. Sanaa Al-Suraidi, contemporary working papers rich with depth were presented:
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Dr. Aida Nour El-Din opened the gateway to history through “The Egyptian Treasures Game.”
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Ms. Salima Mubarak discussed the impact of gentleness in the workplace through “Coaching as a Soft Power in Work Environments.”
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Meanwhile, Ms. Ashwaq Al-Shammari traced the historic transformation of writing in “From Pen to Algorithm.”
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Dr. Hanan Nazar raised the great question of the future: “After Chat GPT… What is Left for the Trainer? The Future of Gulf Training in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
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The crowning conclusion was a solid paper by Professor Dr. Shafi Al-Mahboub, questioning emotion and identity: “The Reality of Social and Emotional Learning Strategies in Arabic Language Curricula at the Primary Stage in the State of Kuwait from the Teachers’ Perspective.”
Thus, the pages of the first day turned, awaiting a tomorrow that continues to build these extended bridges of love, thought, and knowledge.
