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Azura Partners Opens Office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM 

Azura Partners Opens Office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM 
Azura Partners Opens Office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM 

 Azura Partners (“Azura”), a global wealth  manager serving ultra-high-net-worth (“UHNW”) and high-net-worth (“HNW”) individuals,  entrepreneurs, and single-family offices, has opened an office in Abu Dhabi Global Market  (ADGM), establishing a permanent, on-the-ground presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing  centres for global private wealth.  

The Abu Dhabi office is now open and operational in Al Maryah Tower in ADGM, with a growing  team on the ground supporting shared services and group functions. The office provides a  foundation for Azura’s continued development in the region, including its intention to pursue an  ADGM financial services licence. 

Ali Jamal, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Azura Partners, said: 

“Abu Dhabi has become a leading centre of global capital and an increasingly important market  for wealth management. We are seeing strong interest in the region from internationally  connected families, making this a natural step in our growth strategy. This move reinforces our  long-term commitment to the region and strengthens our ability to engage with clients and  partners through Azura’s integrated global platform.” 

Yousef Hajjar has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Azura Partners Abu Dhabi. A Partner  of the firm since January 2020, Yousef will lead the expansion of Azura’s presence in the region.  The Abu Dhabi office will serve as a gateway to Azura’s global offering, strengthening connectivity  across the firm’s international network, expertise, and solutions. 

Yousef Hajjar, Chief Executive Officer of Azura Partners Abu Dhabi, commented: 

“Abu Dhabi has established itself as a leading international financial centre and an important hub  within the global wealth ecosystem. Establishing our presence in Al Maryah Tower within ADGM  is an important milestone for Azura, and one that reflects the strength of the relationships and  opportunities we see in this market. Lunate’s investment marked a significant moment for us, and  this office represents the next step in our expansion.” 

Azura’s expansion follows a strategic investment by Abu Dhabi-based Lunate, an independent  global investment firm with more than USD 115 billion in AuM.  

Murtaza Hussain, Managing Partner at Lunate, added: 

“Following our strategic investment in Azura Partners last year, we welcome the opening of their  new office in Abu Dhabi, supporting the expansion of their client base in the region. The UAE  continues to be an attractive hub for global UHNW and HNW individuals, offering strong  opportunities for providers of multi-market wealth management solutions.

Nasdaq Dubai Welcomes Ajman Bank’s USD 300 Million Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Sukuk

Nasdaq Dubai Welcomes Ajman Bank's USD 300 Million Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Sukuk

Nasdaq Dubai today welcomed the listing of a USD 300 million Additional Tier 1 (AT1) Perpetual Sukuk issued by Ajman Bank marking the Bank’s first capital securities transaction. 

The USD 300 Million Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Non-Call 5.5-year Sukuk was structured under a Mudaraba arrangement and carried a profit rate of 6.50 percent. 

The Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Sukuk supports Ajman Bank’s strategy by strengthening its regulatory capital base and diversifying its funding sources. It builds on the Bank’s inaugural senior Sukuk issuance last year, reflecting its continued engagement with the capital markets.

The transaction attracted strong investors demand with orderbook peaked at over USD 500 million, excluding Joint Lead Manager interest, representing approximately 1.7x oversubscription. Geographically, 89% of the Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Sukuk was allocated to investors from the MENA region, with the remaining 11% allocated to international investors across the UK, Europe and Asia. 

Commemorating the listing, Mustafa Al Khalfawi, Chief Executive Officer of Ajman Bank, rang the market-opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai in the presence of Hamed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), said: “The continued demand for Sukuk reflects their important role in supporting the capital requirements of financial institutions across the region. The listing of Ajman Bank’s inaugural Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Sukuk reinforces Nasdaq Dubai’s role in providing issuers with access to a broad regional and international investor base.” 

Mustafa Al Khalfawi, Chief Executive Officer of Ajman Bank, said: “We are pleased with the successful issuance and listing of our inaugural Additional Tier 1 Perpetual Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai, which marks another important milestone in Ajman Bank’s capital markets journey. The strong response from investors reflects the confidence placed in Ajman Bank’s strategy, financial strength, and the opportunities presented by the UAE’s dynamic economy. This transaction strengthens our capital position, diversifies our funding sources, and supports our continued focus on sustainable growth while creating long-term value for our stakeholders.

