Author: News Desk

Tehran : Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday for talks with North Korean military and political leaders as the countries deepen their alignment over Russia’s war on Ukraine. The defense ministry in announcing the visit didn’t specify who Belousov would be meeting or the purpose of the talks. North Korean state media didn’t immediately confirm the visit. Belousov, a former economist, replaced Sergei Shoigu as defense minister in May after Russian President Vladimir Putin started a fifth term in power. Photos released by Russia’s Defense Ministry showed Belousov walking alongside North Korean Defense Minister No…

Riyadh : Saudi Arabia has abandoned its pursuit of an ambitious defence treaty with Washington in return for normalising relations with Israel and is now pushing for a more modest military cooperation agreement, two Saudi and four Western officials told. In a drive to get a wide-ranging mutual security treaty over the line earlier this year, Riyadh softened its position on Palestinian statehood, telling Washington that a public commitment from Israel to a two-state solution could be enough for the Gulf kingdom to normalise relations. But with public anger in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East at fever pitch over Israel’s…

Marrakesh : Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayyat, Chief Executive of the Urban Planning and Development Authority, was recognised as the Best CEO in Urban Development 2024 at the 8th edition of the Global Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco. The event, attended by numerous Arab companies, celebrates exceptional leadership in various sectors across the Arab world. He said that this honour reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He expressed appreciation for the recognition, dedicating it to the…

Muscat : Under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Firas bin Fatik Al Said, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Oman, in cooperation with the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association, hosted an event at the Bait Al Zubair Hall to mark Oman’s 54th National Day. Dr. Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Oman, extended congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman, commending Oman’s achievements across politics, sports, youth development, and its progress toward Oman Vision 2040 and sustainable development goals. He described November 18 as a historic day for the…

Manama : On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will lead the Kingdom’s delegation to the 45th Gulf Summit, hosted by the State of Kuwait, the Royal Court announced. This comes at an invitation extended to His Majesty the King by His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait.

Seoul : The heaviest snowfall for November in 117 years blanketed Seoul and the surrounding regions Wednesday, causing injuries, disrupting traffic and cutting off power supplies, as authorities are on high alert for more snow later this week. The capital city had received 18 centimetres of snow, marking the biggest snowfall in November since modern weather observations began in 1907. The new record coincided with the first snow of the season in Seoul. The previous record was 12.4 cm set on Nov. 28, 1972, the state weather agency said. The city of Incheon, west of Seoul, also had record snowfall…

Riyadh : King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, inaugurated the Riyadh Metro, the backbone of Riyadh’s public transport network. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques viewed an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro, one of the Kingdom’s major projects during his prosperous reign, distinguished by its standout design and technological features, with a network that spans 176 kilometres across six lines and 85 stations, including four iconic ones. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh…

Cairo : Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, received the Best Arab Minister Award during the Arab Government Excellence Awards ceremony held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo, Egypt. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, alongside ministers and officials from…

Abu Dhabi : The Ministry of Youth Affairs achieved a significant milestone with its Lamea national programme being recognised as the Best Arab Government Project to Empower Young People at the Arab Government Excellence Awards. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, received the award during the ceremony, organised by the Arab Administrative Development Organisation in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates at the League of Arab States headquarters. Minister Tawfiqi attributed the achievement to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who prioritises youth empowerment across all domains, and the directives of His Royal…

Manama : The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), in cooperation with the Awal Women’s Society, inaugurated Beit Al Naqda in Muharraq. BACA emphasised that Beit Al Naqda represents a significant addition to Muharraq’s cultural infrastructure, as part of its long-term vision to preserve traditional crafts. The site aims to safeguard one of Bahrain’s most important traditional industries, Al Naqda embroidery, a craft that represents a significant aspect of the Kingdom’s intangible cultural heritage. Located along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pearling Path, Beit Al Naqda will serve as a headquarters for the Awal Women’s Society’s project to empower Bahraini…