US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Wednesday that more Arab nations could forge ties with Israel this year, as Washington presses hard for relations to normalize with Saudi Arabia.

Manama, Bahrain - Bahrain's King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa on Sunday welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Bahraini state media said, the interim leader's latest engagement with regional leaders since taking power in December. The official Bahrain News Agency said the king hosted Sharaa at his palace, where they "discussed...

The region, fueled by ambition and massive investment, is rapidly advancing in technology and infrastructure, aiming to secure a leading role in the 4IR.

While developing countries paid a record US$1.4 trillion to service debts, the non-oil sectors in the GCC countries are fueling growth and diversification,

Lebanon says four people were killed including a child in the latest Israeli strikes as Tehran says the United States will bear "full responsibility" if Israel attacks Iran.

Oil prices shoot up as Biden suggests that Israel might target Iranian oil facilities, while GCC Arab states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, reassure Iran of neutrality in the conflict between Tehran and Israel.

Beginning in January 2025, the measure will place a minimum tax of 15 percent on revenues over 750 million euros ($830 million) generated in the country, the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported. The move aligns Bahrain with the standards of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which spearheaded the global...

The investment climate in the Kingdom of Bahrain is positive and relatively stable. Bahrain maintains a business-friendly environment and a proactive approach to attracting foreign investment and business, the US Department of State statement revealed on Wednesday.State-owned enterprises (SOE) are the primary engines for growth, but Bahrain aims to expand...

In a concluding statement following a meeting in Manama, the 22-member grouping called for "international protection and peacekeeping forces of the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territories" until a two-state solution is implemented.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was addressing fellow heads of state and government at the 22-strong grouping in Manama, more than seven months into a conflict that has convulsed the region.

GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel, tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.

Flooding hit many areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, and cut off major roads, snarling traffic and leaving cars stranded.

Manama, Bahrain--The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announces that the monthly issue of the short-term Islamic leasing bonds, Sukuk Al Ijara, has been oversubscribed by 186%.Subscriptions worth $128.67 million were received for the $69.14 million issue, which carries maturity of 182 days.The expected return on the issue, which begins on...

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 Kingdom...

ACWA was the sole financial advisor to Al Dur Phase II IWPP project company.

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 educational...

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 benefits...

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 agreement...

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 to the...

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 and the...

The Kingdom's openness to 100 percent foreign ownership for onshore firms and zero-tax policy make enhance its appeal as business incubation destination.

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 modern...

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.

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.

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...

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 up...

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 Hungarian...

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...

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 Jaafar Al...

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 with...

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 development.He...

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,...

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,...

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 January 10...

It will help the kingdom in the processing of aluminum.

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 line...

In 2023, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait collectively advanced in technology and sustainable development, achieving global integration.

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 Agency...

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...

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...

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 the...

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 bint...

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...

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 and...

The firms have jointly launched a climate investment platform.

The company specializes in social infrastructure.

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 Varno,...

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 Bahrain...

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, including...

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 officials...