Author: News Desk

Manama : Bahrain extended sympathy and solidarity to the United States of America following the floods that swept through the state of Texas, resulting in the death and injury of dozens of individuals. A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences to the people and government of the United States, as well as to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the ones injured and the safe return of all missing persons.

Manama : His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), affirmed, on Arab Youth Day, Bahrain’s commitment to empowering young people and enhancing their role in national development. HH Shaikh Khalid noted that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with the support of His Highness Shaikh Nasser…

Manama : Bahrain International Circuit, “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, announced today the launch of Early Bird offers on tickets for the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, with discounts of up to 15% on Main Grandstand and Turn 1 Grandstand tickets. The Early Bird discount also applies to other grandstands, with a 10% discount on tickets for the Beyon Grandstand, University Grandstand, and Victory Grandstand. Bahrain International Circuit invites fans to take advantage of the discount and secure their attendance at the region’s biggest sporting, social, and entertainment event. For tickets, please visit the…

Paris : Parisians rushed for a dip in the Seine on Saturday as authorities opened the river to public swimming for the first time since 1923 after an extensive clean-up operation spurred on by it being used last year as a venue in the Paris Olympics. Three sites along the banks of the Seine in the city will be able to welcome over 1,000 swimmers daily until August 31, local officials said, to the delight of the Parisians and visitors who were among the first to take the plunge. The reopening of the Seine for public swimming follows efforts by…

Rome : 21 people, including eight police officers and a firefighter, were injured in an explosion at a fuel station and depot in the Prenestina area of the Italian capital, Rome.The explosion, which was followed by a fire, caused a blast that was heard in several districts of the city, while authorities have not yet announced the reasons behind the incident.The public transport authority closed the nearby “Teano” metro station as a precaution, based on police instructions.Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed that firefighting teams are currently working at the scene to control the fire and prevent it from spreading…

Berlin : Lewis Hamilton, the Ferrari driver, topped the first practice session for the British Grand Prix in the Formula 1 World Championship, ahead of his compatriot Lando Norris of McLaren. Hamilton set a time of 1:26.892, narrowly beating Norris by 0.023 seconds, while Australia’s Oscar Piastri, the current leader of the drivers’ standings, finished third. Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc was fourth, while World Champion Max Verstappen came tenth after a collision in the previous race. It is worth noting that Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, has not been on the podium since joining Ferrari, with his best result…

Athens : A wildfire whipped by gale-force winds burned through the night and into Greece’s southern island of Crete, prompting the evacuation of more than 1,500 people from homes and hotels. The fire department said 230 firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft were battling the flames. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary. Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests.

Indonesia : Rescuers were searching for 30 people who were missing after a ferry sank, and four people died the previous night near Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. As of Thursday afternoon, 31 people had been rescued from the ferry’s 53 passengers and 12 crew members, the National Search and Rescue Agency said in a statement. A helicopter and 15 boats searched for survivors with assistance from fishermen and people onshore. Indonesian authorities are investigating the cause of the accident as survivors told rescuers there appeared to be a leak in the engine room of the ferry, which was carrying…

Manama : The Central Bank of Bahrain announced a strong wave of financial institution licences from early 2024 to mid-2025, with 16 new institutions approved and 52 licence applications under advanced review. This steady growth highlights Bahrain’s appeal as a leading destination for digital financial services, with international applications making up about 75% of the 68 total. These institutions are expected to create over 850 jobs initially, with more opportunities as they expand. The new licences include two wholesale banks, and more banking applications are under review. The Central Bank continues to work closely with applicants to help them meet…

Manama : His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, emphasised that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa places great importance on youth, consistently directing efforts to empower young people and provide opportunities that enable them to shape the future. His Majesty also emphasises instilling values and principles, and encouraging a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. On the occasion of Arab Youth Day, observed annually on July 5, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad noted that His Majesty’s forward-looking vision for youth was powerfully captured in the…