Ajman Bank now has USD 800 million in Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai. With this listing, the total value of outstanding Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai has reached USD 98 billion, while the total value of outstanding debt securities listed on the exchange has surpassed USD 140 billion across 174 listings, reinforcing Nasdaq Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading venues for Sukuk issuance.

ADGM’s FSRA Publishes Its 2025 Annual Report, Highlighting Strong and Sustainable Growth with Enhanced Regulatory Oversight

ADGM’s FSRA Publishes Its 2025 Annual Report, Highlighting Strong and Sustainable Growth with Enhanced Regulatory Oversight

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of the capital of the UAE, has published its 2025 Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the FSRA’s key supervisory, authorisation and policy initiatives during the year, as ADGM’s financial services ecosystem continued to grow strongly and deepen its international engagement.

The report highlights how the FSRA continued to enhance its forward-looking policy and legislative framework that supports innovation while maintaining high standards of market integrity, consumer protection and financial stability. In addition, the FSRA advanced its regulatory priorities by strengthening regulatory supervision, combating financial crime and deepening cooperation with domestic and international regulatory partners.

As ADGM’s financial services ecosystem continued to expand in scale and sophistication, the FSRA further enhanced its use of regulatory and supervisory technologies (RegTech and SupTech) to support more efficient, data-driven oversight of its regulated community and markets.

During the year, the FSRA continued to support ADGM’s growth with a total of 94 Financial Services Permissions and 120 In-Principle Approvals, representing an increase of 22% and 32%, respectively, compared to 2024. The FSRA also signed 5 new MoUs to further strengthen international cooperation.

Emmanuel Givanakis, Chief Executive Officer of the FSRA at ADGM, said: “In 2025, we continued to strengthen our regulatory and supervisory approach to support ADGM’s growing and increasingly sophisticated financial services ecosystem. We remained focused on delivering effective and forward-looking regulation that supports innovation while safeguarding market integrity and confidence. The achievements outlined in this report reflect the dedication of our people and our continued commitment to a resilient, well-regulated and future-focused financial ecosystem.”

As ADGM enters its next phase of growth, the FSRA remains focused on fostering a transparent, resilient and internationally aligned regulatory environment that supports innovation, protects market participants and those serviced by them and reinforces confidence in ADGM as a leading global financial centre.

WHO high-level visit to Afghanistan highlights urgent need to eradicate polio while protecting essential health services

Mirwais Regional Hospital, Kandahar, Afghanistan: Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy and Polio Oversight Board delegation members, including UNICEF Regional Director and KSRelief, visited the vaccination corner and joined health workers in vaccinating children. This reflects the joint commitment to reaching every child with life-saving vaccines and strengthening routine immunization.

WHO EMRO – WHO high-level visit to Afghanistan highlights urgent need to eradicate polio while protecting essential health services

9 July 2026, Kabul, Afghanistan — Dr Hanan Balkhy, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, has concluded a high-level visit to Afghanistan as part of a mission of the Polio Oversight Board. Dr Balkhy led the delegation comprising of representatives from KSRelief and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The mission highlighted the urgent need to eradicate polio in one of only two countries where wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) remains endemic, while safeguarding essential health services and strengthening immunization amid declining global funding and growing pressure on Afghanistan’s health system. The visit also reinforced the importance of protecting the significant health gains achieved in recent years.

“As one of only two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic, Afghanistan is critical to ending polio once and for all. But achieving this goal goes hand in hand with strengthening primary health care, trusted health workers, effective surveillance and resilient health services. Sustained investment is vital to protect hard-won gains and improve the health and well-being of the Afghan people,” said Dr Balkhy.

During the visit, Dr Balkhy and the delegation met with Afghan authorities, United Nations partners, donors, health workers and WHO teams in Kabul and Kandahar. Discussions focused on sustaining progress towards polio eradication, including reaching children who continue to be missed with vaccination, particularly in the South Region, while protecting essential health services amid growing financial pressures, strengthening routine immunization and ensuring that communities across Afghanistan have access to lifesaving care.

