Author: News Desk

Abu Dhabi : His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet approved the national transformation strategy to adopt Agentic artificial intelligence in 50% of government services and operations towards “UAE Government 4.0”. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launched a national programme to train 80,000 government employees in Agentic AI skills and tools. His Highness also approved the first package of smart transformational service bundles for citizens, residents and the business sector, as well as the framework for federal entities to…

Manama : Customs Affairs announced the application of the updated regulations, particularly customs duties, to incoming personal shipments and postal parcels. The announcement was in accordance with approved rules and procedures, as part of implementing the legal amendments to the Gulf Cooperation Council Unified Customs Law. Under these amendments, shipments and parcels valued at BD100 or more will be subject to customs duties, in addition to 10% value-added tax, depending on the type of goods and in accordance with the approved customs tariff schedule. Customs Affairs explained that these measures are in line with international best practices adopted in regulating…

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, received His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, in the presence of senior officials. The meeting reviewed several local affairs topics and efforts across various national sectors to further strengthen the achievements attained by the Kingdom in all domains. His Majesty the King praised the continuous efforts of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in advancing the national development process and achieving further accomplishments across all sectors through…

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ratified and issued Law (18) of 2026 ratifying the agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of Jersey on the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance, following approval by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The agreement between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of Jersey was signed in Manama on September 15, 2025. The Prime Minister and the ministers, each within their capacity, shall implement the provisions of this…

Abu Dhabi : The Ministry of Defence announced that the UAE air defence systems today intercepted three UAVs that entered the country from the western border direction. A statement issued by the ministry said that two of the UAVs were successfully intercepted, while the third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region. The ministry added that investigations are underway to determine the source of the attacks, noting that further details will be announced upon completion of the investigations. The UAE Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully…

Manama : His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, received General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and the accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al Sabah, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Kuwait. The visit reflects the longstanding ties and close historical relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthening security and stability. The Interior Minister conveyed to His Highness the Crown Prince the greetings and best wishes of His Majesty King…

Riyadh : The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that Monday, May 18, marks the first day of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH. Standing at Arafa (waqfat Arafa) will take place on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid Al-Adha will begin on Wednesday, May 27. The court stated that its moonsighting committee convened earlier this evening to review reports on the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon, confirming that the new moon had been sighted by a number of witnesses.

Geneva : The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared an international public health emergency over the outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The organisation said the spread of the disease caused by the Bundibugyo strain does not meet the criteria to be classified as a pandemic, noting that the declaration aims to place neighbouring countries on maximum alert and mobilise support from the international community.

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), today chaired the Board of Directors meeting in Bahrain Bay. His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of continuing national efforts undertaken by Team Bahrain to follow global economic developments, transforming any challenges into positive opportunities that support the Kingdom’s comprehensive development goals, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. His Royal Highness commended the board’s achievements in 2025, which reflect the Board’s vital role in supporting economic development and enhancing Bahrain’s…

Manama : The Indian Ladies Association (ILA), Bahrain, proudly announces the launch of its  70th Year Celebrations through a social media blitz “The Platinum Power-Up.” This is a call out to all its members to  rediscover, recapture, and reignite the spirit of belonging that has defined ILA for seven remarkable decades. Through  fun-filled yet poignant digital reels, “The Platinum Power-Up” campaign will celebrate not only the rich legacy of the association but also the invaluable role each member plays in shaping its future. «“The association is just a building without members’ talent, their voice, presence, and energy.”» said President Smitha…