Culture

World’s biggest rough ruby from Tanzania, ‘Burj Alhamal’ in exhibition in Dubai

Published

3 years ago

April 18, 2022

The world’s biggest rough ruby which weighs 2.8 kilograms was presented to the public for the first time Friday in Dubaï.

The magnificent gemstone, named “Burj Alhamal” is from Tanzania.

The Managing Director of the company exhibiting the record-breaking ruby, Patrick Bellati, said “this is a rough Ruby from Tanzania. It’s 8,400 carats, it’s not heated, what I mean by not being heated is not being treated. So it’s natural and that’s why it’s precious.”

Bellati also revealed that plans are to auction the beautiful piece as well as take it across Dubai for explorers and lovers of nature to behold and explore.

“We’re going to auction it, but before the auction for the next 30 days, we’ll be actually traveling to Dubai in different locations where everybody can see it. Because it’s important to show that it really exists. You can Google these images, but you’re not sure whether they are real or not.” Bellati concludes.

The oldest ruby deposits in Africa are found in Tanzania. The first rubies were discovered at Mount Longido on the Kenyan border at the beginning of the 20th century. In Kenya and Tanzania, most deposits are unfortunately exhausted. It has been extracted until the 80s Rubies are fairly large and quite exceptional.

According to minerals experts, the greenish and purplish stone could be auctioned for 120 million dollars.

Related Topics:Burj Alhamal Featured ruby

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Culture

Obama names three African artistes in his Favorite Music list 2024

Published

2 days ago

December 28, 2024

Isaac Dachen

In keeping with the tradition of naming his favourite music list of the year, former United States President, Barack Obama, has released his favorite music from 2024, which includes three African artistes.

The Obama Favorite Music list 2024, which he dropped on social media, has Nigerian stars Asake, Rema, and South African Ampiona sensation, Tyla, alongside Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, amongst other world-renowned stars.

While dropping the list, the former US President wrote:

“Here are my favorite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to.”

The top picks for Obama’s shortlist were Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” Jordan Adetunji’s “Kehlani,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Bonny Light Horseman’s “Old Dutch,” Central Cee, Asake’s “Active,” Lil Baby’s “Band4band,” Rema’s “Yayo”, Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” and “Gata Only” by FloyyMenor and Cris MJ.
and more.

The Obama Favorite Music of 2024 list also showcased a vibrant mix of genres and artists, reflecting his diverse musical preferences, spanning hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and reggaeton, showcasing his appreciation for a variety of musical styles.

Culture

Moroccan tourist arrivals hit record-breaking 16 million

Published

3 days ago

December 27, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The year 2024 has seen Morocco celebrate a record-breaking 16 million tourist arrivals, surpassing the 12 million mark set in 2023, with the country continuing to see impressive growth in tourist arrivals.

Data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism, the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) reveals that additional indicators reveal that the sector reached remarkable numbers in just 10 months, surpassing the total number of arrivals typically seen in a full year.

According to the new details from the directorate, which is affiliated to the Ministry of Economy, the country’s tourism revenues reached MAD 96.9 billion by the end of October, an increase of 9.3% compared to the same period last year.

A statement by the Ministry said
Morocco notably reached a new record of 14.6 million tourists by the end of October, the directorate indicated, noting that this far surpassed the previous record set at the end of 2023 in just 10 months.

“The number marks a 19% increase year on year, representing 2.3 million additional arrivals by the end of October 2024,” it said.

“This remarkable growth is driven both by foreign tourists, whose numbers have increased by 22%, and Moroccans living abroad.

“This past October was an especially strong month for the Moroccan hospitality industry. Approximately 1.5 million visitors traveled to the North African country during that month, representing an increase of 30% compared to October last year,” it stated.

The Ministry of Tourism celebrated the upward trend during a meeting of the Moroccan National Tourism’s Board of Directors held on Monday, with data showing that the North African country saw a record 15.87 million visitors by the end of November, marking a 20% increase while tourism revenues soared to MAD 97 billion.

“The sector achieved a growth rate of 19%, higher than the world average of 12% and most competing destinations,” the Moroccan Tourism Office said.

Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor:

“Our tourism roadmap is bearing fruit and we can now enter the year 24 with confidence and determination.”