Author: News Desk

Muscat : The Sultanate of Oman’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices grew by one percent to RO 41,119.5 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RO 40,716.9 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Preliminary data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), showed that the added value of oil activities declined by 4 percent, reaching RO 14,162.7 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RO 14,750.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. The contribution of oil activities…

Seoul : Firefighters were scrambling Wednesday to contain a wave of wildfires that tore through the southeastern region and killed at least 24, but strong winds and dry weather have continued to hamper efforts to limit the spread of wildfires. Scores of firefighting helicopters, about 5,000 personnel, and some 560 pieces of equipment were mobilised, but the wildfires that began in Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province last Friday have spread across the region’s northeast. For five days, the fires have spread to nearby Uiseong and were advancing to neighboring Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok. Of the 24 victims from…

Manama : Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has announced that tickets for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 are nearly sold out, with only a very limited number still available for purchase. Both the Turn 1 and University Grandstands have now sold out, joining the Beyon Grandstand, which was declared sold out just a day earlier. The Main Grandstand, which accommodates 10,500 spectators, sold out last week. With 15 days remaining until the Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the fourth round of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship from April 11 to 13 at the Sakhir circuit, anticipation…

Manama : The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Export Bahrain launched a joint initiative aimed at expanding the reach of the Youth Market initiative and supporting youth-led enterprises. The announcement coincides with Bahraini Youth Day and seeks to enhance entrepreneurship by creating a more supportive business environment for young entrepreneurs. Marwan Fouad Kamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, emphasised the importance of the partnership in developing the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem. He noted that the ministry continues to advance the Youth Market initiative to empower young entrepreneurs, providing opportunities for local and international expansion and opening new markets for…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today issued a circular on the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. The circular stipulates that the Kingdom’s ministries and public institutions will close on the day of Eid Al-Fitr and the two days that follow.

Riyadh :The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance of Saudi Arabia continues to provide informational services to Umrah performers and worshippers during Ramadhan. As of the 20th day of Ramadhan, the ministry, represented by the General Secretariat for Islamic Awareness in Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, distributed 250,260 books and leaflets, along with various guiding publications in multiple languages and cards for the Islamic e-library. The distribution locations included the Al Taneem and Al Ji’ranah mosques, as well as prayer areas in the central area next to the Grand Mosque, and Mount Arafat.  Moreover, the Islamic e-library has been activated,…

Manama : In line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s continued commitment to youth empowerment, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), has directed Ayman Tawfeeq Almoayed, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Hope Fund, to launch a monthly prize draw for Bahraini youth as part of the Employment Loyalty Rewards Programme, managed by Hope Talents. Coinciding with Bahraini Youth Day, the initiative will award a monthly cash prize…

Manama : His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, honoured the winners of the commemorative stamp design competition launched in celebration of Bahraini Youth Day.  The awards were presented during the official ceremony organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs to mark this national occasion.Hessa Ghazi won first place, followed by Dalal Bumtaia in second place, and Marwan Abdulla in third.The winning design pays tribute to the vital role of Bahraini youth in driving national development and…

Manama : Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, announced the opening of submissions for the 2025 edition of the Prime Minister’s Journalism Award. Applications will be accepted until April 15. The Minister of Information affirmed that the advancement of Bahraini journalism reflects the continued support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has enabled the media to fulfil its national role as a key partner in the Kingdom’s comprehensive development. His Majesty’s support has fostered a modern media environment that keeps pace with global trends and encourages innovation and meaningful contribution from journalists. He…

Manama : A financing agreement for the second phase of development of Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Avenue was signed by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, on behalf of the Government of Bahrain, and Waleed Shamlan Al Bahar, Acting Director-General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), on behalf of KFAED. Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to Bahrain, was present. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa emphasised the longstanding relations between Bahrain and Kuwait, which continues to grow across various domains under the leadership of His Majesty…