Day: September 17, 2024

Tulkarm - Ma'an - Samir Abdul Rahim Amar, 55, was martyred after being critically injured by Israeli occupation forces' bullets. The Ministry of Health and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that Aamer, from the Shuweika suburb north of Tulkarm, was killed after being shot in the chest near the racist separation and expansion wall west of the village of Al-Jaroushiya, adjacent to the Shuweika suburb. He was transferred to the Martyr Thabet Thabet Governmental Hospital in the city. With the martyrdom of Amer, the number of martyrs in Tulkarm Governorate since the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023 has risen to 161 martyrs. Source: Maan News Agency

Manama, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, held a meeting at the ministry with Faisal bin Abdullah Al Muhaideb, Director General of the for Combating Harmful Practices in International Trade at the GCC General Secretariat. They discussed key issues related to protecting the Gulf industrial sector and reviewed updates on the work of the Technical Secretariat, including major investigations and reviews concerning harmful practices in international trade. The minister praised the active role of the Technical Secretariat in combating harmful practices and safeguarding Gulf industries and markets, highlighting that these efforts strengthen Gulf cooperation in the industrial sector. The Technical Secretariat for Combating Harmful Practices in International Trade was established during the 2006 GCC Ministers of Industry meeting. The office is responsible for investigating complaints from Gulf industrial companies in accordance with the GCC's unified anti-dumping and compensatory and prev entive measures law and its executive regulations. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Governor of the Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Region Development Authority (ASDA) Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz received Ambassador of Denmark to Saudi Arabia Liselotte Plesner here today. During the meeting, they engaged in cordial discussions and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in collaboration with the municipal councils of Muharraq and the Southern Region, held two workshops on regulatory requirements for housing project areas. These workshops are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to introduce key amendments in the new decision to municipal council members and the Capital Secretariat. The ministry highlighted that the regulatory requirements for construction in housing project areas offer flexibility for beneficiaries, allowing legal expansions of housing units. The new amendments also address recurring building violations. The ministry issued a guideline that facilitates citizens, engineering offices, and contractors in understanding the new regulations. This guideline provides all necessary information and requirements for obtaining building permits and making legal additions, with simplified steps and conditions. The guideline is available on the websites of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Urban Plan ning and Development Authority. The ministry reiterated the importance of adhering to the regulatory requirements, which ensure a balance between preserving the architectural character of housing areas and meeting citizens' needs. It also emphasised the need to obtain building permits before commencing any construction or additions. The workshop included a presentation on Decision (899) of 2024 regarding regulatory requirements in housing project areas, aimed at providing further benefits to citizens using housing plots and units. The event concluded with an open discussion between officials, municipal council members, and attendees on the provisions of the decision, allowing for an exchange of views on the coordination mechanisms for its implementation. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL), is organizing the "Learning and Embracing the Arabic Language" hackathon on September 18-19 at the Diriyah Biennale. The event will bring together innovators and creators in various teams to develop products that promote Arabic language learning through innovative methods that blend culture and creativity, contributing to the preservation of Saudi cultural identity. The hackathon comes as part of the Ministry of Culture's dedicated efforts, reaffirming its commitment to developing creative ideas that promote innovation in the cultural field. It reflects the ministry's endeavors to reinforce the fundamental role of the Arabic language in Saudi culture and to encourage all segments of society to invest in the Arabic language as an investment in a promising future that contributes to building a diverse and thriving cultural community. It also expresses the Kingdom's rich heritage and elevates the statu s of Arabic among global languages, aligning with one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on fostering the Arabic language. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), chaired the first meeting of the committee at Sakhir Air Base, where the BIAS will take place from November 13-15, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad emphasised that the seventh edition of the event, marking 14 years since its establishment in 2010, reflects the strategic vision and directives of His Majesty the King that support achieving significant and sustained success across various sectors. HH Shaikh Abdullah highlighted the continued follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who has directed all ministries, institutions, and government bodies to collaborate to ensure the success of this major event for the Kingdom. He noted that the ongoing success of the BIAS demonstrates the Kin gdom's progress in hosting major international exhibitions and conferences, particularly in aviation, research, technology, and space sciences. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to develop and sustain the aviation sector, which plays a vital role in supporting the national economy and creating diverse opportunities for Bahrain's youth in areas of innovation and development. Major General Staff Pilot Mohammad BaHussain Al Musallam, Commander of Sakhir Air Base; senior officials from Farnborough International and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed the preparations and plans for the airshow. HH Shaikh Abdullah underscored the need to harness all available resources to deliver a successful event, building on the airshow's strong regional and international reputation. HH Shaikh Abdullah also emphasised the importance of engaging various sectors of society to benefit from the airshow, particularly by facilitating partnerships with glob al companies and offering opportunities for skill development in scientific, engineering, and technological fields, particularly in aviation and space sciences. He directed that universities should be involved in showcasing their expertise in science, computing, and artificial intelligence during the event. Additionally, 5,000 students from public and private schools will be invited to the family-friendly entertainment area, where they can enjoy daily air displays and participate in educational workshops designed to inspire interest in aviation and future sciences. HH Shaikh Abdullah stressed the importance of attracting international companies to the airshow by offering incentives and competitive participation packages, noting the region's strong competition in hosting similar events. He also highlighted the crucial role of marketing and promotion in ensuring the event's success, contributing to Bahrain's economy through the participation of global companies and visitors, which would benefit sectors such a s tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail. This year's Bahrain International Airshow will feature leading global companies in civil and military aviation, including Boeing, Gulfstream, BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, CFM International, Lockheed Martin, Thales Group, Indra Sistemas, Embraer, Leonardo S.p.A, Bell Helicopter, among others. For the first time, 13 companies from Europe, the USA, China, Malaysia, and Thailand specialising in airport ground services will participate, alongside international aviation institutes offering educational opportunities for visitors. The 2024 edition will also showcase new aircraft in aerial displays, including the B52, F35, Typhoon, F16, Mirage 2000, the Saudi Hawks and the Boeing commercial airplane 787 Dreamliner. Nearly 100 aircraft, ranging from commercial and business jets to cargo and small planes, will be on static display. HH Shaikh Abdullah expressed his appreciation to the various government entities supporting the event, including the Ministry of Tr ansportation and Telecommunications, the Bahrain Defence Force, the Royal Bahraini Air Force, which will organise the Manama Air Power Leaders Forum, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior and its affiliates, the National Guards, the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Health. He also extended his thanks to the sponsors, including Beyon, the main sponsor, Cityneon Holdings from Singapore, Bapco Energies, Gulf Air, Alba, Bahrain Duty Free, Bahrain Airport Services, First Motors-Genesis, DHL, Tamkeen, and Al Salam Bank. He commended the role of private sector companies in supporting the airshow and encouraged businesses and investors to seize opportunities to network and secure deals during the event. Tickets for the public will be available through the official website at a special price of BD 10 for access to the trade area, while the ente rtainment area for families and children will be open for BD 5, with free entry for children under 16. Source: Bahrain News Agency