Relevant Afghan authorities reaffirmed their commitment to polio eradication and emphasized the urgent need to address declining health financing to sustain essential health services and maintain progress across the broader health sector.

The visit also underscored the scale of Afghanistan’s humanitarian health challenges. Today, more than 22 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 14.4 million people in need of health services. Since January 2026, around 150 health facilities supported by humanitarian partners have suspended operations or closed because of funding shortages, limiting access to care for some of the country’s most vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, the 2026 Health Cluster response remains critically underfunded, with only 17% of the required US$190.8 million received as of June 2026.

In Kandahar, Dr Balkhy visited Mirwais Regional Hospital alongside representatives of UNICEF, KSrelief and local health authorities. The hospital, one of Afghanistan’s largest referral hospitals, is a vital lifeline for people across the southern region. With 650 functional beds, the hospital continues to provide lifesaving care to male and female patients despite serious operational and financial challenges. The delegation visited the female surgical ward, where postoperative patients were receiving care, as well as the WHO-supported Fistula centre, which provides free specialized treatment for women living with obstetric fistula.

The visit highlighted the need to sustain referral hospitals on which communities depend, and recognized WHO’s support for emergency care, essential medicines and supplies, disease surveillance, mental health and specialized services. The delegation also met doctors, nurses and health workers whose dedication underscored the importance of continued investment in Afghanistan’s health workforce.

“Across Kabul and Kandahar, we saw that health work begins in communities,” said Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative to Afghanistan. “WHO will continue working with health authorities, donors, UN partners and health workers to keep services available, protect children through immunization and bring care closer to families across the country.”

WHO remains committed to supporting Afghanistan’s health priorities, including primary health care, polio eradication, immunization, disease surveillance and other essential health services. Sustained international support remains critical to maintaining these gains and ensuring access to lifesaving care for millions of people across the country.

Knowledge Economic City welcomes eligible international buyers to own property in one of Islam’s holiest cities

Knowledge Economic City welcomes eligible international buyers to own property in one of Islam's holiest cities

Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has welcomed the Saudi Government’s approval of the Executive Regulations for the ownership framework of real estate by non-Saudis, together with the designation of the zones in which such ownership is permitted, marking a historic milestone that opens a new chapter for international investment in one of Islam’s holiest cities. As one of the designated developments in Madinah, Knowledge Economic City is ready to welcome eligible international buyers as implementation of the new farmwork progresses.

  

The new framework establishes a clear legal pathway that will enable eligible non-Saudi individuals, companies and qualifying entities to own property within designated developments, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to diversify the economy, attract international investment and strengthen the Kingdom’s real estate sector. Once it comes into effect, the framework will introduce a transparent, government-regulated ownership journey, giving eligible buyers greater confidence and clarity throughout the purchasing process. 

For millions of Muslims around the world, the decision to purchase a home in Madinah is far more than a real estate investment.

It is an aspiration.

It is the opportunity to establish a lasting connection with a city that holds profound spiritual significance and occupies a unique place in the hearts of Muslims across the world. For many families, owning a home in Madinah represents a lifelong ambition and a legacy that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Once that decision has been made, buyers naturally begin asking another important question:

Where in Madinah should we invest?

Today’s buyers are seeking more than a home. They are looking for a destination that combines spiritual significance with modern living, excellent connectivity, world-class amenities and long-term investment potential.

Knowledge Economic City has been created to deliver exactly that.

Located within the Haram boundary of Madinah, Knowledge Economic City spans more than 6.8 million square metres, making it one of the Kingdom’s largest integrated master-planned destinations. The development brings together residential communities, hospitality, retail, commercial offices, education, healthcare and public spaces within a vibrant urban environment designed for future generations. 

Residents enjoy exceptional connectivity, with close proximity to the Prophet’s Mosque, Mount Uhud, Quba Mosque and Qiblatain Mosque, while benefiting from direct access to the Haramain High-Speed Railway Station and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, connecting Madinah with Makkah, Jeddah and international destinations.

Many homes within Al Alyaa also enjoy views towards Mount Uhud, combining contemporary living with one of Madinah’s most iconic landscapes.

Knowledge Economic City’s residential offering builds on the successful delivery of Dar Al Jewar, one of Madinah’s established residential communities. Today, the next chapter continues with Al Alyaa, offering eligible international buyers the opportunity to become part of one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious integrated destinations.

