Author: News Desk

Manama : The Pongal Festival was celebrated on Friday and organized by Bharathi Association, the only registered Tamil association functioning under the guidelines of the Ministry of Social Development. H.E. Ziyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, represented the Ministry on behalf of the Honorable Minister H.E. Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi and conveyed Pongal greetings to the Tamil community. In his address, he highlighted the significance of Pongal, the farmers’ festival widely celebrated as a traditional Tamil festival by the Tamil diaspora across the globe. The Undersecretary appreciated the Tamil community for their valuable contribution to the Kingdom of Bahrain and…

Manama : Following the royal order issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa designating 2026 as the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer” in honour of Bahrain’s founder of the modern state and key figure in its institutional development, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, chaired a meeting of “Year of Isa Al Kabeer” committee. The committee’s formation follows the decision of the Cabinet, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to establish a dedicated body to oversee the commemorations under the chairmanship of…

Riyadh : Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, met with Yousef bin Abdullah Al Benyan, Minister of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, held in Riyadh. During the meeting, the Minister of Education expressed appreciation to his Saudi counterpart for the invitation to attend the anniversary event and to participate in the high-level dialogue session held alongside it. The meeting reviewed recent developments in educational programmes and initiatives in both countries and discussed ways to enhance cooperation…

Manama : General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, chaired the Council’s meeting. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy; Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture; Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment; Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs; Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health; Noor…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today sent a cable of condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, following the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Hind bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister sent a similar cable to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

New York : The World Health Organisation has called on governments to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning in two new reports that weak tax systems are allowing harmful products to remain cheap while health systems face mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases and injuries. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said, according to UN News: “Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease. By increasing taxes on products such as tobacco, sugary drinks and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health…

Manama: The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) is brimming with excitement as it prepares to kickoff its Annual Cultural Fair on Thursday, as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, markinga major milestone in the school’s distinguished journey. Presented by Star Vision Events, theISB Annual Cultural Fair will be held on January 15 and 16, 2026, and promises to be avibrant celebration of culture, community, and heritage. The two-day event is expected to attract large audiences and serve as a key highlight of the school’s jubilee year. Adding to the festive spirit, ISB has unveiled an impressive range of prizes for the…

Riyadh : Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, participated in the 5th Ministerial Roundtable of the Future Minerals Forum, hosted and organised by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with wide participation from decision-makers and sector leaders from around the world. Albudaiwi expressed appreciation for the role of Saudi Arabia in advancing the mining sector through strategic initiatives and the hosting of this international forum, reflecting its commitment to strengthening the status of minerals as a key element in building economies and supporting economic diversification. He also commended the…

Manama : The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) held its 33rd regular meeting of the fifth term today, chaired by Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Council. The Council commended the order issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa designating this year as the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer,” in tribute to the founder of the modern Bahraini state. The Council highlighted the historical legacy of Isa Al Kabeer in establishing stability and building legal and civil institutions, noting that Bahrain’s current progress is a continuation of this enduring legacy under…

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Decree (1) of 2026, appointing a coordinator and undersecretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), based on a proposal by the Prime Minister and following the approval of the Cabinet. According to the decree, Nouf Abdulrahman Jamsheer, the Undersecretary for Research and Projects at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), shall be appointed as Coordinator in the Prime Minister’s Office with the rank of Undersecretary. Yousif Osama Buhiji shall be appointed as Undersecretary for Research and Projects in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), succeeding Nouf Abdulrahman Jamsheer. The Prime Minister…