Day: August 18, 2024

Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today sent a cable of congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Her Excellency Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Source : Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on World Humanitarian Day. The speaker highlighted that Bahrain's approach, which is based on national values and principles and guided by Arab culture and Islamic teachings, has played an important role in enhancing human solidarity, promoting dialogue, and delivering aid through humanitarian diplomacy. He also congratulated His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), and Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation. Al Musallam commended RHF's efforts in developing humanitarian and developmental work and promoting Bahrain's humanitarian mission. Source : Bahrain New s Agency

Manama, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, emphasised that Bahrain's humanitarian efforts are rooted in the royal vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Al Musallam praised Bahrain's commitment to extending aid and support through developmental projects, reflecting the Kingdom's values of solidarity and humanitarianism. He highlighted Bahrain's role in promoting human dignity and providing assistance to those in need on a global scale. He also recognised the significant contributions of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, in elevating Bahrain's humanitarian work both locally and internationally. He reaffirmed the parliamentary commitment to supporting and promoting the Kingdom's humanitarian and charitable efforts on the international stage. Source : Bahrain News Agenc y

Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who bid HM the King farewell before departing to pursue his university studies abroad. HM the King wished HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa further success and prosperity. Source : Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, said that in line with the directive of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to eliminate infrastructure recovery fees linked to building permits and to establish financing solutions for infrastructure in new areas, the decision (788) of 2024 was issued. This decision was issued to amend provisions of the executive regulations in the Law Draft (3) of 1994, concerning land subdivision, specifying areas where subdivisions are permitted and ensuring that subdivisions are linked to the availability of essential infrastructure. The minister emphasised Bahrain's commitment to advancing urban planning under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with continuous support from HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Minister Al Rumaihi highlighted that the decision reflects the government's interest in infrastructure as the foundation of the comprehensive developmen t process and attracting new investments to Bahrain, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships as a key driver of economic and urban development. The minister also acknowledged the efforts of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects, in overseeing and coordinating the implementation of this directive. She added that the ministry continues to work towards achieving the government's objectives by finding innovative financing solutions to provide necessary infrastructure. This enhances Bahrain's competitiveness as an attractive destination for investors, leading to further achievements benefiting citizens and the nation. The minister said that the decision also includes amendments to Decision (56) of 2009, which issued the executive regulations for Decree-Law (3) of 1994 concerning the subdivision of land designated for development and construction. This decision is expected to boost real estate transactions in the Kingdom, enhance urban and economic development, and encourage increased investment and real estate development. Source : Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB), and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), held a press conference to announce a new infrastructure implementation mechanism for major subdivision plans. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayyat, CEO of the UPDA, unveiled the new approach, designed to streamline procedures for the real estate sector and enhance competitiveness. Al Khayyat explained that this mechanism aligns with ongoing efforts to advance the real estate sector in support of Bahrain's comprehensive development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The new approach is intended to create a more attractive investment environment by ensuring that subdivision plans come with fully developed infrast ructure, allowing beneficiaries to immediately utilise ready-to-build plots. He also highlighted the close oversight of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects, in ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. The new mechanism aims to promote fairness and transparency by enhancing infrastructure oversight and execution, fostering public-private partnerships, and supporting balanced urban development strategies in line with best practices. The mechanism requires landowners to provide infrastructure through contracts with certified engineering offices and contractors. It also allows landowners the option to sell portions of their subdivided land to fund infrastructure development, which will then be handed over to the government for supervision, enabling the owner to freely trade the subdivided properties. Al Khayyat further noted that the mechanism was developed in response to the nee ds of the real estate sector and is designed to follow best practices. Landowners can apply for subdivision through Takhteet platform, and if the land is in an area with existing infrastructure, they can proceed with subdivision, provided they ensure the internal infrastructure is in place. The authority conducted workshops with consultants, developers, and stakeholders to introduce the new mechanism and gather feedback, simplifying procedures and offering multiple options for landowners. Additionally, a procedural guide was prepared by the Ministry of Works in coordination with the Urban Planning and Development Authority and other relevant bodies. The guide outlines the steps for landowners to follow in implementing infrastructure, including necessary agreements and a list of approved contractors and consultants. The UPDA will organise workshops for those interested in the new mechanism, which will be announced on their Instagram account @Bahrainupda. Source : Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Labour Fund 'Tamkeen' announced its support of salary increments for more than 1000 employees at Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), approximately 71% of the total Bahraini workforce at the company. Additionally, 400 Bahraini employees have received training through the Enterprise Training Support Program, in line with the company's growth plans, by increasing employee competitiveness and outlining clear career development plans to retain skilled and experienced talent. BAS plays a pivotal role in the logistics sector in the Kingdom, being the sole operator of in- ground handling services at Bahrain International Airport. The company provides a range of services, including ground operations, air cargo, airline catering services, and aviation engineering. It is also a leading supporter of local talent, employing 1,500 Bahraini employees. 'This announcement reflects Tamkeen's ongoing commitment to supporting the logistics sector in the Kingdom and enhancing Bahrain's position as a leader in regional l ogistics. The sector contributed 7.4% to the GDP in 2023 and provides promising future opportunities due to the Kingdom's unique advantages, making it a gateway to the GCC market as the region's first logistics services hub" Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), said. 'We continue to improve the quality of our services by investing in our Bahraini workforce. We commend the support provided by Tamkeen through the career development programs, which have enabled us to refine the skills of Bahraini employees, help them assume leadership positions, and reward them for their performance, creating a motivating work environment that supports employee growth, development, productivity, and company loyalty' Mohamed Khalil Ahmed, Chief Executive of BAS, said. Tamkeen's support for Bahrain Airport Services aligns with its strategic priorities for 2024 under three pillars: increasing economic participation through employment opportunities for new market entrants, expanding career develop ment opportunities available to the Bahraini workforce, and further developing the private sector by supporting enterprises and boosting productivity through the adoption of technology.   Source : Bahrain News Agency

Cairo, Arab ministers responsible for disaster risk reduction will convene in Cairo this Wednesday to address pressing regional challenges. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meeting, hosted by the Arab League, will focus on boosting regional cooperation to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Key agenda items include monitoring natural hazards, implementing the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, and launching a new initiative to combat marine disasters. Ministers will also select a slogan for Arab Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025, and prepare for the upcoming Arab Regional Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction in Kuwait. In an Arab League statement issued today, Assistant Secretary General and head of the Economic Affairs Sector Dr. Ali Al Maliki emphasised the growing threat posed by climate change and environmental degradation in the Arab world, which have intensified desertification, wildfires, water scarcity, and humanitarian crises, underscoring the urgent need for collecti ve action. Source : Bahrain News Agency