Author: News Desk

Bahrain : Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air will increase its direct flights to the Maldives capital Male to be daily starting August 15. The decision is in response to the surging travel demand. The route has been very popular in the recent months thanks to the relaxed rules and regulations for passengers to enter the Maldives. This has prompted passengers from Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Europe to prefer the destination to many other Indian Ocean choices. “The decision to increase our flights to Male is a classic example of demand and supply,” Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive…

Bahrain :  His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today received a cable of thanks from the President of the People’s Republic of China, HE Xi Jinping, in response to a congratulatory cable sent by His Royal Highness on the occasion of the centenary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Bahrain :  Electricity and Water Affairs Minister, Wael bin Nasser Al-Mubarak, today received member of the Council of Representatives, representative of the Muharraq Governorate’s eighth constituency, MP Yousif Al-Thawadi. The minister reviewed the future plans of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), in addition to its recent achievements and their positive impact on its services to the citizens and residents. The meeting also focused on ways to enhance cooperation between EWA and the Council of Representatives, through supporting EWA’s plans to improve its services. The minister commended the dedicated efforts of lawmakers to raise and discuss issues that are directly…

Bahrain : HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, has visited Bahrain Table Tennis Association, Bahrain Volleyball Association, Deaf Sports Association and Bahrain Sports Federation for Disabilities. Accompanying His Highness were HH Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the General Sports Authority and President of Bahrain Combat Sports Council, and Dr Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar, CEO of the General Sports Authority. His Highness Shaikh Khalid’s visits came as part of His Highness’ constant contact policy…

Bahrain :  President of the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza inaugurated the solar energy project in the main building of Al Eslah Society, in the presence of Board Chairman of Al Eslah Society Dr. Abdullatif bin Ahmed Al-Shaikh Dr Mirza said that the project represents one of the national initiatives carried out by the society making it a model for facilities that contribute to achieving the national goals of Bahrain in renewable energy and energy efficiency, as 347 solar panels were installed to generate enough energy to operate 67% of the building’s facilities. SEA president noted that the SEA seeks to…

Bahrain : Muharraq Governor, Salman bin Isa bin Hindi Al-Mannai, has lauded the role of Ma’atams (Community centres) and houses of worship in fostering patriotic feelings under various circumstances, stressing the importance of continuing to adhere to the precautionary measures announced by the National Medical Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (COVID-19) for the Ashoora season in order to contribute to protecting the health and safety of everyone. The Governor was speaking while receiving the heads of community centres and Hussainiyas in the Muharraq Governorate, in the presence of Deputy Governor, Brigadier Abdulla bin Khalifa Al-Jairan, Director-General of the Muharraq Governorate’s Police…

Bahrain : Arab Banking Corporation (Bank ABC) has announced the completion of its acquisition of a 99.5% stake in BLOM Bank Egypt S.A.E. (“BLOM Bank Egypt”), significantly enhancing Bank ABC’s presence in the MENA region, and deepening its roots in the Egyptian market. This announcement follows the successful completion of the Mandatory Tender Offer (“MTO”), share transfers and the release of the purchase price of $425m to BLOM Bank S.A.L. (“BLOM Bank Lebanon”) and the minority shareholders that tendered their shares in the MTO. This represents a multiple of 1.37x based on BLOM Bank Egypt’s book value as of March…

Bahrain :  Works, Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Issam bin Abdullah Khalaf said that the Water Garden development project is close to completion as 98% of its landscaping is ready. He noted that progress of work on the project covers 6 hectares. The construction of service buildings and the implementation of work in the parking lots have been completed, he added. The minister said that the development project aims to preserve its historical heritage, renovate the park and preserving the ponds. The percentage of completion reached 95% in total, as the preparation of the parking lots has been completed to…

Saudi Arabia :  Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia will host the World Defence Show. The inaugural World Defence Show, Saudi Arabia’s international security and defence exhibition founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), is set to take place in Riyadh from 6-9 March 2022. World Defence Show’s royal patronage reinforces national commitment to the growth and success of the show – set to be one of the world’s leading defense events as well as the global hub for business and defense innovation, Saudi Press Agency…

Algeria : At least 65 people have been killed in wildfires that erupted in Algeria. Officials said the number included 25 soldiers killed trying to save residents. The fires have been ravaging forests and villages east of the capital, Algiers, in the Kabyle region, covering the mountainous area with thick clouds of smoke. Prime Minister Ayman Benabderrahmane told state television the blazes appeared to be “highly synchronised”, adding that “leads one to believe these were criminal acts”. He called on the international community to help and said the government was in talks with partners to hire planes to extinguish fires. The…