Day: April 25, 2024

Riyadh, Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim participated in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conference on industrial policies to promote economic diversification, held today in Riyadh.

In a speech at the opening of the conference, the minister emphasized that encouraging innovation, developing human capital, and attracting foreign direct investment are key elements for accelerating economic growth.

He added that the industrial sector is witnessing great progress in the Kingdom, including diversification efforts exerted in non-oil sectors such as marine logistics and steel in line with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Her Royal Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the King and Supreme Council for Women (SCW) President, deputised Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, SCW member, INJAZ Bahrain Board of Directors Chairperson, to attend the closing ceremony of the 17th local edition and eighth Arab edition of the ‘Her Royal Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Award for Productive Families’.

The award distribution ceremony featured speeches by Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, and Minister Plenipotentiary Tarek El Nabulsi, Head of the Development and Social Policies Department at the Arab League.

A documentary highlighting the authenticity of Bahraini gold and pearls was screened, and the winners were honoured.

HH Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa honoured the local and Arab winners of the prestigious award.

Regarding the laureates of the local edition, Sharifa Mohammed Al Doseri won the ‘Best Productive Family’ award for her gold and jewellery project, while Amal Mohsen Ali Ahmed clinche
d the ‘Best Product’ award for her green gold project aimed at improving the quality of life of sickle cell anemia patients. Meanwhile, the family of the late Asma Zainal received the ‘Best Sponsor of Productive Families” award.

The recipients of the Arab edition included Hamda Kareem Mohammed Al Tawabha, from Jordan, who won the ‘Best Productive Family’ award.

Meanwhile, Souhad Azennoud, from Morocco, won the ‘Best Product’ award, and Saudi Arabia Social Development Bank clinched the ‘Best Sponsor of Productive Families” award for its ‘Tajseed’ project.

Addressing the ceremony, the Social Development Minister expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH Princess Sabeeka for her patronage of the prestigious award since its inception in 2007.

He indicated that the award is based on a deep vision to empower Bahraini families, in a way that reflects the principles of the comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman
bin Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, noting that HRH Princess Sabeeka’s support for productive families has increased Bahraini women’s contributions to the kingdom’s sustainable development process.

Al Asfoor affirmed that thanks to HRH Princess Sabeeka’s sound directives, the Social Development Ministry has put in place an attractive and stimulating atmosphere for productive families to develop their capabilities and productivity.

He asserted that Her Royal Highness has always been a role model for adopting and sponsoring quality projects and programmes aimed at integrating women’s needs in the comprehensive and sustainable development process, in a way that achieves equal opportunities and ensures a fair men-women partnership.

He underlined the Social Development Ministry’s commitment to continue removing all challenges facing women so as to increase Bahraini productive families’ contributions to the national economy, in tandem with the humanitarian approach established by HM the King’s comp
rehensive development process.

The minister added that HRH Princess Sabeeka’s support for productive families has gone beyond Bahrain, as the award has become a source of pride for Arab citizens.

HH Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa and the Social Development Minister toured the exhibition held on the sidelines of the award distribution ceremony. They praised the progress made by Bahraini productive families, calling on all institutions to continue supporting them and removing obstacles facing them.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Doha: The Ministry of Interior began its awareness program targeted at school students under the supervision of the permanent committee for punitive and correctional institutions.

The Ministries of Interior, Sports and Youth, Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, Education and Higher Education, Social Development and Family, and the Public Prosecution participate in the program.

The awareness program aims to educate young people about the dangers of committing crimes and ways to prevent them as it focuses on religious, educational, security and legal awareness.

The program is done in 16 schools for boys and girls in the primary, preparatory and secondary levels.

The lectures presented in the program address many awareness topics aimed at creating a conscious and educated generation capable of assuming social responsibility.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Manama, The Kingdom of Bahrain has welcomed the report issued by the Independent Review Group to assess the neutrality and professionalism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

In a statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that the report is a UN green light to donor countries to continue honouring their financial commitments to the UNRWA to enable it to continue undertaking its relief, humanitarian and development efforts to help the Palestinian people, until a just political solution that fulfils their legitimate rights to return and establish their independent state in accordance with international law and international legitimacy resolutions is reached.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Doha: Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) will host its annual Autism Awareness Family Fun Day at Al Shaqab Longines Arena on 27 April, in cooperation with Al Shaqab.

