Bahrain crowned champions of Gulf Basketball Championship


The Bahraini team made history on Saturday after being crowned champions of the Gulf Basketball Championship for Men for the first time ever following a five-point difference victory against their Qatari counterpart.

On the other hand, the Kuwaiti team placed third place, and the Saudi Arabian team placed fourth.

The Bahraini team beat the Qatari team with a score of (73-68), placing them in first place, and the Qatari team in second place.

In the second match, the Kuwaiti team won against their Saudi Arabian counterpart, with a score of (80-77), placing Kuwait at third place, and Saudi Arabia at fourth place.

Bahrain hosted the Gulf Basketball Championship for Men from 2 to 7 September, with the attendance and sponsorship of the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Bahraini Youth and Sports (SCYS) Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

WHO touts Kuwait’s anti-DMD disease efforts


The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday commended Kuwait’s efforts to raise awareness about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at various gatherings with a view to supporting progress in treatment.

This came in a press release issued by the WHO’s Representative in Kuwait Dr. Assad Hafeez on the occasion of the World Duchenne Awareness Day, which falls on September 7.

He added that the State of Kuwait played a key role in the promotion of this day at various events and organizations, including the United Nations (UN), to disseminate a deep understanding of rare genetic disorders, spur early diagnosis, and buttress progress in treatment and care.

Hafeez termed the World Duchenne Awareness Day as a vital opportunity to raise the voice of people with DMD worldwide, reiterating the WHO’s commitment to working with Kuwait and other member countries to provide better health care.

The WHO’s representative underlined that this year’s theme: “Raise your voice for Duchenne” emphasizes the importance of amplif
ying voices to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and other dystrophinopathies Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare progressive disorder. People with DMD are missing muscle-protecting proteins. This is due to a fault in the gene-producing dystrophin. Muscles to become weaker over time until it affects the whole body. It is caused by a mutation on the X-chromosome, that is why mainly males are affected.

Recognizing that Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common pediatric genetic rare diseases, the General Assembly decided to designate 7 September, the current World Duchenne Awareness Day, as a United Nations Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2024.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

UK extends Ukrainian soldiers training program to late ’25


The UK has announced extending its training programs for Ukrainian soldiers until the end of next year.

In a statement on Saturday, the British Ministry of Defense said that the five-week program focuses on teaching newly-recruited soldiers the basics of using weapons, performing first aid, surveillance tactics and survival in harsh environment.

Since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the UK had trained over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers and officers. The country also pledged to provide annual military aid worth three billion sterling (USD four billion).

Source: Kuwait News Agency

CARIRS amends nationality status of 10,256 illegal residents


Kuwait’s Central System for the Remedy of Situations of Illegal Residents (CARIRS) announced on Saturday amending the situation of 10,256 illegal residents to their original nationalities from 2011 to August 2024.

Director of the Department of Situation Amendment at CARIRS Brigadier Mohammad Al-Wuhaib stated to KUNA that 6,054 residents’s status was changed to the Saudi nationality, 1,188 to the Iraqi nationality, 868 Syrian, 131 Iranian, 53 Jordanian and 1,962 others to different nationalities.

He added that these statistics include individuals with parents or relatives with documents from different countries.

Al-Wuhaib called on people wishing to amend their situation to follow up with CARIRS at their headquarters at Sharq area.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Vote counting begins for by-elections in Muharraq’s first constituency

Manama, Vote counting has commenced for the by-elections in the first constituency of Muharraq Governorate, with the process overseen by candidate representatives and monitoring associations. This follows the closure of polling stations at 8 pm.

The election saw a strong turnout from constituents, who demonstrated their commitment to their national duty in an orderly and well-organised process, highlighting the ongoing democratic development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

HM King congratulated by HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister

Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, received a cable of congratulations from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the victory of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, after securing first place in the 160 km FEI World Endurance Championship held in Montpazière, France.

In his cable, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister expressed his pride in Bahrain’s continued success in the sporting world, attributing the achievements to His Majesty’s unwavering support for the nation’s sports sector. He highlighted that Bahrain’s international recognition, especially in endurance racing, is a direct result of His Majesty’s vision and commitment, inspiring the nation’s athletes to strive for excellence.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister also praised HH Shaikh Nasser’s outstanding leadership and determination, wh
ich have cemented Bahrain’s position in endurance sports and brought further recognition to the Kingdom. He expressed his appreciation for the continued efforts to secure top honours in global competitions, reflecting HM the King’s dedication to Bahrain’s success.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

UoB completes preparations for new academic year

Manama, The University of Bahrain (UoB) has finalised its preparations for the start of the new academic year for undergraduate and postgraduate students, which begins tomorrow, Sunday, following the orientation week for new students held from September 2 to 5.

Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, President of UoB, welcomed all students, particularly the new entrants, congratulating them on reaching this important milestone in their academic life. He encouraged them to pursue specialised knowledge through scientific methods, critical thinking, problem solving, and creative analysis.

Around 3,400 new students took the English language exemption test on Monday and Tuesday, September 2-3, 2024, to determine whether they would be exempt from the preparatory programme or require one or two semesters of study.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Bahrain launches NSDP for unified financial, economic, demographic data

Manama, Bahrain has launched its National Summary Data Page (NSDP), a unified platform for publishing financial, economic, and demographic data, aimed at enhancing transparency and the integration of statistical information. The page facilitates the exchange of statistical and descriptive data.

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its international status under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He emphasised the role of comprehensive data in improving governance, attracting investment, and supporting the government’s efforts under the backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The Finance Minister also stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to apply the highest international standards, commending the collaborative efforts between Team Bahrain and the IMF that contributed to th
e launch of the NSDP.

The NSDP is available through Bahrain’s Open Data Portal, providing data exchange through Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX) and supporting Bahrain’s efforts to meet the IMF’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS).

Source: Bahrain News Agency

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister congratulates World Endurance Champion His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa


Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today congratulated the World Endurance Champion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, after securing first place in the 160 km FEI World Endurance Championship held in Montpazière, France.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed that HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s victory as World Endurance Champion is a testament to the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in advancing equestrian sports in the Kingdom.

His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of elevating the Kingdom of Bahrain’s standing in international sports competitions. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad also emphasised the importance of maintaining the Royal Endurance Team’s efforts, led by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, noting that their consistent to
p performances bring pride to the Kingdom and its sports sector.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for the Royal Endurance Team’s continued success, praising the team’s genuine determination and persistent ambition to ascend the podium and represent the Kingdom of Bahrain on the global sports stage.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister attends the FEI World Endurance Championship


Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today attended the 160-km FEI World Endurance Championship in Montpazière, France.

His Royal Highness congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on the victory of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of HM the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, who won first place in the World Endurance Championship. His Royal Highness also congratulated HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad for winning this global championship for the second consecutive time, highlighting the immense pride it brings to the country.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed that endurance racing in the Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved advanced levels, thanks to the unwavering support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad highlighted that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to enhance its global position in various spo
rts, particularly endurance racing, driven by the excellence of its athletes.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister underscored HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s role in advancing endurance racing in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Royal Highness commended HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s distinguished leadership of the Royal Endurance Team, which has contributed to Bahrain’s success in this field and at various sports events.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad noted His Highness’ commitment to preparing and training for the championship, which contributed to his victory.

His Royal Highness wished His Highness and the Royal Endurance Team continued success in securing future world championships and titles.

Additionally, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister attended competitions of the FEI World Championship, where top jockeys from around the world competed.

For his part, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad expressed his appreciation to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime, for t
heir unwavering support, which contributed to his victory at the FEI Endurance World Championship.

His Highness emphasised that this second consecutive victory is a direct result of the encouragement of His Majesty the King. Throughout his preparation, His Majesty provided continuous guidance and closely monitored every development of the race through regular communication. This support served as a powerful motivator for His Highness to secure first place and excel in endurance sports.

His Highness also highlighted that the presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister significantly boosted morale, contributing to the successful completion of the race.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad expressed his gratitude upon achieving first place, crediting the close support of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. HH Sha
ikh Nasser bin Hamad emphasised that the presence and engagement of his children and the children of HH Shaikh Khalid throughout the journey played a crucial role in his victory.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the race, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad noted the strong competition and difficult weather conditions in the early stages. However, through his experience and strategic insight, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad was able to develop a technical approach that led him to secure his second world title.

The FEI World Endurance Championship witnessed the participation of 118 male and female riders from 39 countries. The race’s distance was 160km, divided into six loops.

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, as well as His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Vice-President of the Supreme Council for Environment
, Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) High Committee, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, were also in attendance.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Polling stations close for by-elections in Muharraq’s first constituency


Manama, Polling stations for the by-elections in the first constituency of Muharraq Governorate closed at 8 pm today, following a strong voter turnout from the constituency’s residents.

Voters abroad had already cast their ballots in the by-elections last Tuesday at several of Bahrain’s diplomatic missions, according to the registered voter list for the same constituency.

Source: Bahrain News Agency