Designed as a contemporary residential neighbourhood, Al Alyaa combines modern architecture, landscaped public spaces, family-focused amenities and integrated community facilities, creating a destination where residents can live, invest and build their future in Madinah.

Once the new framework comes into effect, eligible buyers will benefit from a clear and transparent purchase journey. Depending on their residency status, applicants will complete the relevant government requirements before purchasing through the official Saudi property platform and receiving their title deed following handover. At every stage, Knowledge Economic City sales team will be ready to provide dedicated guidance and support, making ownership simple, secure and straightforward. 

The approval of these regulations represents one of the most significant developments in Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector in recent years. By expanding access to international buyers and strengthening transparency across the market, the new framework is expected to further position Madinah as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for faith-inspired living and long-term investment.

Hazem Banna, Acting CEO & CCO, Knowledge Economic City, said: “The approval of Saudi Arabia’s new ownership framework marks a defining moment for Madinah. For the first time, eligible international buyers will have a clear and transparent pathway to own property in this remarkable city. As one of the designated developments, Knowledge Economic City, looks forward to welcoming buyers from around the world and to offering a destination that brings together faith, lifestyle and long-term investment. Building on the success of Dar Al Jewar and now with Al Alyaa, we are creating communities where people can invest, belong and become part of Madinah’s future.”

Knowledge Economic City is already witnessing strong interest and enquiries from priority international markets including the United Kingdom, USA, Egypt, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and across the GCC, reflecting growing demand from buyers seeking to own a home in Madinah while investing in one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing destinations.

As global awareness continues to grow, KEC will be ready to support buyers throughout every stage of the ownership journey once the framework comes into effect, while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition of creating a more open, diversified and globally connected real estate market.

For more information about Al Alyaa and property ownership opportunities at Knowledge Economic City, visit www.madinahkec.com or contact the Knowledge Economic City Sales Centre.

 SAUDI INTRODUCES “PACKAGE VISA”, INTEGRATING TRAVEL BOOKING WITH EASIER VISA APPLICATION

 SAUDI INTRODUCES “PACKAGE VISA”, INTEGRATING TRAVEL BOOKING WITH EASIER VISA APPLICATION

Saudi has announced the launch of Package Visa, a new digital initiative designed to simplify travel to Saudi by integrating tourist visa application directly into curated travel bookings. The launch is currently underway through qualified travel and tourism service providers across selected international markets ahead of a broader rollout.

The initiative builds on Saudi’s wider efforts to simplify visiting the country. Since launching the tourist e-Visa, Saudi has introduced several new ways to visit, including visa on arrival and the Stopover Transit Visa. Together, these initiatives have supported the country’s rapid tourism growth, with Saudi welcoming more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.

Commenting on the initiative, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, said:

“As Saudi’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors. By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience. This initiative also strengthens collaboration across the tourism ecosystem and supports Saudi’s position as an increasingly accessible global destination.”

For visitors, Package Visa means fewer steps between planning a trip and experiencing Saudi. Instead of arranging flights, accommodation, and a visa separately, eligible travelers can book everything through one integrated travel process, with the option to add events, activities and tourism experiences. The result is a simpler, more connected journey from booking to arrival.

For qualified travel and tourism service providers, the initiative creates an opportunity to offer more attractive travel packages, streamline the traveler journey, and encourage longer stays and richer travel experiences.

To ensure a smooth and reliable travel experience, Package Visa is available only through qualified travel and tourism service providers that meet clear service standards and offer 24/7 customer support.

As Saudi continues to grow its tourism sector, Package Visa marks another step toward making travel easier, more connected, and more seamless for visitors discovering the country.

AHRC Calls for the Immediate Release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins all peace‑loving people and the global human rights community in calling for the immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.

According to multiple credible sources, including Dr. Abu Safiya’s legal team, his health has drastically deteriorated, and he faces imminent danger, including the risk of death while in Israeli detention. His legal representatives are urgently appealing to the international community and all people of conscience to intervene without delay to compel Israel to release him before it is too late.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is a physician who consistently places his patients’ lives above his own safety. He refused to abandon the hospital or leave the wounded behind despite repeated Israeli demands and threats. He continued his humanitarian mission under bombardment, siege, and near-total depletion of medical supplies.

