Author: News Desk

Riyadh : The Saudi Ministry of Commerce prohibited the use of the name of “Allah” Almighty or any of the names of Allah on bags and packaging that may be exposed to disrespect. The ministry emphasised the importance of commercial establishments complying with the decision. The ministry urged chambers of commerce across the Kingdom to convey this directive to their members and to all commercial establishments. Compliance with the decision will be monitored throughout the Kingdom and legal action will be taken against violators, the ministry said.

Abu Dhabi : His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies, attended the opening ceremony of “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026”, the global platform for accelerating sustainability, held under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go” at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre “ADNEC”. The opening was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and a number…

Sydney : Thousands of people in Australia’s northeast state of Queensland were without power on Sunday after a tropical cyclone crossed the coast, bringing heavy rain and destructive winds. Koji, a category one cyclone, made landfall between the towns of Ayr and Bowen, about 500 km (310 miles) north of the state capital Brisbane, before weakening to a tropical low. The storm, with wind gusts of up to 95 kph (59 mph) and heavy rain, hit coastal towns including Mackay, a tourist hub and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Around 15,000 properties had lost power due to Koji, which…

Manama : Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has introduced more flexible baggage options and greater value to support passengers’ travel plans during January, as demand is expected to rise during the school holiday period. The offer includes an increased 40% discount on prepaid extra baggage for bookings made throughout January 2026, helping passengers plan their journeys effectively. The discount is available to all Gulf Air passengers, provided that additional baggage is purchased through Gulf Air’s official channels at least 24 hours before departure. Gulf Air continues to provide baggage allowances for its cabins. Economy Class…

Manama : Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, hosts the official draw and autograph session for the 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters on Wednesday, January 14, at Bahrain Rugby Club in Saar. The fan-engagement event will determine the match-ups for the first round of the two-day darts’ spectacle, and it is scheduled for a 6:30 pm start. BIC is inviting all ticket holders to this year’s Bahrain Darts Masters to join in the pre-competition formalities. The 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters will be taking place January 15-16 at Terminal 4 by Beyon in Exhibition World Bahrain.…

Manama : Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate, received Henning Georg Simon, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bahrain. The Governor praised the distinguished and steadily developing relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Germany, supported by the leadership of both countries. The Ambassador thanked the Governor for the reception and affirmed his country’s pride in the progress of bilateral ties and cooperation.

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today commended His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Royal Order designating 2026 as the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer”. The recognition is in celebration of the founder of the modern state and the leader of the modern institutional history of Bahrain, His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, Ruler of Bahrain and its Dependencies. This designation commemorates His Highness’ legacy of ensuring stability and establishing a range of legal and civil institutions across the Kingdom. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed…

Sydney : Australian officials confirmed more than 350,000 hectares of land has been burnt so far, with more than 300 structures destroyed, as a result of the raging bushfires in Victoria. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said there were 32 active fires across the state, with 10 major fire sites, adding; “We are not through the worst of this, by a long way,”. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said some 15,000 response crews were on the ground, adding, “The loss and damage assessment will continue for some days at this point in time.” He said the Longwood fire had a perimeter of more than…

Manama : The Ministry of Interior announced the launch of a new electronic service, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enabling Bahraini citizens abroad to replace their passports through the Kingdom of Bahrain’s embassies and consulates via the national eGovernment portal, Bahrain.bh. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), said the service allows citizens outside the Kingdom to submit passport replacement applications electronically. He explained that the new passport is issued and the old one cancelled at a Bahraini embassy or consulate abroad, without the need…

Canberra : Australian authorities said wildfires that broke out earlier this week amid an intense heatwave in the south of the country have burned more than 300,000 hectares of forest, with 10 major fires still active across Victoria state. Authorities reported that more than 130 buildings, including homes, were destroyed, while power outages affected around 38,000 residences and businesses. The fires were described as the most severe to hit Victoria since the 2019–2020 bushfire season, which resulted in 33 fatalities. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said thousands of firefighters are deployed to contain the blazes and that efforts are underway to…