Rubio sees more Arab states normalizing with Israel this year
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.
Naval forces in Gulf warn ships against nearing Iranian waters
"Vessels are being advised to transit as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible" to minimize the risk of seizure, US Fifth Fleet spokesperson Commander Tim Hawkins told AFP. The International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), led by Washington, is "notifying regional mariners of appropriate precautions to minimize the risk...GFH Financial Group Q2 net profit $30m
The net profit increased by 32.74 percent compared to Q2, 2022.Kuwait bars Barbie movie from theatres citing ‘public ethics’
Kuwait City, Kuwait - Kuwait has barred hit film Barbie from cinemas over concerns about "public ethics", officials have said, also confirming a separate ban on a horror movie featuring a transgender actor.Barbie and Talk to Me both "promulgate ideas and beliefs that are alien to the Kuwaiti society and public...Lebanon urges calm after Gulf states issue travel advisory
"The situation in Ain al-Helweh camp has now calmed down," Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said referring to south Lebanon's restive Palestinian camp. "Security and intelligence services... have no information that the situation could spin out of control and spill over to other camps," he said.Bahrain pledges to protect consumer rights in e-commerce sector
Manama, Bahrain-- Looking to develop the e-commerce sector in the kingdom, Bahrain's Ministry of Industry and Commerce has published a survey to evaluate consumer satisfaction in the e-commerce sector in response to the growing volume of e-commerce transactions.These efforts come from the Information Systems Directorate and the Consumer Protection Directorate,...Blazing heat spurs record energy consumption in Bahrain
Life in Bahrain largely moves indoors during the summer months, with the ever-present Arctic blast of air-conditioning systems.Aldar expands into Dubai, Bahrain
The company announces $95 million investment for expansion.Tabreed H1 23 net profit $105m
New customers and projects were added in H1 2023.Bahrain’s RERA revokes real estate firm’s license for ‘breach of regulations’
Manama, Bahrain-- for "exceeding the scope of the permit." The owner had exceeded the scope of the permit which was issued to him, in accordance with the provisions of the Real Estate Sector Regulation Law, promulgated by Law No. 27 of 2017 and its amendments and executive edicts. In a statement issued...Bahrain and US assert commitment to freedom of maritime navigation
Dubai, UAE-- Bahrain and the US have reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation in international waters. They reiterated the importance of ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and condemned acts that put freedom of navigation in jeopardy.The joint statement came after a meeting between...Bahrain records 2% jump in GDP on back of expansion in Q1 in non-oil sector
Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain has recorded a two percent rise in gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2023, driven by a 3.5 percent jump in the non-oil sector.The average quarterly increase, according to the Bahraini Ministry of Finance and National Economy, of the annual non-oil GDP has touched about 5.7...Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to collaborate on speeding up sustainable development
New York, US--Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are looking to collaborate in order to speed up the sustainable development goals, aligning them with government programs under the 2030 Agenda.In this connection, discussion took place at a joint meeting between Amna bint Ahmed Al Romaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable...Tensions lurk behind facade of Gulf Arab detente: Crisis Group
Dubai, UAE - Six years after imposing a comprehensive blockade on Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain have nearly restored ties with the country. However, underlying tensions persist, as changing dynamics in the Middle East drive competing foreign policy priorities. These unresolved issues have the potential...Sweltering heat leaves Gulf residents at risk during noon
DUBAI, UAE- As much of the world swelters in record temperatures, spare a thought for Issam Genedi, who ekes out a living washing cars in one of the planet's hottest regions, the Gulf.Pausing from his work at an outdoor carpark in Dubai, the Egyptian migrant says the UAE's furnace-like summer feels...Bahrain secures 9th spot in survey for best expat destinations in world
Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain has climbed up to ninth position in the top destinations in the world for expatriates, according to report published by global expat network InterNations.The country gained the higher position out of all the countries in the Middle East thanks to the ease of getting a visa, dealing with...Business reality TV series ‘Beban’ forays into Saudi Arabia
Manama, Bahrain: Entrepreneurship-themed reality television show ‘Beban’ announces the expansion of its third season to Saudi Arabia, as Hope Ventures, the investment arm of Hope Fund and producer of Beban, partners with Saudi-based GFH Capital.Saudi-based businesses can apply for season 3 online through hopefund.bh/beban by July 23. The expansion comes...Bahrain, UK sign MoU to preserve biodiversity and curb marine pollution
