Day: September 11, 2024

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55 campaigns competing to serve 4,625 pilgrims: Supreme Committee for Hajj opens online registration for Bahrain pilgrims November 3-22


The Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah has announced the opening of online registration for those wishing to perform Hajj in the upcoming season (1446 AH – 2025), from November 3-22, via the Hajj platform, which will be launched by the committee in conjunction with the registration period.

Chaired by Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments Affairs, the committee reviewed the ongoing preparations for registering pilgrims. The goal is to enhance transparency and create a competitive environment that ensures the continuous improvement of services provided to Bahraini and resident pilgrims.

The committee noted that it had received applications from 55 Hajj campaigns for the upcoming season, with the number of pilgrims they plan to serve exceeding Bahrain’s official quota of 4,625. This reflects a positive competitive indicator.

The committee has approved all 55 campaign applications after confirming they meet the required conditions. The list of approved campaigns
will be available on the Islamic Affairs website (www.islam.gov.bh) and the Instagram account of Bahrain’s Hajj Mission (haj.bahrain).

The committee also approved the organisational plan in line with the timeline set by Saudi Arabia. This includes setting the first week of January next year for campaigns to submit contracts for accommodation, catering, and transportation via the Hajj platform, allowing the committee to review them and ensure they align with the offered service packages.

Additionally, the committee approved joint campaigns for accommodation and catering services, subject to conditions such as accommodation capacity and shared responsibility. However, campaigns must provide other services independently to avoid mergers.

Workshops will be held for campaigns on the organisational procedures, service package requirements, contracts with pilgrims and service providers, and how to use the platform.

The committee had previously received preliminary applications from campaigns regarding the number
of pilgrims they aim to serve. The final number for each campaign will depend on actual registrations and pilgrim choices on the platform, in line with Bahrain’s Hajj quota.

Hajj registration will only be available through the online platform, with pilgrims selecting from the registered campaigns.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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HM King meets UAE President


Abu Dhabi, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, met today with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, at His Majesty’s residence in Abu Dhabi during his private visit to the UAE.

The two leaders exchanged cordial conversations and discussed the strong ties between the two countries, reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening these relations for the benefit of both nations.

The meeting also touched on the continuous progress in cooperation across all levels and the importance of enhancing joint efforts to support development priorities in both countries, based on their close ties and shared vision for achieving progress and prosperity for their peoples.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of the National Guard, His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King, and Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalif
a, Minister of the Royal Court.

On the UAE side, the meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, along with several officials.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Civil Defence Council reviews risk management, training plans


Manama, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, chaired the council’s meeting today.

The meeting covered the recent achievements of the National Emergency Management Committee, including plans for radiation monitoring stations, Gulf cooperation, water security, and medicine distribution.

The Interior Minister emphasised the importance of updating the national risk register and establishing a national emergency management centre. He also highlighted the need for a national training programme to improve emergency preparedness and response.

The council reviewed the national risk management framework, focusing on early warning systems, prevention policies, and crisis coordination. The Minister thanked the members for their efforts in enhancing safety measures and ensuring readiness.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Education Minister chairs Bahrain Polytechnic Board of Trustees meeting


Manama, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of Bahrain Polytechnic’s Board of Trustees, chaired the board’s regular meeting.

Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, and board members attended the meeting.

The Minister highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s continuous support for education, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The board reviewed reports from the executive management on the institution’s progress, especially in expanding services. It approved the human resources regulations in coordination with the Civil Service Bureau and established new committees for technical and oversight matters.

The meeting board took note that 3,998 new students have enrolled in various programmes this year, including vocational training to master’s degrees. This reflects the institution’s growth and interest in its programmes.

So
urce: Bahrain News Agency

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SIU Chief meets UK Deputy Head of Mission


Manama, Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza, Acting Attorney-General and Chief of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), met with Fiona Walker Doyle, UK Deputy Head of Mission to Bahrain.

The meeting focused on strengthening communication, cooperation, and expertise exchange between the two countries, building on their long-established ties.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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HEC Secretary General meets Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Award delegation


Manama, Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahromi, Higher Education Council (HEC) Secretary General, met with a delegation from the Board of Trustees of the Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Award, led by Talal Fawzi Kanoo.

Dr. Al Jahrami commended the award’s role in promoting a culture of creativity and excellence, and its role in fostering innovation.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation by increasing the award’s visibility within higher education institutions and encouraging greater participation from researchers.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Alba CEO participates in Fastmarkets Conference 2024


Athens, Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), participated in the CEO panel titled ‘Industry Insights from Aluminium Primary Producers’ at the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2024. The event is being held from 10-12 September in Greece.

