Well-known communication expert Maha Abouelenein on what it takes to thrive in the age of social media
A Somali YouTuber based in Kuwait has raised $1 million in just over a day to aid refugees and the displaced in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan.
With nearly 21 million followers, AboFlah, whose real name is Hassan Suleiman, is one of the best-known influencers in the Arab world. He launched his site, dedicated to reviewing video games, in 2016.
His campaign, launched in coordination with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), this week raised $1 million within 28 hours.
“This is all thanks to my followers... thank you all with all my heart,” AboFlah, 23, said in an interview with AFP on Wednesday.
He said the donations surpassed his expectations.
The vlogger launched the campaign, dubbed “Warm Their Hearts”, during a live stream in which he marked reaching 20 million followers.
ALSO READ:
Millions of people have been displaced by conflicts around the region, including in Syria and Iraq.
Many Syrian refugees now reside in camps in Jordan and Lebanon, which also host large numbers of Palestinian refugees.
The funds collected by AboFlah are expected to provide food, clothing and heating fuel to over 17,000 people as winter approaches.
Nasreen Rabiean, the UNHCR representative in Kuwait, hailed the initiative and the “spirit of shared responsibility and solidarity”.
Well-known communication expert Maha Abouelenein on what it takes to thrive in the age of social media
From cultural events, and culinary delights to outdoor adventures, here's a line-up of thrilling activities to make your weekend exciting
'The rom-com garnered $219 million worldwide after its premiere in December
The guitar will be auctioned on May 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York
Fitness enthusiast Sarah Lindsay shares insights on what it takes to embark on a fitness journey and sustain it amidst a busy lifestyle
Such platforms help women to re-enter the workforce by equipping them with new-age skills, upskilling, polishing their interviewing skills and revamping their resumes
Official autism-friendly in-flight certification is in the works, possibly used by other airlines
Airlines cut more than half of their normal flight schedules at Paris's two main airports, with many flights in the southern city of Marseille also grounded