Throughout the crisis, Dr. Abu Safiya repeatedly appealed to the international community to protect hospitals, medical staff, and patients from military operations. His calls were grounded in international humanitarian law and the universal principle that medical facilities must never be targets of war.

Despite the bombardment of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr. Abu Safiya remained at his post—even after being injured himself, even after his son Idris was wounded, and even after the killing of his son Ibrahim, whom he buried with his own hands inside the hospital. His courage and devotion to human life embody the highest ideals of the medical profession.

Since his arrest on December 27, 2024, Dr. Abu Safiya has reportedly been subjected to torture, abuse, and prolonged solitary confinement. His health continues to deteriorate, and he has been denied communication with his family and legal team. Reports indicate he was recently transferred to an isolated cell, raising further alarm about his safety and well‑being.

Dr. Abu Safiya’s case is not isolated—several other doctors and medical personnel have also been arrested by Israeli forces, deepening the humanitarian crisis and undermining the protection owed to medical workers under international law.

AHRC urgently calls upon international medical associations, physicians’ unions, humanitarian organizations, and global civil society to join in efforts to demand his immediate release. The global medical community has a moral obligation to defend colleagues who are persecuted for fulfilling their humanitarian duties. Silence or delay may cost Dr. Abu Safiya his life. His release is a moral, legal, and humanitarian imperative.

 

“We urge everyone to take a stand and push for the good doctor’s release,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “This is not about politics; this is about medicine and human rights,” added Hamad.

Thales to equip Egypt’s artillery systems with advanced VHF tactical radios through its JV TBEI.. Thales and Benha for Electronic Industries

Thales to equip Egypt’s artillery systems with advanced VHF tactical radios through its JV TBEI.. Thales and Benha for Electronic Industries
Thales to equip Egypt’s artillery systems with advanced VHF tactical radios through its JV TBEI.. Thales and Benha for Electronic Industries

Thales today announced the signature of the VHF-HD contract with the Egyptian Ministry of Defence, marking the first major programme awarded to TBEI, the joint venture between Thales and Benha Electronics Industries, a company fully owned by Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production, created in January 2025.

This contract is part of the broader agreement signed in 2022 between EMOD and Hanwha Defense for the delivery of the VHF-HD tactical communication devices, which require robust interoperability and proven tactical communications solutions.

With this first contract, TBEI begins its journey to become Egypt’s national champion in military communications, supporting industrial localisation across several domains including tactical radios, tactical networks and network hybridisation, military satellite communications and services.

“This new contract marks a major step forward in our long-standing partnership with Egypt. By leveraging Thales’ field-proven tactical communications portfolio, we are proud to support through TBEI the Egyptian Ministry of Defence with interoperable, reliable and scalable systems that enhance operational effectiveness while contributing to local industry development.” said Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice-President, Secure Communications & Information Systems, Thales.

Thales has been present in Egypt for over five decades, supporting the country in defence, identity and cybersecurity. The creation of TBEI reflects a shared ambition to reinforce sovereign capabilities and expand opportunities in the regional re-export market.

The Thales VHF-HD radios selected by EMOD are combat-proven tactical systems renowned for meeting rigorous operational requirements. Their robustness, performance and maturity were key factors in the customer’s choice. Future technology enhancements — including advanced networking and AI-enabled features — are already being examined jointly by TBEI and Thales.

Thales contributes to Egypt’s growth and national sovereignty through local cooperation, and by fostering local talent. Employing close to 460 people across four sites, the Group works closely with national partners, including Benha which have already assembled thousands of Thales technology-based radios for the Egyptian Armed Forces. Thales also invests in developing local talent, notably through the Thales Training Academy for Technology and Engineering launched in 2024 in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the French University in Egypt.

