• Saudi Arabia and Bahrain sign road safety, maintenance agreement

    Manama, Bahrain--Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost road safety and maintenance in the two kingdoms. The agreement was signed in a meeting between Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works, and Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the...
  • ACWA Power refinances Al Dur debt

    ACWA was the sole financial advisor to Al Dur Phase II IWPP project company.
  • Bahrain and France sign MoU to boost tourism education

    Lyon, France--Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School Bahrain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EKLYA School of Business in France to launch a student exchange programme between Bahrain and France aimed at bolstering academic and cultural ties between the two countries. This initiative affirms the joint commitment to strengthen...
  • PIF, Mumtalakat collaborate to boost investment opportunities in Bahrain

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Mumtalakat Holding Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation and enable investment opportunities in Bahrain, PIF said. PIF said in a statement that the MoU provides multiple...
  • Binaa Al Bahrain aims to create expansive mixed-use projects

    ABU DHABI, UAE – Chairman of Eagle Hills International Mohamed Alabbar has said that US$4 billion joint venture Binaa Al Bahrain company aims to create expansive mixed-use projects, offering diverse residential, commercial and entertainment opportunities designed to elevate the overall local community experience. The JV was set up by an...
  • Bahrain to support ‘Arab tourism’ in order to boost cultural integration

    Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain will support Arab tourism in order to enhance social, cultural and historical integration among Arab people, according to Fatima bin Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism. According to the minister, this would raise the contribution of the tourism sector to Arab countries’ national development. In a statement...
  • Bahrain’s central bank treasury bills oversubscribed by 226%

    Manama, Bahrain--Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announces that the $93 million monthly issue of Government Treasury Bills has been oversubscribed by 226%. The bills, carrying maturity of 182 days, are issued by the CBB, on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The issue date of the bills is February 25...
  • Bahrain: Ideal business incubation hub in GCC?

    The Kingdom's openness to 100 percent foreign ownership for onshore firms and zero-tax policy make enhance its appeal as business incubation destination.
  • Bahrain to host ‘smart cities summit 2024’ in March

    Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain will hold the seventh edition of the "Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024" from March 5 to 6 under the theme"achieving progress through artificial intelligence", Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, the Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture announced. Al Mubarak affirmed the kingdom's keenness to adopt the best technologies and...
  • In Middle East, ‘manufacturing’ is a new buzzword

    Form Saudi Arabia to the UAE, Qatar to Kuwait, governments of the region compete to jumpstart an industrial sector. But doubts remain whether it can be pulled off.
  • Three UAE soldiers, Bahraini officer killed in Somali attack

    The United Arab Emirates' defense ministry said that the soldiers were "exposed to a terrorist act" while "performing their work duties in training and qualifying the Somali Armed Forces". The ministry, without giving further details, said that two others were wounded in the incident.
  • The DCO Council announces multilateral initiatives to bridge digital divide

    Manama, Bahrain - The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the global digital economy, has announced the launch of new initiatives to bridge the global digital divide. The DCO Council also announced the joining of...
  • Iran ‘following dreams’ in trying to win first Asian Cup since 1976

    Doha, Qatar - Iran are "following our dreams" in trying to win the Asian Cup for the first time in 48 years, winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh said on the eve of Wednesday's last-16 clash with Syria. Three-time champions Iran face Syria in Qatar with a quarter-final against Bahrain or pre-tournament favorites Japan...
  • Bahrain and Hungary aim to boost trade, investment ties

    Budapest, Hungary--Bahrain and Hungary have held discussions to boost economic and trade ties between the two countries. In this regard, Khalid Najibi, First Deputy of the Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), highlighted the high potential of investment opportunities for the Bahraini private sector and its...
  • Bahrain and South Korea seek to bolster economic, parliamentary ties

    Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain and South Korea have reviewed ways to enhance diplomatic, economic and parliamentary cooperation and partnership to benefit the two countries. In this connection, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Political Affairs Undersecretary at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, has affirmed the keenness of Kingdom of Bahrain, under the...
  • Bahrain and GCC look to boost ‘convention, exhibition’ industry

    Manama, Bahrain-- Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are looking to boost cooperation in the convention and conference industry in the region. In this regard a meeting was held in Dubai to discuss ways to enhance collaboration at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Fatima bint...
  • Bahrain Q4 2023 imports increase to US$3.92bn

    MANAMA, BAHRAIN - The Information eGovernment Authority (iGA) has published its foreign trade report of Bahrain for Q4 2023, covering trade balance, imports, exports of products with national origin, and re-exports. The value of imports has increased by 5 percent, reaching US$3.92 billion (BD1.476 billion) during Q4 2023 in comparison...
  • Bahrain and Slovakia to ramp up cooperation in urban planning