The event, designed to engage all members of the community, aims to raise awareness and foster understanding of autism through a variety of engaging and educational activities, workshops, and games.

Part of a series of events throughout April, it is a collaborative effort coordinated by Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, alongside 27 partnering entities including Renad Academy, Awsaj Academy, The Learning Center, and the Ability Friendly Program.

Integration Coordinator at Renad Academy, Lulwa Al Darwish said: “As we mark Autism Awareness Day, let us celebrate the unique talents and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. This day is not just about raising awareness but also about fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance in our communities.” Al Darwish addressed the need to challen
ge the stigma and misconceptions surrounding autism, highlighting the valuable contributions that individuals with autism make to society. She spoke about the importance of promoting inclusion and providing the necessary support to help those on the autism spectrum thrive.

“It is essential that we continue to educate ourselves and others about autism, recognizing that every person, regardless of their abilities, has inherent value and deserves respect,” she said adding: “Together, let us create a world where individuals with autism are embraced for who they are, where their strengths are celebrated, and where they are afforded every opportunity to shine.” For her part, Head of the Equestrian Institute at Al Shaqab Nouf Al Mansoor emphasized the importance of Autism Awareness Day, and noted its significant impact on children and their families. “Today, as we come together to celebrate and honor Autism Awareness Day, we recognize the profound impact it holds for children and their families,” she explained.

“I
t’s a day not just to raise awareness, but to challenge the prevailing stigma surrounding autism in society. Raising community awareness about Autism Awareness Day is crucial in building a more inclusive society,” she continued. “It’s a call to action, urging us all to embrace diversity, dismantle barriers, and champion acceptance, and acknowledge the unique abilities that children on the autism spectrum possess, talents that enrich our communities.” Al Mansoor also mentioned that by fostering understanding and acceptance, society can empower individuals on the autism spectrum to fully participate, bringing their valuable perspectives and creativity into the fabric of our community.

This year celebrates the 17th anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day. Proposed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, to the United Nations in 2007, it highlights QF’s sustained commitment to promoting acceptance and inclusion within the community. The first World Autism Awareness Day was ce
lebrated on 2 April 2008.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Manama, Ali Ahmed Al Derazi, President of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), received Emily Belson, the External Affairs Officer at the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) at the US Department of State.

He highlighting NIHR’s efforts in promoting and protecting human rights.

The meeting discussed topics of common interest and ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides.

Belson expressed her appreciation for NIHR’s efforts in promoting human rights principles, affirming its role in consolidating human rights values and increasing awareness within the community.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The State of Qatar participated with a visual presentation in the 19th Conference of Interpol’s National Central Bureau Heads, which is being held in the French city of Lyon.

Titled ‘The State of Qatar’s Experience in International Police Coordination Operations’, the presentation which was made by Director of the Communications Department of the Arab and International Police Lt. Colonel Ali Muhammad Al-Ali, addressed the State of Qatar’s experience in international police coordination operations, following up on wanted persons, managing operations to combat cross-border crime, and cooperating with international organizations to secure major events.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Kuwait, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, held a meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdulla Ali Abdulla Al Yahya.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is on a visit to Kuwait as part of a tour that has covered several Arab countries.

The two ministers discussed the deep-rooted solid fraternal relations between both countries and their peoples, as well as ways to bolster bilateral cooperation across various fields to achieve common interests and goals.

The meeting also focused on the latest regional developments, including the war in the Gaza Strip, and their impacts on security and stability in the region.

The ongoing preparations for the 33rd Arab Summit, set to be hosted by Bahrain on May 16, and the issues and topics to be included in its agenda were also discussed.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a phone call on Thursday from HE Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte.

During the call, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them. In addition, they discussed a number of regional and international developments of common concern, especially the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Manama, Dr. Hassan bin Abdulla Fakhro, Economic Affairs Advisor to HM the King, received Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Regional Office for Investment and Technology, at Al Qudaibiya Palace in Bahrain.

Dr. Fakhro emphasised that HM the King’s vision serves as a driving force for inspiration, motivation, and progress.

Fakhro also commended UNIDO’s support for the national economy.

Dr. Hussein outlined preparations for the fifth edition of the International Forum for Entrepreneurship and Investment, scheduled from May 14 to 16 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He stressed its significance, coinciding with the 33rd Arab Summit on May 16 in Bahrain.

Source: Bahrain News Agency