London, UK--Bahrain and the United Kingdom have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on biodiversity and marine pollution.The MoU aims to create a framework of action between Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and Britain’s Cefas by allowing them to explore areas of cooperation in monitoring the environment, marine life,...Central Bank of Bahrain Sukuk Al-Ijara oversubscribed
Manama, Bahrain - The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has announced that the monthly issue of the short-term Islamic leasing bonds, Sukuk Al-Ijara, has been oversubscribed by 329 percent. Subscriptions worth BD 85.648 million ($227.46 million) were received for the BD 26 million ($68.92 million) issue.The Sukuk Al-Ijara has a...Bahrain’s EWA invites bids for US$53mn tender to upgrade desalination plant
Manama, Bahrain--The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) of Bahrain has invited bids for a $53.19 million tender to upgrade the Ras Abu Jarjour reverse osmosis desalination plant.International companies vying for the project will be required to submit their competitive technical and financial bid, within the latest international standards, said EWA...Investcorp buys stake in SEC Newgate
Investcorp buys majority stake in SEC Newgate for $100m.MENA region trails in global race for gender parity
The Middle East and North Africa region scores only 62.6% in gender parity, and at the current pace, the region will achieve full parity in 152 years, says a latest WEF report.Central Bank of Bahrain treasury bills oversubscribed by 109%
Manama, Bahrain - This week’s BD 70 million issue of Treasury Bills of Government of Bahrain have been oversubscribed by 109 percent. The bills, carrying a maturity of 91 days, are issued by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), on behalf of the Government of Bahrain. The issue date of the bills...Bahrain central bank $185m Treasury bills oversubscribed 109%
Manama, Bahrain -- Treasury bills valued at Bahrain Dinar 70 million ($185 million) issued this week by the Central Bank of Bahrain have been oversubscribed 109 percentThe bills, carrying a maturity of 91 days, are issued by the CBB, on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The issue...Morocco puts off meeting of Arab allies of Israel due to West Bank violence
With violence escalating between Palestinians and Israelis, Morocco has postponed a meeting of Arab allies of Israel it was due to host this summer. According to the country's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita a date for the meeting can be worked out when circumstances are more "favorable." The annual meeting was...Arab nations account for 25 percent of Israel’s 2022 arms exports
Jerusalem, Undefined - Israeli defense exports hit an all-time high of $12.5 billion last year, with Arab countries that recently established ties accounting for nearly a quarter of purchase contracts, officials said Wednesday.The defense ministry, which oversees and approves the exports of Israel's defense industries, said one quarter of deals were...Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, other regional powers plan naval coalition
Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has declared the formation of a new naval coalition. This alliance, encompassing regional powers like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq, aims to enhance maritime security and underlines the increasing recognition of the need for regional synergy in establishing security.UAE withdraws from US-led coalition that secures Gulf waterways
"As a result of our ongoing evaluation of effective security cooperation with all partners, two months ago, the UAE withdrew its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces," a statement carried by the official WAM news agency said. The Bahrain-headquartered CMF was established in 2001, initially as a partnership between 12...Saudi Arabia, Bahrain begin joint security exercise ‘Haris’
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Royal Guard and the Bahrain Royal Guard have started the joint security exercise “Haris” in Riyadh. The joint exercise is part of the continuous cooperation between the Saudi Royal Guard and the Bahrain Royal Guard. The exercise was inaugurated by Major General Mohammed bin...Bahrain, Qatar in focus as UAE astronaut shares unique view of the Gulf from space
Sultan Al Neyadi, the UAE astronaut, honors Bahrain and Qatar from his orbital viewpoint 400km above Earth, describing them as "two shining pearls".Bahrain to resume diplomatic relations with Lebanon
The Bahraini decision comes the day after the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia against a backdrop of unexpected rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran, brokered by Beijing. The warming of relations between the region's two great rivals has paved the way for a major diplomatic reshuffle in the Arab world.Investcorp acquires Jianuo
Jianuo is a leading provider of specialty premium components.Beyon announces ‘the biggest ever investment’ in digital infrastructure in Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain - Beyon has announced a major investment of more than $250 million in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure in Bahrain which will support the growth of the country’s digital economy. Batelco, part of the Beyon group, has joined the SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia - Middle East - Western Europe) consortium, which...Central Bank of Bahrain Sukuk Al-Salam securities oversubscribed 197%
