Author: News Desk

Manama: Exempting Bahraini nationals from the Schengen visa requirements were the focus of a key meeting which was held at the Council of Representatives.Members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, chaired by Mp. Mohammed el-Sisi Al-Bouainain attended the session, along with officials representing the Ministry of Interior.They discussed a proposal urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take required measure to ensure Bahrainis get exempted from Schengen visa requirements or obtain on-arrival entry visas at EU airports.They discussed whether adding biometric features to passports would facilitate procedures for Bahraini nationals to obtain pre-entry visas when visiting European…

Manama: The Interior Ministry Undersecretary, Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa inaugurated on Monday two service centers at the Muharraq Security Complex and the General Directorate of Traffic.The move was part of the directives of Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa to open more services and provide further facilities for the citizens.The centers would issue good conduct certificates and other security-related certificates. Before visiting the centers, the required form should be printed from the Criminal Investigation Directorate site.

Saudi Arabia topped the Arab world and ranked 16th worldwide for the largest gold reserves, with 323 tonnes. Gold Reserves in Saudi Arabia remained unchanged at 323.10 tonnes in the second quarter of 2019 from 323.10 tonnes in the first quarter of 2019. They are ranked 7th in Asia. They are followed in the Arab region by Lebanon (286.80 tonnes), Algeria (173.60); Libya (116.60); Iraq (96.30) and Kuwait (79). Other Arab countries cited in the list are: Jordan (43.50); Qatar (37.50); Syria (25.80); Morocco (22.10); UAE (7.50); Tunisia (6.80); Bahrain (4.70); Yemen (1.60) and Oman (0.02 tons). The USA topped…

Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza, received Shaikh Ibrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Chinese company Cneec, headed by Zhao Hul. The company is specialized in renewable energy. The minister welcomed the attendees and listened to an account of the activities and programs of the company and the desire to invest in renewable energy projects. He gave the visitors a presentation on the plans and projects of the Sustainable Energy Centre in Bahrain and gave them a clear picture about the procedures followed and Bahrain’s keenness to use renewable and clean…

Under the patronage of Labour and Social Development Minister, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Undersecretary Sabah Salim Al-Dossari, opened today the Seef Health Training Centre in Amwaj Islands. National Health Regulatory Authority’s CEO, Dr. Mariam Adhbi Al-Jalahma, CEO of the Labour Fund, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi, and the work team of the committee in charge of licensing and examining health training programs, officials and specialists were present. The center’s opening is part of the on-going efforts to develop medical competencies who graduated from medical universities in Bahrain or abroad, by providing them with continuous training and rehabilitation programs. It also…

Saudi Arabia will see continued growth in the hotel sector across the kingdom, fueled by increasing demand from tourists, according to a new report. The latest data released by Expedia Group disclosed that travellers from the USA, UAE and UK topped the list for travel demand into Saudi Arabia in 2018. With travel bookings in the kingdom considered the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), the power of the international traveller growth to Saudi Arabia is expected to remain strong. The USA saw more than 110 per cent year-on-year growth in demand compared to the same period…

An Emirati business has unveiled a plan to tow an iceberg from Antarctica to the Arabian Gulf region, in a project which will cost up to $150 million when completed. Abdulla Alshehi said he believes that a floating iceberg along the coast of the United Arab Emirates could provide the country with fresh, drinkable water. National Advisor Bureau Ltd managing director Alshehi said that the operation would take up to ten months for the iceberg to reach its final location, about three kilometers off Fujaraih Coast. In an interview with Inspire Middle East, he said that around $80 million would…

Manama: Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza received a delegation from Standard Chartered Bank, Bahrain, headed by its new Chief Executive Officer, Abdulla Abdul Razzaq Bukhwa. Senior advisor to the bank Abdul Rahman Buhaji and a number of officials were present.Dr. Mirza congratulated Mr. Bukhwa on his appointment who, in turn, thanked the minister for giving him the opportunity to meet him. He expressed his desire to learn about the latest solar energy systems to activate the use of clean energy.The minister gave a presentation on Bahrain’s sustainable energy plans and projects and presented a clear picture on the…

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Tuesday. Discussions were held on issues of mutual interest. In a tweet, Prime Minister said he had a great meeting with the Foreign Minister of UAE. He said they talked at length about further improving economic and cultural relations between India and UAE. Yesterday, the visiting dignitary held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed relations in political, economic, investment, trade, energy and other sectors and aspects of developing and enhancing the existing ties in all…

Manama: Deputy Director-General of Traffic, Col. Mohammed Daraj, has honoured the first winner of the weekly prize allocated for the users of the e-services. Director of Credit Cards at Bahrain Credit, Abdulrasool Al Aali attended the ceremony. The e-services available through the national portal Bahrain.bh or via the e-Traffic application which could be downloaded on smartphones or the e-government platforms available at the directorate and public places. Bahraini Abdullah Ahmed Al Atawi won BD50 provided by the Bahrain Credit company “Imtiaz”, after a draw of the ID numbers of those who used the e-services. The prize was launched on July 2019…