Non-oil sectors drive robust growth in GCC countries, says World Bank report
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,
Bahrain gives nod to cryptocurrency firm Binance to operate
Cryptocurrency exchange platform Binance, one of the world's largest, said Tuesday it had been granted an operating license in Bahrain, its first in the Gulf. The Emirate this month also announced the adoption of a virtual assets law and the creation of a crypto asset regulatory authority.Bahrain to keep managing air traffic over Gulf waters
Bahrain will keep managing air traffic in the airspace over international waters in the Arabian Gulf, extending from the borders of the UAE flight information region (FIR) to the borders of Kuwait FIR.Condemnation pours in after Houthi attack on Saudi refinery
From the UAE to Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, and from the OIC to the Arab Parliament, the attack is being decried unequivocally.Bahrain signs Artemis Accords to bolster space cooperation
Among other things, NASA plans to use the Artemis missions to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon.Bahrain signs pact with Cisco
The company will build the government’s data network.Bahrain scores high in gender equality, women’s economic participation
The World Bank has reported that Bahrain’s score improved to 73 percent in women’s economic participation and gender equality from 2018 to 2022. The report was compiled by World Bank Group’s Women, Business and the Law 2022. This report examines laws and regulations that restrict women’s economic inclusion in 190...Inflation pinches GCC consumers’ pockets
The wave of inflation continues to put pressure on consumers not just in the United States, Europe, and the Arab world, but also in the Gulf region. Economies in the Middle East are exposed to the global price fluctuations because of heavy import dependence. Localized factors like rental deflation and...GFH of Bahrain to list on Tadawul
Bahrain-based Islamic investment bank GFH Financial Group intends to list on the Saudi stock exchange, Tadawul, and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, ADX, according to media reports.Bahrain provides unemployment benefits to 31,099 people in 2021
Bahrain government has provided unemployment benefits to 31,099 citizens in 2021, according to the country’s Labor Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan. He said the unemployment benefit has not been discontinued for any beneficiary who meets the eligibility conditions in accordance with the Unemployment Insurance Law. Humaidan said amendments have...Bahrain’s Growth Dynamics
Bahrain has a $90 per barrel breakeven oil price, so the country is moving forward with serious economic diversification plans among which is to become the Fintech hub.Do structural reforms attract FDI?
As regional bourses aim to compete with developed markets, questions are also being raised over the state of reforms, the future of regulation in the region.Bahrain lays foundation stone for United States Trade Zone
The ceremony among others was attended by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani and US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Steven C. Bondy.GCC startups begin 2022 on a promising note
Digital economy has driven the startup investment upsurge in the MENA region in 2021.Bahrain government launches scheme to extend health services to citizens
Bahrain government has launched a health scheme, “Medic in Every Home”, aimed at extending health services and reaching out to people. The project aims to enhance Bahrain’s rating on the third and fourth Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), increase the survival rate for the injured and reach out to the largest...Golden Visa to boost Bahrain business attractiveness: Expert
The Bahrain Golden Visa was recently announced during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.Bahrain updates Covid protocols, cancels isolation for contacts of active cases
Tests will be only be conducted for individuals experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms if the result of the rapid test is positive.Israel PM hails ‘new model’ of ties on Bahrain visit
It was the latest diplomatic breakthrough since several Arab states under the 2020 Abraham Accords ended their isolation of Israel.Israeli PM starts first-ever Bahrain visit
The visit is the latest such initiative following the US-brokered 2020 Abraham Accords.Bahrain and Egypt share solid relations: Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal
Bahrain and Egypt share solid long-standing brotherly relations, and there is steady progress in it due to their deep partnership and coordination in all fields, said speaker of Bahrain's Council of Representatives Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal during his meeting with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives, Chancellor Hanafy Ali...Lebanon bars Bahrain opposition from holding Beirut events
On Thursday, Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said he was banning ‘two events’ organized by Bahraini opposition figures.Bahrain to offer permanent residency visa to attract talent
Bahrain has launched ‘Golden Residency Visa’ for residents and non-residents with immediate processing of the applications electronically upon meeting the prescribed criteria.On credit rating meter, GCC economies score big
The GCC countries are among the most notable ones that credit rating agencies frequently recognize since they are the center of investors' attention.Bahrain makes second booster jab available for people aged 60 and above
Bahrain has made a second Covid-19 booster shot available by choice for adults aged 60 years and above and frontline medical professionals. The National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus said the eligible individuals may receive any vaccine as a second booster shot, three months after receiving the first booster...UAE-Bahraini Light-1 CubeSat launched into orbit from ISS
The UAE-Bahraini Light-1 CubeSat was successfully launched into orbit from the International Space Station, in cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Light-1 CubeSat is a collaborative initiative of the UAE Space Agency, Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, and New York University (NYU)...Israel signs defense agreement with Bahrain in Gulf first
