Day: May 25, 2024

A security source revealed details of the Muqdadiya explosion in Diyala Governorate. The source told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that the explosion that was heard in Al-Muqdadiyah, northeast of Baqubah, was caused by the explosion of the tire of a commercial truck carrying smuggled materials after it was pursued by a security force and shot at for the purpose of stopping it at a security checkpoint. He added that the accident caused injury to the truck driver, who was taken to Al-Muqdadiya General Hospital. The security services in Al-Muqdadiyah, northeast of Baqubah, were on alert after hearing the sound of an explosion whose nature was unknown. Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Manama, The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the decision of the International Court of Justice, the highest judicial body of the United Nations, which states that Israel must immediately stop its military operations or any other actions in the Rafah Governorate, south of the Gaza Strip, and keep the Rafah crossing open to enable the entry of humanitarian aid, amid warnings of a worsening catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip. Bahrain renewed its call to the international community, especially members of the United Nations Security Council, to assume its responsibilities in enforcing international resolutions and the rules of international humanitarian law regarding an immediate, permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, protecting innocent civilians, and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip in a safe, complete and sustainable manner. Bahrain also called for creating a safe and peaceful environment and reemphasising the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nasser Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Centre (NAIRDC). Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, iGA Chief Executive, and Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Noaimi, NAIRDC CEO, signed the agreement in the presence was iGA Innovation and Advanced Technologies Director, Latifa Al Abbasi, and NAIRDC AI Executive Advisor, Dr. Jassim Haji. The agreement aims to enhance technical knowledge-sharing related to AI, including expanding cooperation, facilitating the exchange of expertise in training, enabling joint research programs, and promoting entrepreneurship to support national economic development. The MoU also promotes AI research and innovation through the creation of an advanced ecosystem, including labs and access to the latest technologies. It aims to offer cutting-edge solutions for public and private institutions, with the core objectives of bolstering Bahrain's position as a premier hub for innovation and technolo gical advancement, and driving economic growth and sustainable development. iGA CE Al Qaed said that the agreement aligns with the government's goal of strengthening public-private sector cooperation, investing in technology to improve government operations, and empowering society with innovative, high-quality services. Al Qaed also highlighted the opportunities the MoU creates for students to explore AI applications in education, healthcare, manufacturing, and other sectors, in addition to facilitating joint research, workshops, lectures, and seminars. He added that this partnership will cultivate a technologically advanced generation, equipping participants with the necessary skills to succeed in the labour market and contribute to societal progress and technological advancement. NAIRDC CEO, Dr. Al Noaimi emphasised that the agreement will promote knowledge exchange and technological innovation, which is aimed at developing highly skilled internationally accredited professionals. It seeks to enhance exi sting competencies and create innovative solutions that contribute to Bahrain's digital transformation, in line with its sustainable development goals. Dr. Al Noaimi also highlighted the Authority's efforts to support promising future where cutting-edge AI technologies and innovations are utilised. NAIRDC shares these visions towards technological advancement through enhanced education. He underscored the importance of such endeavors, recognizing their role in governmental and institutional progress. The MoU is in line with the iGA's broader efforts to drive digital transformation, utilise advanced technologies, and foster innovation in the public and private sectors, which are aimed at enhancing the participation of Bahrain's ICT sector locally, regionally, and globally. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission (LLOC) has completed translating all Bahraini legislations into the English language, dating back to the first issue of the Official Gazette in 1948. LLOC's President Counselor Nawaf Abdullah Hamza noted that the translated legislations are now available through the LLOC's website https://www.lloc.gov.bh/. Hamza affirmed that providing the English version of legislations, reflects the advanced status of the legislative sector in the kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He said that this initiative serves as yet another example of the kingdom's pioneering success across various domains, enabling wider access to Bahraini legislation in line with Legislative Decree No. 27 of 2021, amending provisions of the Judicial Authority Law promulgated by Legislative Decree No. 42 of 2002, which permits the use of langu ages other than Arabic in Bahraini courts. Hamza added that the availability of all national legislation in English enables all concerned parties to learn about Bahraini legislation, which ensures an optimal and secure environment for investments, while also showcasing the development in the sector and its compatibility with international best practice and standards. He indicated that the LLOC has set up a mechanism for prompt translation of laws upon their issuance, which will be made available on the LLOC website. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism, participated in the 'Investment in Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges of Sustainable Finance' conference, on the sidelines of the regional meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, held in Muscat. The conference aims to discuss the opportunities and challenges related to financing the tourism sector in a sustainable manner, raise awareness on the importance of directing financing towards tourism projects that contribute to economic and social growth, explore new innovations and solutions in the field of tourism financing and enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors to achieve sustainable development goals in the tourism sector. The Minister affirmed that Bahrain provides opportunities to investors in the tourism sector, and initiatives aimed at developing the tourism product to raise the volume of tourism investment and increase the sector's contribution to the growth of the economies of the Middle East as a whole. She highlighted the investment environment that characterises Bahrain and the systems and legislation that implement it, which is continuously developing to suit local and global economic conditions and requirements to encourage tourism projects. Minister Al Sirafi said that Bahrain is witnessing a significant growth in the number of tourism licenses for various projects and services, including the golden license granted to two tourism projects out of 9. This license provides incentives and simplified services to foreign and local companies that have large-scale investment projects in the kingdom. The minister said that such initiative and facilitation stimulate investments and enhance job creation within the framework of the kingdom's financial and economic reforms. She participated in the first session of the conference, which was held under the title: 'Stimulating investment through partnerships between sectors... A dialogue session: Effective partnerships in financing the tourism sector,' durin g which she emphasised the need to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors and financial institutions to stimulate investment in projects and provide a suitable and stable financial environment for investors in the sector. During the session, she highlighted Bahrain's leading position in tourism investment thanks to the efforts of the government and private sectors, adding that these close national partnerships highlight the direct interest in the sector and its ability to attract capital and harness it to serve and develop tourism and attract local and international partners, in line with the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a cable of congratulations to President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia on her country's National Day. Source: Bahrain News Agency