Led by Strong Demand, Volumes Growth, and Disciplined Execution Almarai Delivers Strong Q2 2026 Growth and Resilient Profitability

Led by Strong Demand, Volumes Growth, and Disciplined Execution
Almarai Delivers Strong Q2 2026 Growth and Resilient Profitability

Almarai Company (“Almarai” or the “company”, 2280 on the Saudi Exchange), the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company and the largest food and beverage manufacturing and distribution company in MENA, today announced strong financial results for the second quarter of 2026 (Q2) despite costs, shipping, and regional pressures. The strong performance is driven by strategic expansions, resilient supply chain, and robust demand across its core categories, particularly poultry and dairy.

Revenue grew by 11% year-on-year to 5.87 billion SAR in Q2, bringing first half revenue to 12.03 billion SAR, up 9% compared to H1 2025. Profitability remained stable with net profit reaching 635.7 million SAR in Q2, supported by topline growth and portfolio expansion underscoring the resilience of Almarai’s business model and its sound cost management.

Ongoing cost control initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service levels combined with improvements in the sales mix contributed positively to the financial performance, despite the impact of shipping, energy and raw materials costs as well as logistical challenges across the food industry. In addition, Almarai benefited from strong demand and increased sales volumes reflecting continued positive momentum across key markets.

Fawaz Al Jasser, CEO of Almarai Company, said: “Q2 2026 reflects another quarter of strong growth momentum for Almarai, attributable to healthy demand across our core product categories, particularly poultry and dairy. Disciplined execution and cost management have enabled us to deliver a stable and resilient financial performance. We remain confident in our strategy and commitment to food security and to strengthening our leadership across target markets, while continuing to innovate, meet evolving consumer expectations, and drive sustainable growth.”

Categories Performance During Q2

Poultry delivered strong growth in Q2, supported by an expanding customer base across markets. Continued investments in production capacity and operational efficiency have further reinforced the category as a key growth driver for the company.

Dairy and Juice also performed well, supported by increased demand. Almarai continues to expand its portfolio through innovation and the development of fresh products to meet customer expectations. 

Bakery achieved a stable performance, attributed to an improved product mix and continued innovation. The company will maintain its focus on product development and selective geographic expansion within this product category.

Almarai remains confident that its current strategy will continue to deliver sustainable growth while strengthening its market position. Through ongoing investment in dairy, poultry and innovation, the company is well positioned to capture future growth opportunities and create long-term value.

America at 250: A Defining Moment for Unity, Democracy, and All Our Histories

America at 250: A Defining Moment for Unity, Democracy, and All Our Histories

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, we celebrate more than the birth of a nation. We honor the enduring ideals that have guided the American experiment—liberty, democracy, justice, equality, the rule of law, and the inherent dignity and rights of every person.

This milestone arrives at a defining moment for our democracy. Our nation faces deep polarization and strains public discourse, yet history shows that America’s strength has always been its ability to rise above division through constitutional principles, civic responsibility, and a shared commitment to the common good.

Our Founders created not a perfect nation, but a constitutional republic built on enduring ideals and the promise of a “more perfect Union,” entrusting each generation with the duty to protect liberty, justice, and the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

For 250 years, the United States Constitution has stood as the cornerstone of our democracy—a living charter anchored in liberty, justice, checks and balances, and the separation of powers.

America’s strength lies in its people. We are a nation shaped by diverse cultures, faiths, and traditions, united by a shared belief in freedom, opportunity, and equal justice. Our diversity is a defining strength, reflected in the enduring motto E pluribus unum— “Out of many, one.”

Commemorating America at 250 also means acknowledging the fuller story of this land, including the histories, contributions, and sovereign rights of Native American and Indigenous peoples. Long before 1776, Indigenous nations lived on and cared for this land, and their resilience and pursuit of self‑determination remain essential to the American narrative. Honoring this anniversary requires recognizing that the promise of liberty and equality must extend to all people.

As we celebrate, we are called to renew our commitment to the Constitution, democratic values, and human rights for all. True patriotism is measured not only by pride in our past, but by responsibility for our shared future.

America at 250 is a defining moment—a chance to reaffirm the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and to ensure that the next chapter of our story is shaped by unity, justice, and hope.

Independence and the sovereign equality of nations are universal human rights that must be respected by all people everywhere, grounded in the shared principles of dignity, freedom, and self‑determination.

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) wishes everyone a safe and pleasant Fourth of July holiday, a time to come together and celebrate the enduring values that define our nation.