Author: News Desk

Manama : Sara Ahmed Buhjji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), said that Jewellery Arabia 2025 continues to strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for major exhibitions, with more than 650 exhibitors from 29 countries participating this year. Buhjji highlighted the long-standing partnership between BTEA and Informa Markets and noted the exhibition’s steady growth over more than three decades. She said the 2025 edition brings together international and Bahraini pavilions showcasing jewellery, gold craftsmanship, local jewellery design, and luxury watch brands. She added that BTEA has focused on improving visitor services,…

New York : The process to elect the next United Nations secretary general formally kicked off as member states were asked to nominate candidates to take over the role from January 1, 2027. In a joint letter, the 15-member Security Council and the president of the 193-member General Assembly invited nominations, marking the start of the race to replace António Guterres as the world body’s chief administrator.The five permanent members of the Security Council who have veto power – the United States, Russia, Britain, China, and France – must agree on a candidate.Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today issued Edict (71) of 2025, regarding the specification of commercial activities that may be licensed for companies with foreign capital, based on a proposal by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, and following the approval of the Cabinet.

Manama : Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to enhancing private sector partnerships, particularly through the Government Land Development Rights Programme. She said Decision (1363) of 2025, regulating this programme and off-plan housing sales, aims to improve project implementation, marketing, and transparency, while safeguarding beneficiaries’ rights and ensuring quality. The decision also clarifies the continuation of housing allowances for off-plan buyers during the transition from booking to handover, supporting family stability. The off-plan sales programme allows citizens to reserve units early with financing and procedural support, and its pilot phase of…

Ankara : His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea, and His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye, held a summit during which the two leaders agreed to expand economic cooperation in the defence, nuclear energy and biotechnology sectors. HE President Lee expressed hope of strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership and developing it into a more future-oriented and mutually beneficial relationship. He highlighted Türkiye’s Altay main battle tank programme, based on South Korea’s K2 tank technology, as an example of the cooperative ties between the two countries. HE President Lee also underscored South…

Bangkok : Thailand was preparing on Tuesday to send an aircraft carrier with relief supplies and medical teams to its south, where more heavy rain intensified the worst floods in years, which have killed 13 people and hobbled rescue and evacuation efforts. Floodwaters running as high as 2 m (6.6 ft) in some areas have hit nine Thai provinces and eight states in neighbouring Malaysia, across a swathe of hundreds of kilometres devastated last year by seasonal monsoon floods that killed 12. The Thai navy said it was readying to send a flotilla of 14 boats and the aircraft carrier,…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today inaugurated Jewellery Arabia 2025 and Scent Arabia 2025 at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, held under His Royal Highness’ patronage.His Royal Highness outlined that Bahrain continues to showcase its ability to successfully host and deliver major specialised events and exhibitions across all sectors, supported by the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure and strong organisational capabilities. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to achieving greater accomplishments in line with national aspirations that prioritise continued success and excellence, contributing to the Kingdom’s…

Manama : Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, attended the celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the Church of Philadelphia in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event was attended by Ali Abdulla Al Aradi, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Board Members Ibrahim Dawood Nonoo, Dr. Majid Mohsen Al Asfoor, Dr. Alsadig Omer Khalafallah, and Shaikh Salah Yousif Al Jowder, alongside a number of church leaders and religious and community figures. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin…

Sydney : Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, said that a formal agreement had been reached for Türkiye to host the COP31 climate summit in 2026, confirming a document released at the COP30 summit in Brazil. The Australian Prime Minitser said: “Formal agreement has been reached for Türkiye to host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, with Australia taking on the role of President of Negotiations in the lead-up to and during the meeting.”  Prime Minister Albanese added that Australia will have exclusive authority regarding the negotiations guiding decision-making at the summit, explaining that the Pacific region…

Seoul : South Korea issued Level 1 forest fire response alert early on Sunday, as a wildfire erupted in the forests of Yangyang in Gangwon Province in the northeast part of the country, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people. The Korea Forest Service activated Level 1 alerts as firefighting efforts continued in the popular camping and beach town, which is now estimated to cover between 10 and 50 hectares. Forest authorities deployed 101 fire suppression vehicles and 326 personnel to contain the blaze and 25 helicopters are on their way to be deployed on Sunday.