    Manama, Bahrain-- Bahrain and Slovakia are looking to ramp up the ongoing cooperation in urban planning and sustainable development. In this regard, Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayat, Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA), stressed the need to exchange expertise and technologies in the field of urban...
  • Morocco joins UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain in regional industrial collaboration

    Manama, Bahrain – Morocco became the fifth country to join the UAE, Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain at the fourth meeting of the Higher Committee of the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development which began on Thursday here. The Executive Committee of the now five country partnership held meetings with officials,...
  • UAE passport most powerful in MENA region, 11th in global index

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE passport has climbed two positions to secure the 11th spot in the 2024 Passport Index by Henley & Partners. This advancement allows UAE citizens visa-free access to 183 countries. The UAE has been the most improved nation on the Index over the past decade,...
  • CBB Sukuk Al Salam securities oversubscribed by 372%

    Manama, Bahrain--The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announced that the monthly issue of the Sukuk Al Salam Islamic securities has been oversubscribed by 372%. Subscriptions worth $426 million were received for the $114.36 million issue, which carries maturity of 91 days. The expected return on the issue, which begins on...
  • Alumicor to set up base in Bahrain

    It will help the kingdom in the processing of aluminum.
  • Bahrain kicks off roadshow in China to boost tourism sector

    Manama, Bahrain--The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA) began a roadshow in Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, involving prominent travel, tourism, aviation, and hotel sectors.  The roadshow aims to promote Bahrain as a prominent tourist destination in regional and global markets, enhancing the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product in...
  • GCC makes pivotal strides in development, diplomacy

    In 2023, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait collectively advanced in technology and sustainable development, achieving global integration.
  • Bahrain economy posts 2.45% growth in third quarter of 2023

    Manama, Bahrain--National accounts estimates issued by the Information eGovernment Authority of the Kingdom of Bahrain showed that the real GDP of the Kingdom increased by 2.45% at constant prices and by 1.09% at current prices during the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Bahrain News...
  • Export Bahrain and HKTDC sign agreement to ramp up trade ties

    Manama, Bahrain--Export Bahrain and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) have signed a strategic partnership agreement to strengthen trade ties and create new avenues of opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kingdom of Bahrain.  The strategic partnership agreement seeks to foster mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. It...
  • Greece to join US-led naval coalition against Houthi rebels

    The task force announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday initially included Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain. The Iran-backed Houthis say their missile and drone strikes on passing container ships are in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war raging between Israel...
  • Maritime agencies report explosion off Yemen coast

    Dubai, UAE - A "possible explosion" struck a key shipping lane off Yemen on Monday, two maritime agencies said, the latest incident in the vital waterway threatened by Houthi rebel attacks. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning of a potential explosion striking near a vessel passing through...
  • Bahrain and Germany look to boost cooperation in health sector

    Manama, Bahrain-- Bahrain and Germany have held discussions to boost ties in the health field as the two countries seek to deepen overall ties. In this connection, Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Health (SCH), met, in the presence of Dr. Jaleela...
  • Real estate deals in Bahrain decline marginally in third quarter: CBRE

    Manama, Bahrain - Real estate transactions in Bahrain recorded a marginal 2.5 percent decline in Q3 2023, totaling 5,145 compared to the previous quarter. Despite this dip, a promising 5.1 percent surge is observed in year-to-date transactions for the first nine months of 2023, showcasing overall resilience in the market, commercial real estate services...
  • Qatari emir denounces ‘shameful’ global inaction in Israel-Hamas war

    Doha, Qatar - Qatar's ruler hit out at "shameful" international inaction over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as he opened a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Doha on Tuesday. "It is shameful for the international community to allow this heinous crime to continue for nearly two months, during which the systematic...
  • Mumtalakat, Investcorp ink pact

    The firms have jointly launched a climate investment platform.
  • Infracorp logs $29.8m profit

    The company specializes in social infrastructure.
  • Bahrain and EU hold discussions to ramp up ties in energy sector

    Manama, Bahrain-- Bahrain and the European Union (EU) have held discussions to boost cooperation in various domains, including the energy sector. In this regard a meeting took place in Manama between Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs and Christophe...
  • Bahrain’s BIBF partners with UpGradelle to boost digital transformation

    Manama, UAE--The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) has partnered with UpGradelle, a leading French-based consultancy firm, to develop capabilities in the field of digital transformation. The agreement was signed during the visit of Eric Giraud-Telme, the Ambassador of France, who serves to strengthen education and training ties between...
  • War in Gaza represents serious setback for efforts to reduce tension: Gargash

