Author: News Desk

Manama : The Ministry of Finance and National Economy released the Bahrain Economic Quarterly Report for Q1 2026 on its website www.mofne.gov.bh. The national economy recorded strong performance in January and February 2026, before it was impacted in March 2026 due to the hostile Iranian aggression on the Kingdom. According to the preliminary national accounts data released by the Information & eGovernment Authority, GDP at constant prices contracted by 3.8% YoY in Q1 2026, driven by a 37.2% decline in oil activities, primarily due to the imposed restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which affected export capacity,…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today met with HE Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), at Riffa Palace. His Royal Highness affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, remains steadfast in its support for the continued advancement of the GCC and its joint action, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep-rooted belief in the importance of unity amongst the Gulf states and its commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation among GCC member states. HRH the…

Manama : The Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, today held a telephone call with the United States Secretary of the Treasury, H.E. Scott Bessent. The two sides discussed the US announcement of the launch of Operation Economic Outcast, and reviewed the close and longstanding partnership between the Kingdom and the United States in confronting threats to regional security and international trade, including coordinated efforts to counter illicit finance and to disrupt the funding of destabilizing activity. The US Secretary of the Treasury expressed appreciation for the role…

Paris : A tornado swept ​through the Aude region of southwestern ‌France late on Monday, damaging more than 300 homes and injuring dozens. Thirty-nine ​people were injured, including two ​in critical condition in the village of ⁠Pomas. By ​Tuesday morning some 21,000 households were without ​power in southern France, including 1,600 in the Aude. The tornado struck as this summer’s intense heatwave gave way this week ⁠to ​thunderstorms in many areas ​of southern France.

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued an address on the occasion of the Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) date of birth. His Majesty said that the occasion of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was an opportunity to reflect on his life and its lessons of guidance, self development, upholding justice and promoting good character. His Majesty added that the Prophet’s (PBUH) life reflected Islam’s values of tolerance and mercy, and its call for peace, coexistence and solidarity, enabling the nation of Mohammed (PBUH) to uphold its role as a community committed to these values. His…

Beijing : About 12,700 people have been evacuated in northeast China’s Liaoning Province as torrential rain has affected the region since Sunday morning. Red alerts for torrential rain remain in effect across several parts of the province, with nine cities activating emergency flood responses. Authorities have placed 3,611 rescue and emergency response teams, comprising more than 127,000 personnel, on standby across eight cities, including Dalian, Anshan and Dandong. The Dandong meteorological observatory issued a red alert after 160 to 240 millimetres of rain was recorded in the city’s urban area over 11 hours. China uses a four tier weather warning…

Manama : The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the United States of America’s decision to remove the Syrian Arab Republic from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, considering this step pivotal to support the efforts of the Syrian government in strengthening security and stability in Syria, reconstruction and recovery, enhancing development and investment opportunities, and creating the appropriate conditions for its reintegration into the global financial and economic systems.  In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended His Excellency US President Donald Trump’s decisions in supporting Syria, and the efforts made by the US administration to promote security, stability,…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting held at Gudaibiya Palace. The Cabinet marked the silver jubilee of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), commending the achievements of Bahraini women as a critical component of the Kingdom’s comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and highlighted the continued support they receive from HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the SCW. The Cabinet also noted the success of Youth City…

Belgrade : The head of the EU mission to Belgrade announced that the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism will send helicopters and firefighters to Serbia to help tackle a major wildfire in a nature reserve in the northeast of the country. Serbia activated the mechanism on Friday after weeks of efforts to contain a wildfire in Deliblatska Pescara, about 80 kilometres from the capital, Belgrade, as well as other fires in the southwest of the country. Luka Causic, head of the Serbian Department for Emergencies, noted that European assistance includes four Black Hawk firefighting helicopters, as well as 55 firefighters…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, today visited the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). His Royal Highness was received by HE Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the BDF, and several other senior officers. His Royal Highness affirmed the BDF’s advanced capabilities and combat readiness, supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and stressed the competence and capabilities of its service members in defending the…