Manama, Bahrain--The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announces that the monthly issue of the Sukuk Al-Salam Islamic securities has been oversubscribed by 197%.Subscriptions worth BD 84.706 million were received for the BD 43 million issue, which carries a maturity of 91 days.The expected return on the issue, which begins on...Qatar and Bahrain to restart flights in signs of improving relations
Dubai, UAE-- Qatar and Bahrain have agreed to restart flights toward the end of the month, in a sign of warming relations between the estranged countries.According to Bahrain News Agency, the resumption of flights between Bahrain and Qatar “comes within the framework of the brotherly relations between the two brotherly...Iran’s trade with six Arab countries climbs up to US$35bn in 2022-2023
Tehran, Iran--Iran's trade with six Arab states has vaulted to $35.11 billion in the fiscal year of 2022-2023, according to the latest data released by the Islamic Republic.According to Iran Customs Administration, the Islamic Republic traded 58.25 million tons of goods (excluding crude oil exports) worth $35.11 billion with the...Beyon Q1 net profit $47.7m
Revenues for the first quarter increased by 5 percent over Q1 2022.Alba posts Q1 profit drop
The aluminium giant's profit fell 68% to US$126.2mn.Bahrain central bank’s sukuk oversubscribed by 403 percent
Manama, Bahrain -- The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announced that the monthly issue of the short-term Islamic leasing bonds, Sukuk Al Ijara, has been oversubscribed by 403 percent.Subscriptions worth BD 104.778 million ($277 million) were received for the BD 26 million issue, which carries a maturity of 182 days.The...Bahrain free of India-made ‘contaminated’ cough syrup
Manama, Bahrain - Bahrain has taken steps to ban from its markets the contaminated cough syrups made in India in response to recent reports of the death of many children who consumed them in some countries. The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) on Sunday confirmed that the Kingdom's markets are free...Bahrain’s real GDP grows by 4.09% in Q4 2022
Manama, Bahrain - Bahrain has reported a 4.09 percent increase in its real GDP in the fourth quarter of 2022 YoY, driven by a growth of 4.91 percent in the non-oil sector, as a result of its economic diversification initiatives.The high-achieving sectors include the financial corporations sector which grew by...GCC countries take steps to close gender pay gap
TRENDS Twitter poll suggests 48% candidates face discrimination during job recruitment process in the Gulf region, while 30% do not, and 22% remain unsure.Bahrain: The ultimate destination for natural pearl lovers
Customers at a Bahrain jewellery store study displays of pearls that are, unusually, 100 percent natural -- the result of attempts to preserve a centuries-old industry.While rare elsewhere, natural pearls prised from seabed oysters by divers are the only variety produced in the Gulf kingdom, which is fiercely proud of...Middle East thaw: Now Qatar and UAE to reopen embassies
"The technical committees are now doing their work in this context, and it is expected that there will be exchange visits to consider the procedures we need to reopen embassies." foreign ministry spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari told a briefing. A UAE official confirmed that the reopening of embassies is "under process".Jeddah meeting: Call for Arab role in resolving Syrian crisis, easing Asad’s isolation
Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 over Assad's brutal crackdown of pro-democracy protests. But on Wednesday, in the latest sign of an easing in tensions with Damascus, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in Jeddah, the first such visit since the war began.Qatar, Bahrain to restore ties as Middle East’s push for peace gains pace
In 2017, Bahrain joined Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt in imposing a diplomatic blockade on Qatar. The countries' rivalry goes back even further, however, and Bahrain is the last to renew ties. Agreement on the reconciliation was reached in talks at the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in...9 Arab nations to discuss Syria ties at Saudi Arabia meet on Friday
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, diplomatically isolated since the start of the Syrian war in 2011, has visited the UAE and Oman over the past two months. An Arab League summit is expected to be held in Riyadh in May.Bahrain’s investment push: Businesses with large-scale projects to get Golden Licence
Manama, Bahrain - Bahrain has announced the launch of a Golden Licence, providing incentives and streamlined services to foreign and local businesses with large-scale investment projects in the country, in an important step in the country's pursuit to incentivise investments and boost job creation under its fiscal and economic reforms,...Bahrain posts highest real GDP growth in nearly a decade
The kingdom witnessed 6.2 percent non-oil real GDP growth, the highest since 2012 and higher than the 5 percent annual target set by its Economic Recovery Plan that aims to enhance the economy's long-term competitiveness and support post-COVID recovery.UAE replaces Bahrain as most happiest Arab country
The United Arab Emirates takes the lead as the happiest Arab country in 2023, according to the World Happiness Report, followed by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.Gulf central banks mirror Fed to raise rates by 25 bps
The central banks of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar raised their benchmark borrowing rates after the US Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points last night.