Joining top executives from Hongqiao Group and Century Aluminium, Al Baqali discussed critical issues facing the aluminum industry to include addressing rising smelter costs and the growing demand for value-added products, the impact of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon emissions reduction, and supply chain sustainability as well as industry challenges and future prospects.

He also highlighted market dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, Alba’s EternAlTM – its Low carbon aluminium product-line and Bahrain’s government efforts toward achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060.

The CEO also visited Elval, one of Alba’s customers to gain insights into their production processes and sustainability initiatives as well as t
o discuss market dynamics and future collaboration opportunities.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Derasat, Chatham House organise workshop on professional and academic diversity’s role in empowering women in Bahrain


Manama, The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), held a joint workshop titled ‘Professional and Academic Diversity and their Role in Empowering Women in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ on September 10-11.

The workshop was held at the Center’s headquarters in Awali, with the participation of a range of stakeholders, academics and entrepreneurs, to learn more about diverse experiences of women in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al Abdulla, Executive Director of Derasat, highlighted the significant achievements of Bahraini women, noting their integral role in the nation’s development and prosperity. He attributed their progress to the support and confidence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as the government initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have e
mpowered Bahraini women to become authentic partners in society.

Dr. Al Abdulla further noted that the foundation of women’s empowerment in Bahrain is rooted in the National Action Charter and the establishment of the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King.

Dr. Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, highlighted the significance of such initiatives, saying that this workshop “affirms our commitment to supporting women in the region”.

She noted that while women’s contributions to the economy, society, and family have historically been undervalued across the Middle East, there is now increasing recognition of their importance. This shift is creating new opportunities for collaboration and progress, paving the way for a brighter future for women and their communities.

The workshop also included diverse discussions on several key topics, including entrepreneurship and econo
mic opportunities, societal norms and family life, as well as the role of women in arts and culture. Attendees participated in a meaningful dialog on the challenges and opportunities available to enhance the role of women in Bahrain, with a focus on understanding how diverse backgrounds affect these experiences.

The sessions gave a platform for prominent experts who highlighted the role of women in shaping the economic and social landscape in the Kingdom. The workshop provided a rich environment for exchanging ideas and dialog on strategies related to enhancing the role of women in society.

Derasat and Chatham House aim to provide stakeholders with the necessary insights to develop effective programs and initiatives to support women in the Arabian Gulf region, inspired by the pioneering model of Bahraini women. This event reflects the ongoing commitment of Derasat and Chatham House to promote and highlight the various success stories achieved by women in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to demonstrate the key ro
le they play in shaping the future of the nation and inspiring future generations, while creating more opportunities for growth and constructive contribution.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Export Bahrain enhances global presence for Bahraini brands through key HKTDC events


Manama, Export Bahrain, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has facilitated the participation of Bahraini enterprises in major HKTDC events throughout 2024. This partnership underscores Export Bahrain’s commitment to supporting local businesses and expanding their international footprint.

Through its collaboration with HKTDC, Export Bahrain played a pivotal role in high-profile exhibitions, including the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, and the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair. These events highlighted the strength of the partnership and the dedication to broadening market opportunities for Bahraini enterprises across various sectors.

One of the key highlights was CENTRESTAGE (Asia’s Fashion Spotlight), held from September 4-7, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This premier international fashion trade show featured runway shows, designer sessions, and industry seminars, providing invaluable insights into emerging trends and substan
tial networking opportunities.

Export Bahrain’s participation in these exhibitions significantly enhanced the visibility of the participating Bahraini brands and demonstrated their global market potential. Over 45 B2B meetings were conducted, further advancing Bahraini enterprises on the global stage.

Rabab Khalaf, Planning and Market Intelligence Manager at Export Bahrain, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in boosting local enterprises’ global standing: “Our dedication to fostering international engagement is central to enhancing the competitiveness and growth of local businesses, positioning Bahrain as a leading global business hub.”

Lulwa Al Mannai, founder of LAM BRAND, said that Bahrain has played a vital role in facilitating the participation in the platform, which is one of the key exhibitions bringing together a curated selection of specialists and enthusiasts in the fashion industry. This has provided us with a valuable opportunity to meet potential buyers and partners from
various global markets, thereby expanding the scope of international business collaboration.

The ongoing partnership between Export Bahrain and HKTDC marks a significant advancement in trade collaboration, fostering an environment that supports small and medium enterprises in Bahrain, driving economic growth, and enhancing local businesses’ ambitions in global markets.

Source: Bahrain News Agency