Day: August 21, 2024

Riyadh, The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has taken the significant initiative of improving the condition of mosques across the Kingdom. In the first half of 2024, the ministry carried out maintenance work, cleaning, restoration, and furnishing projects at 6,153 mosques, for a combined investment of nearly half a billion riyals, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. A key focus of these projects was the maintenance of over 5,300 mosques, for a substantial investment of over SAR362 million. Additionally, the ministry completed the modernization of air conditioning systems at major pilgrimage sites, including the mosques of Miqat Al-Juhfah, Al-Taneem, and Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram, at a cost of SAR15 million. Three mosques were restored and an administrative building was built for SAR13.5 million. To improve energy efficiency, the ministry implemented a glass partition project at 683 mosques, which resulted in a 60% reduction in electricity consumption. Furthermore, 66 mosques were furnished, covering a total area of 56,761 square meters, at a cost of SAR6.8 million. The ministry also allocated over SAR30 million for the maintenance of four affiliated buildings with the ministry. These comprehensive works demonstrate the ministry's commitment to ensuring that worshippers have clean, comfortable, and well-maintained mosques throughout Saudi Arabia. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), received a cable of congratulations from Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of the Royal Court, on the 23rd anniversary of the SCW. The minister commended the significant achievements of Bahraini women, both locally and internationally, which he attributed to the leadership and support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He also acknowledged the follow-up of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing the role of women. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed lauded the role of SCW led by HRH Princess Sabeeka in empowering Bahraini women to excel and assume leading positions across various sectors. He added that Bahraini women's contributions have highlighted Bahrain's position internationally. The minister underscored the SCW as a crucial part of national developmen t, elevating Bahraini women and empowering them to realise their ambitions. He wished HRH Princess Sabeeka and the Council's members further success. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Abu Dhabi, Passenger traffic at the UAE's airports surged by 14.2 percent in the first half of 2024. During this period, the airports handled over 71.75 million passengers, compared to 62.79 million in the same timeframe last year. The number of arrivals in UAE airports during the first half of the year was 20,274,694 passengers, departures totaled 21,090,750 passengers, and transit passengers numbered 30,391,978, WAM reported. Air cargo traffic in the first half of the year reached 2,162,786 tonnes, comprising 528,430 tons of imports, 245,217 tonnes of exports, and 1,389,136 tons of transit cargo. National carriers accounted for 68 percent of the total air cargo traffic. Regarding overall air traffic, the total movements for the first half of the year reached 499,789 movements, with an overall growth rate of 11.8 percent compared to the same period last year. February recorded the highest growth in air traffic movements, with a growth rate of 15 percent compared to the same month last year. Source: Bah rain News Agency