    Manama, Bahrain-- The ongoing war in Gaza represents a serious setback for the efforts to reduce tension in the region as a whole, said Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President. Speaking at the 19th Manama Dialogue, he warned: “Prolonging the war would only amplify its associated risks,...
  • Manama Dialogue helps in addressing political, security challenges, says GCC

    MANAMA, BAHRAIN – Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has said that the hosting of the 19th Manama Dialogue here reinforces the country's leading role in analyzing key political, defense and security issues in the Middle East and beyond. The conference brings together global senior...
  • Bahrain and Thailand seek to boost economic cooperation

    Manama, Bahrain-- Bahrain and Thailand have held discussions to enhance economic cooperation in a meeting between top officials of the two countries. In this regard, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Political Affairs Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today met Worawoot Pongprapapant, Director-General, Department of South Asian,...
  • GCC sovereigns eye fiscal rejuvenation

    A report by S&P Global Ratings forecasts improved fiscal positions due to higher oil prices, fiscal consolidation and a robust non-hydrocarbon activity.
  • Bahrain and Russia look to boost economic cooperation

    Manama, Bahrain-- Bahrain and Russia have held discussions to enhance cooperation in various fields of the two countries' economies. In this regard, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, met Roman Panov, the President of the Russian GEOTEK company, a...
  • Arab and Iranian leaders likely to attend Saudi’s dual event on Gaza

    The emergency meetings of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation come after over one month of Israeli bombardment has killed more than 10,000 people in Gaza, many of them children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. With Israel's leaders rebuffing talk of a ceasefire until the captives...
  • Export Bahrain and Alibaba sign MoU to boost global trade

    Manama, Bahrain--Export Bahrain and Alibaba.com have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost global trade and economic growth in Bahrain. The MoU signed during the 6th China International Import Exhibition held in Shanghai, will enable Export Bahrain and Alibaba.com to leverage their respective strengths and expertise to facilitate trade,...
  • Batelco launches mobile peering service in MENA region

    Manama, Bahrain - Batelco, part of the Beyon Group, announces its latest service “Mobile Peering” for members of the platform. Batelco is the first in the MENA region to offer a Mobile Peering service, which is an open interconnecting solution, enabling mobile operators and Internet Packet Exchange (IPX) providers to...
  • Anti-west boycott waves sweep across Middle East in Gaza solidarity

    Manama, Bahrain - In a convenience store in Bahrain, 14-year-old Jana Abdullah carries a tablet as she shops, checking a list of Western brands to avoid as Israel pounds Gaza in its campaign to destroy Hamas. Jana and her 10-year-old brother, Ali, used to eat at McDonald's nearly daily but they...
  • Israel Foreign Ministry denies relations with Bahrain cut off

    Dubai, UAE-- A day after Bahrain's parliament announced that its ambassador to Israel is being recalled, the Jewish state said it had not been informed about such a move, adding that relations with the Gulf state were “stable”. According to Israel's Foreign Ministry, the country has not received any “announcement...
  • Conflict points to economic shift in Arab-Israel ties

    Bahrain's expulsion of Israel's ambassador and halted trade may foreshadow a broader economic realignment in the Middle East, threatening key regional trade pacts.
  • Bahrain suspends economic relations with Israel

    DUBAI, UAE - Bahrain has recalled its Ambassador from Israel and decided to suspend economic relations with Tel Aviv in a show of support for the Palestinian people. Bahrain’s move comes amid Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, the Council of Representatives which is the lower house of parliament of...
  • Bahrain and UK discuss boosting trade, investment ties

    London, UK-- Bahrain and the UK have discussed way to boost bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economic fields between the two countries. The discussions were held between Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Lord Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East,...
  • Bahrain’s SCE signs agreement with Foulath Holding Company

    Manama, Bahrain--The Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) signed a cooperation agreement with Foulath Holding Company to boost sustainable development goals in Bahrain. The agreement aimed at planting and preserving mangrove trees in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Amna Hamad Al Rumaihi, Acting Director of the Communication and...
  • GFH Capital mulls listing on Saudi market, says CEO

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - GFH Capital is considering the offering of its unit in Saudi Arabia on the Tadawul. GFH Group's plans are unchanged with regard to listing in other markets, CEO Razi Al Murbati said. The group is listed on the stock exchanges of Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and...
  • GCC and ASEAN denounce Gaza attack, urge permanent ceasefire

    The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also called for the release of some 200 hostages held by Hamas, as well as the restoration of basic services for Palestinians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.