Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.
The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is under way as you read this, with some of the most influential people from around the world gathering in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss global affairs, strike deals and, perhaps, come to agreements.
This year's summit is a pivotal one for many reasons, with key stories shaping the state of the world taking centre stage, as our Editor-in-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi detailed brilliantly here.
A report by WEF has warned that the world should prepare for a "turbulent" and "stormy" two years ahead as many countries clash over competing geoeconomic interests.
But I'm not one to look at the glass half-empty, and neither should you. The world may seem as icy cold as the snow-capped mountaintops in Davos, but it is no match for the warmth of humanity.
AI anxiety, erosion of human rights and economic downturn are all valid global concerns but it's the people and projects featured in this edition of Beshara that keep hope alive - hope for collective resolve, hope for common ground, and hope for calm and better days.
Do you have a Beshara you'd like to share with us? You can reach me at FAlMahmoud@thenationalnews.com.
Art with purpose
I have a newfound admiration for Ms Rachel, who has emerged as a subtle but powerful symbol of standing for humanity amid Israel's two-year war on Gaza.
Her solidarity with Palestinian children, reflected on her show, has undeniably given their suffering a platform - and, like a gift that keeps on giving, she does it again.
The American YouTuber has curated an exhibition of artworks created by children in Gaza, titled Colours That Survived, in New York.
All artworks are available for purchase online until January 30, with proceeds going to young Palestinian artists.
“We are not just something people see on the news,” says one of the artists, Ahmed, 12. “We are children with names, dreams and memories. We love football, drawing, laughing and playing. I hope when they see my drawings, they see us as children, just like their own, who want peace, love and a chance to live.”
Quoted
'It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s what this doll is'
- Mattel has introduced an autistic Barbie doll, marking a step forward in the brand’s effort to broaden representation across its range of toys. The doll was developed in partnership with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (Asan), a non-profit disability rights organisation run by and for people with autism.
Honouring 'Great Arab Minds'
Six winners of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025 have been honoured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in recognition of their achievements that "advance civilisation and build societies".
The winners were Prof Majed Chergui in natural sciences; Prof Abbas El Gamal in engineering and technology; Dr Nabil Seidah in medicine; Prof Badi Hani in economics; Dr Suad Amiry in architecture and design; and Prof Charbel Dagher in literature and arts.
Dr Seidah told The National the prize is one of the "biggest recognitions" he has received. “I’m very proud to be recognised by Arabs for what we do,” he said.
Launched in 2022, the award aims to “celebrate scientists, thinkers and innovators,” and present young people in the Arab world with leading examples for inspiration.
Snapshot
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Highlights
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