Day: August 9, 2024

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a cable of congratulations to His Excellency Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador, on his country's Independence Day. Source: Bahrain News Agency

It is an Olympic dream come true!" are the words Bahraini Olympic champion Winfred Yavi used to describe her happiness and excitement after winning the gold medal and breaking the Olympic record in the 3000 metres steeplechase race at the Paris Olympics. She not only won the gold but also shattered the Olympic record with a remarkable time of 8:43.25, breaking the previous record of 8:58.81 set by Gulnara Galkina of Russia in 2008. Yavi was visibly emotional during the victory ceremony, where she was presented with her gold medal. She said it was tears of joy and appreciation for all the support she has received. In her remarks to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Yavi extended her congratulations and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Y outh and Sports (SCYS) and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. She also thanked the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Athletics Association for supporting her through this journey. Yavi didn't forget those closest to her, adding, 'A huge thanks to my coach and athletic team, my family, and of course, the fans. Their support means the world to me.' On her preparations for the Olympics, Yavi said her historic achievement was the result of a combination of hardwork, teamwork, and coming to Paris with a positive mindset. Yavi recounted that her biggest challenge was being careful not to get boxed in by her competitors during the race. She overcame that by going in front and making a move to the finish line. She described the moment when she saw herself passing Ugandan Peruth Chemutai in the final stretch of the race as "incredible". She added: " I knew I had a very strong finish, and my goal was to make a move, attack the barrier, and keep going until I saw the finish line.' Chemutai won the silver medal in this event, finishing with a national record time of 8:53.34. She had previously secured gold in the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Yavi had an empowering message for young athletes: 'Believe it and everything is possible, as long as you keep moving.' Looking ahead, Yavi declared her intention to defend her title: 'In the future, I'll keep doing my thing and come back to defend my title in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.' Source: Bahrain News Agency

Counsellor Nawaf Abdullah Hamza, executive director of the by-elections for membership in the Council of Representatives, has officially announced the readiness of the supervisory committee to receive candidacy applications for the Council of Representatives for the first electoral constituency in Muharraq Governorate. The application period will run from Saturday, August 10, to Monday, August 12. Counsellor Hamza said that candidates must submit their applications along with the necessary documentation at Al Busaiteen Intermediate Girls School. The submission hours are from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm throughout the application period. All relevant requirements and forms can be accessed on the official elections website at www.vote.bh. Counsellor Hamza noted that a requisite fee of BHD 200 must be paid either at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments during official working hours or directly via the supervisory committee. He urged all prospective candidates to ensure their eligibility and to pr epare their applications diligently. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Mariam Adhbi Al Jalahma, Chief Executive Officer of Government Hospitals, announced the completion of all cochlear implant surgeries on the waiting list at Salmaniya Medical Complex. This milestone reflects the dedicated teamwork and professionalism aimed at delivering top-tier healthcare services in Bahrain. Dr. Al Jalahma said that efforts will continue to perform cochlear implant surgeries upon diagnosing any medical condition requiring surgical intervention in the Government Hospitals. Dr. Hazem Al A'Ali, General Manager of Surgical Services at Government Hospitals, affirmed efforts will continue to perform cochlear implant surgeries as new cases arise in government hospitals. He emphasised that this achievement aligns with the mission to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical services, benefiting both citizens and residents. Dr. Maryam Sahwan, Head of the ENT Department at Government Hospitals, reported that 22 surgeries have been completed since the beginning of 2024. The multidisciplinary te am responsible for these surgeries includes surgeons, consultants, audiologists, speech therapists, social workers, and psychologists. Government Hospitals remain committed to providing exceptional medical services, contributing to the overall health and satisfaction of the community. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Ministry of Labour has successfully renewed its ISO 9001:2015 certification, the international standard for quality management systems, following a comprehensive external audit that covered all sectors of the ministry. This reflects the ministry's commitment to implementing global quality standards across its operations. The ISO 9001:2015 certification is an international standard that evaluates productivity efficiency and the adherence of institutions to quality management systems, thereby contributing to the continuous improvement of work quality within the ministry. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) recently distributed 600 shelter kits to 3,450 individuals in Al-Damazin city of the Blue Nile State, Sudan. Also, 600 personal care kits were provided to 3,450 people from the city's most needy and displaced families. This latest distribution is part of the project to provide urgent shelter assistance to Sudan for the year 2024. The initiative is part of a series of relief and humanitarian projects carried out by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to help the Sudanese people in light of their humanitarian crisis. Source : Saudi Press Agency

Border Guards patrols in Al-Daer, Jazan, have recently thwarted an attempt to smuggle 585 kg of khat. Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics have been handed over to the relevant authorities. Security authorities are calling on the public to report information concerning drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom's regions. They may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or through email: 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. Source : Saudi Press Agency

A group of 15 women in Najran is mastering the art of wicker weaving thanks to a training program organized by the Herfa institute of handicrafts. The month-long course, which runs until August 27, aims to preserve and promote this traditional craft. Trainees have honed their skills in creating a variety of wicker products, including baskets, bags, and decorative items. Instructor Masouma Al-Hamdan emphasized the importance of preserving this cultural heritage and the economic potential of the wicker industry. 'We are teaching women the entire process, from harvesting palm fibers to weaving intricate designs,' said Al-Hamdan. She added that the goal is to empower these women as entrepreneurs and to revitalize this ancient craft. Wicker weaving has deep roots in Najran, with locals utilizing the region's abundant palm trees for centuries. The craft has experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks to government support and growing interest in sustainable and handmade products. Source : Saudi Press A gency

The preliminary qualification rounds for the 44th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Holy Quran commenced today. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance organised the competition at the Grand Mosque in Makkah between Safar 5 and 17, 1446 AH (August 9 and 21, 2024). Contestants are vying for honours in five categories, with a total prize purse of SAR4 million. The ministry gives this competition great attention and provides comprehensive support in alignment with the directives of the wise leadership. The competition aims to inspire Muslims to engage deeply with the Holy Quran through memorization, comprehension, recitation, and contemplation. It also seeks to foster a spirit of healthy competition among Quran memorizers worldwide and to connect youth with the Holy Quran. Source : Saudi Press Agency

-- The first auction night of this year's International Falcon Breeders Auction event starts tonight at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The event, running from August 5 to 24, features over 35 elite falcon production farms from 16 countries showcasing their prized birds for sale. Twelve auction nights will be held throughout the event. Competitions are streamed live on TV channels and the club's social media platforms. The club announces the falcons on offer before each auction night. The event provides a valuable networking opportunity for falconers and breeders from around the world. It aligns with the Saudi Falcons Club's commitment to preserving falconry heritage and promoting the Kingdom as a global center for the sport. Source : Saudi Press Agency