Defense Minister Benny Gantz, making his first visit to Bahrain, said the memorandum of understanding, that covers intelligence, procurement and joint training, takes the countries' relationship to "new heights". Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) normalized relations with Israel in Sept. 2020.‘Skills Bahrain’ set for launch, expected to meet labor market demands
Tamkeen, a semi-autonomous Bahraini agency, has said that the “Skills Bahrain” initiative is all set to be launched in the country. "Skills Bahrain" is the first comprehensive national initiative aimed at establishing professional standards for vocations and professions in Bahrain. It meets the rising demand for qualified nationals across a range...Bahrain first to receive newest Lockheed Martin F-16 simulators
Bahrain will receive F-16 simulators produced by Lockheed Martin to train pilots for national defense missions under a new agreement, the US-based defense and aerospace giant said. Bahrain was the first country in the Gulf region to acquire the F-16 and the first in the world to procure the advanced...UAE intercepts, destroys ballistic missile launched by Houthis
The UAE Ministry of Defence gas confirmed there were no casualties resulting from the attack and the fragments of the ballistic missile fell outside of populated areas. It added that the UAE air defense forces and the Coalition Command had destroyed the apparatus in Yemen used to launch the missile.UAE leads GCC in ICT investments, spending
The Gulf region stays strong both regionally and globally in terms of the number of internet users and the populations with maximum number of cell phones.Arab countries see surge in crypto investors
In 2021, Triple-A estimated global crypto ownership rates at an average of 3.9 percent, with over 300 million cryptocurrency-owners and users worldwide. Over 18,000 businesses are already accepting cryptocurrency payments.UAE demands UNSC meeting after Houthi attacks
Several countries — ranging from regional ones like Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Egypt, to Russia and the US — have come together to condemn the attacks. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has even said his country would “work with the UAE and international partners to hold [the Houthis]...Bahrain private sector keen to strengthen trade ties with Saudi: BCCI chairman
BCCI chief reviewed ways to further increase the volume of bilateral tradeMagazine names Green Corner Building among top ten architectural projects of 2021
Located in Muharraq, Bahrain, Green Corner operates under the auspices of Sheikh Ibrahim Centre for Culture and Research.Bahraini imports increase by 18 percent in Q4 2021
The value of Bahraini imports increased by 18 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021, reaching BD1.406 billion, the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) said in its foreign trade report. The report, which encompasses the data on the balance of trade, imports, exports (national origin), and re-exports, said the value...FANA flays attempts to block info on Palestine, approves 2022 budget
The Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) has stressed on the significance of the Palestinian cause and flayed the attempts of some agencies to block the information related to the issue. FANA approved a memo on dealing with global platforms on the conclusion of its 48th General Assembly on Wednesday,...Bahrain to launch e-residency service in Q1 of 2022
The country also mulled the idea of extending the validity of visas to reduce routine procedures.Bahrain’s economy grows 2.09% in Q3 2021
The national accounts report shows that the growth is the outcome of the rise achieved by the non-oil sector by 3.76 percent in real terms and 5.94 percent at current prices.Saudi Arabia, UAE eye strong growth amidst challenges
London-based think-tank Cebr predicts the economic future of countries across the world and the outlook remains rosy for the Gulf region.Binance gets nod to become crypto asset service provider in Bahrain
The regulatory approval, the first in the Middle East and North Africa region, may push Binance to set up its headquarters in ManamaBahrain closes two eateries over violation of Covid-19 protocols
Inspectors also visited a total of 193 restaurants and cafes and took required measures against 17 outlets.Google celebrates Bahrain’s national day with a dedicated animated doodle
The modern state of Bahrain was founded by Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783 and on 16 December 1971, Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa became the first emir of the country.Nearly 14,000 Bahraini nationals invested in UAE companies in 2020
A total of 13, 978 Bahraini nationals have invested in UAE public shareholding companies in 2020 and 331 licenses for various economic activities were granted to them, the UAE Ministry of Finance has said. The Ministry said on the occasion of Bahrain National Day that trade between the UAE and...Bahrain’s Fijri makes it to UNESCO heritage list
Fjiri, which commemorates the history of pearl diving, originated on Bahrain's island of Muharraq and is performed in festivals throughout the country.GCC Summit issues Riyadh Declaration
The region’s common economic, defense and security integration and unity and coordinating stances were reviewed at the 42nd GCC Summit.Mubadala and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat sign pact
Mubadala Investment Company and Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate strategic cooperation between the two institutions. As part of the MoU, Mubadala and Mumtalakat will explore worldwide co-investment opportunities. They will also exchange knowledge...EDB, Jetro ink investment deal
The agreement will promote direct investment in various fields.Israel PM Bennett meets Abu Dhabi crown prince
This is the first official visit by an Israeli prime minister to the UAE. It comes a year after the Abraham Accords were negotiated by Bennett's predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the deals would offer Israel new regional allies.Saudi Port launches transshipment service linking Dammam with many ports
MAWANI also aims to attract a major share of the global transshipment operations to Saudi ports by implementing several projects and initiatives.Social insurance protection is for all GCC citizens, says UAE
As per the system, the insured will receive end of service benefits in accordance with the retirement law in the person’s own country.Rules to obtain a Saudi passport, explained
Holders of Saudi passports can travel to up to 34 countries without a visa, and may obtain a visa at the airport in 42 countries.