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will deliver the annual royal address on Wednesday to inaugurate the first year of the ninth session of the Shura Council. Shura Council Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh and the council members appointed by the Royal Decree in its ninth session will have the honor of taking the oath before the Crown Prince. In a statement, the Shura Council speaker expressed the council's honor to hear the annual royal address of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, which will be delivered on his behalf by the Crown Prince. The address will cover the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's domestic and foreign policies, and its positions on regional and international issues, as stipulated in Article 14 of the Shura Council's bylaws. The speaker of the Shura Council also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for the issuance of the Royal Decree forming the council in its ninth session. He looks forward to achieving the aspirations of the wise Saudi leadership by participating in the comprehensive development of the country and its citizens, in light of the support and attention the Shura Council receives from the wise leadership. Dr. Al Al-Sheikh highlighted the successes and achievements at all levels and the sustainable development renaissance the Kingdom is witnessing under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030. Dr. Al Al-Sheikh affirmed that the Shura Council is guided by the contents of the royal address every year in its work, discussions, and decisions. The council's decisions during the past four years of the eighth session reached 1,510 decisions over 191 regular sessions. In the fourth year of the session, the Shur a Council held 44 meetings that resulted in 493 decisions. At the end of his statement, the speaker of the Shura Council prayed to Allah Almighty to grant success to the Saudi leadership in what is good and righteous, to perpetuate the blessings of security and faith upon this country, and to protect it from all harm. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Bahrain is hosting the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Digital Skills Forum 2024, which was inaugurated by Mohamed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications. The forum, running until September 19, is focused on bridging global digital skills gaps and is recognised as one of the leading international events in the sector, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Under the theme "Developing Skills for Digital Transformation," the event addresses key areas such as digital transformation, skill gaps, and national digital skills frameworks. It also introduces the "Digital Transformation Capacity Development" initiative, a collaboration between ITU, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union (EU), aimed at enhancing digital literacy and fostering a digitally competent global society. Philip Marnick, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), underscored the significance of Bahrain hosting this global e vent, praising the Kingdom's pivotal role in supporting international efforts to bridge digital skills gaps. He highlighted Bahrain's active membership among the 193 ITU states, particularly in ensuring inclusive and meaningful connectivity to drive forward the digital economy. The forum will feature discussions on digital skills development, policy frameworks, and industry perspectives on skill gaps, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and training providers to advance the global digital skills agenda. Source: Bahrain News Agency

The National Debt Management Center announces the closure of the September 2024 issuance under the Saudi Arabian Government SAR-denominated Sukuk Program. The total amount allocated was SAR 2.603 billion (two billion six hundred and three million Saudi Riyals). The Sukuk issuance was divided into six tranches as follows: The first tranche, with a size of SAR 255 million, matures in 2027. The second tranche, with a size of SAR 375 million, matures in 2029. The third tranche, with a size of SAR 638 million, matures in 2031. The fourth tranche, with a size of SAR 1.021 billion, matures in 2034. The fifth tranche, with a size of SAR 202 million, matures in 2036. The sixth tranche, with a size of SAR 112 million, matures in 2039. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, inaugurated the campus of the University of Strathclyde - Bahrain at Harbour Heights in Bahrain Financial Harbour. The new campus marks the university's first expansion outside Scotland, United Kingdom. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad affirmed that the opening of Strathclyde University in Bahrain highlights the Kingdom's growing global reputation in education and its success in attracting leading international universities. This development aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to position Bahrain as a prominent educational hub, with the support from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. HH Shaikh Nasser highlighted that the university will contribute significantly to the advancement of education in Bahrain by fostering innovation and optimising the potential of the Kingdom's youth in various developmental fields. He commended the efforts of the university's executive team and wished them continued success. The opening of the Bahrain campus is the result of a collaboration between Strathclyde University and S. Eleven Education, a leading investment company specialising in innovative educational projects. Source: Bahrain News Agency