Manama, The Urban Planning and Development Authority held an introductory workshop to explain the new mechanism for implementing infrastructure works in major subdivision plans. The workshop, hosted at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, included representatives from relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Ministry of Works, and the Electricity and Water Authority, along with a wide participation from developers and real estate professionals. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayyat, Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Planning and Development Authority, reviewed the project's objectives, which aim to develop infrastructure works and strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors. He emphasised that the project will contribute to creating an attractive investment environment by providing subdivision plans equipped with integrated infrastructure, which will positively impact the real estate market. The CEO of the Urban Planning and Development Authority also prese nted a detailed overview of the new mechanism for implementing infrastructure in major subdivisions, aligning with ongoing efforts to develop the real estate sector and achieve comprehensive development goals under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa\ with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and under the supervision of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, to ensure the sustainability of the real estate sector and enhance its competitiveness. Al Khayyat noted that the authority has taken care to establish a simplified and comprehensive mechanism to facilitate procedures for property owners, providing multiple options that meet the aspirations of the real estate sector. He added that the implementation of this mechanism is expected to contribute to the availability of lands ready for development, enhancing the quality of life for citizens and stimulating the real estate market in the Kingdom . He also touched on the legal regulations related to the implementation of infrastructure works, as outlined in the decision issued by the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. These regulations include determining the areas where subdivision is permitted, overseeing the implementation of infrastructure by a specialised engineering office, and other requirements that ensure the quality of execution. Al Khayyat pointed out the procedural guide prepared by the Ministry of Works in coordination with the Urban Planning and Development Authority and other relevant entities, which includes all the steps and procedures necessary for implementing infrastructure works in major subdivision plans. This guide can be accessed by visiting the authority's website at www.upda.gov.bh. At the conclusion of the workshop, the floor was opened for discussion, where key points related to the new mechanism were debated, and participants' comments and suggestions were taken into consideration. The participants emphasised the i mportance of engineering offices and contractors adhering to the specified standards and requirements to ensure the project's objectives are achieved and to provide sustainable and high-quality infrastructure. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Seoul, Rain will continue in central regions even though Typhoon Jongdari has weakened to a tropical depression, the weather agency said Wednesday. Jongdari passed by waters 60 kilometers southwest of the west coast city of Seosan at 3:00 am and was expected to dissipate nearby at 9:00 am, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said. As of 8:00 am, a heavy rain watch was issued across the greater Seoul area, parts of Gangwon Province, South Chungcheong Province and the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province, Yonhap News Agency reported. It was raining at 20 millimeters per hour in regions where the heavy rain watch was in effect, the KMA said. The KMA sent out emergency text alerts warning of torrential rain in parts of Gimpo and Incheon early Wednesday, while regions close to the west coast, including Seosan and Taean, received over 100 mm of rain from 5:00 pm Tuesday to Wednesday morning. Some regions also experienced strong winds, with the maximum instantaneous wind speed exceeding 15 met ers per second, according to the KMA. Rain will continue until Thursday, particularly in the central regions, while 30 to 50 mm of rain per hour accompanied by gusts, lightning and thunder are expected for Wednesday. Much of the country reported yet another tropical night overnight despite the rain, with Seoul setting a new record with 31 days in a row of the nighttime temperature staying at 25 C or higher. In Busan, the temperatures dropped to 24.7 C in the wee hours Wednesday, ending its longest recorded streak at 26 days. The heat will continue to grip the nation throughout Wednesday, with the daily highs forecast to hover around 28 to 35 C. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of HM the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), received cables of congratulations from His Highness Shaikh Sultan Eddine bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Hashem bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Nooh bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Ali Zinelabidine bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, on the 23rd anniversary of the SCW. Their Highnesses commended the significant standing Bahraini women have attained under the leadership of Her Royal Highness, which has elevated them to prominent and distinguished roles both locally and internationally. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, met with members of the Sharjah Youth Parliament, who visited Bahrain to learn about the Kingdom's youth empowerment initiatives, including the Youth City 2030 programme. The minister highlighted the strong ties between Bahrain and the UAE, emphasising the importance of fostering connections between youth from both countries. She commended the progress in joint youth initiatives, which support skill development and prepare young people for the job market. The meeting included discussions on youth empowerment, training, and the importance of engaging youth in national projects. Abdulrahman Al Yasi, head of the delegation, appreciated Bahrain's role in enhancing bilateral youth cooperation. The Emirati delegation also shared their positive experiences with Bahrain's Youth City 2030 programme. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The Ministry of Information's Training Unit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic, and Electronic Security, held a seminar on Cyber Fraud at the Media Training Centre. First Lieutenant Hamad Al Malki led the session, covering methods of cyber fraud and how to prevent them. He warned against sharing personal or financial information with unknown parties, highlighting the risks posed by fake offers and fraudulent trading schemes. Al Malki also outlined the Directorate's efforts to combat these crimes, both locally and internationally, and noted a recent decrease in reported cases due to increased public awareness. The seminar underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the two ministries to inform the public about cyber fraud risks. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), received a cable of congratulations from His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), on the 23rd anniversary of the SCW. His Highness also highlighted the significant achievements of Bahraini women, attributing these accomplishments to the support provided by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, recognising the crucial role of women as essential partners in the comprehensive development process. He also acknowledged the government programmes led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to advance the status of Bahraini women across all sectors. HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali commended the significant advancement of Bahraini women during the leadership of Her Royal Highness of the SCW. Source: B ahrain News Agency

Manama, The Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) has deposited funds into the bank accounts of 2,688 sponsored students across various schools in preparation for the 2024/2025 academic year. The funds are intended to cover the cost of school supplies as part of the Foundation's annual "school bag" initiative. Badr Ali Qambar, Director of the Social Welfare Department at RHF, confirmed that the initiative aligns with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Honourary President of the Foundation, to provide essential educational support. Qambar commended the vital role of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, in supporting RHF's educational initiatives, which are crucial for enabling students to access quality education. Source: Bahrain News Agency