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Manama, Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs, received Lieutenant Commander Absil Vincent, the newly appointed French Military Attaché to the Kingdom of Bahrain, residing in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the minister wished the French Military Attaché success in performing his duties.
The two sides also reviewed the strong Bahrain-France relations.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Group, a leading enabler of digital transformation, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with New Murabba, a PIF Company, to enhance and facilitate the implementation of advanced communications and information technology at New Murabba. The partnership will leverage a wide range of innovative digital solutions provided by stc Group in the future.
Through these types of agreements, stc Group aims to drive digital and technical transformation across major projects in the Kingdom more broadly, enhancing infrastructure and digital services within its real estate sector by leveraging the most advanced solutions.
stc Group CEO Eng. Olayan Alwetaid said: ‘This strategic partnership reflects stc Group’s excellent digital ecosystem and its ongoing commitment to driving digital transformation and being a key enabler of national development. New Murabba represents a major national initiative, and we are deeply committed to supporting it by providing the latest digital technologies.’
New Murabba CEO Michael Dy
ke said: ‘Our strategic partnership with stc Group will position New Murabba as a pioneering urban development that enhances the quality of life and serves as a global example of innovation and sustainability. This collaboration will further establish New Murabba as one of the world’s most transformative, modern downtowns’.
The partnership between stc Group and New Murabba will boost innovation and improve the quality of life in alignment with the Kingdom’s objectives. It will also enable New Murabba to benefit from the most advanced technological solutions, offering a unique experience for residents, workers, and visitors.
This strategic alliance covers the potential implementation of all communications and information technology infrastructure projects. It also includes utilizing stc Group’s diverse and innovative digital solutions, which are supported by their expertise in smart city development. These solutions will encompass key elements such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud se
rvices, and cybersecurity.
New Murabba is shaping new standards for urban development in the Kingdom and championing Riyadh’s transformation into a global, modern metropolis. The destination will seamlessly integrate technology with nature and sustainability, driving the capital’s evolution and improving living standards. At the heart of New Murabba is the Mukaab, a cube-shaped skyscraper measuring 400 meters in height, width, and length, making it one of the largest urban structures in the world. The design draws inspiration from the region’s traditional Najdi architectural style.
This partnership underscores stc Group’s commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s real estate and tourism sectors by providing cutting-edge communications and information technologies to beneficiaries and visitors. It aims to elevate smart technology services in new urban developments, fostering the growth and expansion of the national economy. Ultimately, this partnership aligns with the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals and
will play a key role in enhancing the well-being of Saudi society.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Manama, Bapco Energies, the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and BlackRock, the global asset manager, announced that Bapco Energies has sold a minority ownership stake in the Saudi Bahrain Pipeline Company (SBPC) to a fund managed by BlackRock’s Diversified Infrastructure team. This transaction represents Bapco Energies’ first asset monetization and reflects BlackRock’s commitment to investing in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In conjunction with this transaction, Bapco Energies and BlackRock’s Diversified Infrastructure business have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on future Bahraini infrastructure and decarbonization projects. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines opportunities to provide technical expertise, financial support, and strategic guidance for renewable energy projects, electric vehicle charging, carbon capture and sequestration, direct air capture, energy efficiency, waste-to-energy, and biofuel operations, all aimed a
t reducing the carbon footprint of Bahraini infrastructure.
The signing ceremony, held in Bahrain, was attended by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, and Chairman of Bapco Energies, and Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment, Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, alongside senior representatives from Bapco Energies and BlackRock , Mark Thomas, Bapco Energies Group Chief Executive Officer, Edward Winter, Head of EMEA for Diversified Infrastructure at BlackRock and Yazeed Almubarak, Managing Director, BlackRock Middle East.
“The investment and strategic partnership with BlackRock marks a significant milestone for Bapco Energies and the Kingdom of Bahrain, as it aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the aspirations of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It highlights the a
ppeal of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s innovative approach to attracting foreign direct investments” Highness Shaikh Nasser commented.
“As we strive in Bapco Energies to maximize value across our investment portfolio, we are implementing a range of projects and initiatives that support comprehensive national development and capitalizing on our asset and operations management. These efforts are designed to not only enhance our economic resilience but also to foster innovation and sustainability within the energy sector. By doing so, we are contributing significantly to the national economy” Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Bapco Energies, said.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bapco Energies. This investment in Saudi Bahrain Pipeline Company not only gives our investors exposure to a critical, contracted infrastructure asset, it also supports the modernisation of a strategic asset for Bahrain as it seeks to achieve its decarbonization goals. It is also a testament to our position as a leading infrastru
cture investor in the Middle East, with the capability to source unique opportunities for our clients” Edward Winter, Managing Director, Head of EMEA for Diversified Infrastructure, BlackRock, said.
“At BlackRock, we are focused on identifying and investing in infrastructure assets that offer attractive risk-adjusted returns across the Middle East region. This investment in Saudi Bahrain Pipeline Company and the potential for future collaboration with Bapco Energies, reflects our commitment to working with key partners in the region to bring our infrastructure investment expertise to meet economic development and diversification goals” Yazeed Almubarak, Managing Director, BlackRock Middle East, said.
SBPC owns a portion of the 112-km pipeline supplying crude oil from Saudi Aramco to Bapco Refining, the national refinery of Bahrain and a subsidiary of Bapco Energies. Under the terms of the transaction, the BlackRock infrastructure fund has taken a minority stake in SBPC, while Bapco Energies retained majorit
y ownership and governance over the company. The proceeds from this transaction will be used for Bapco Energies capital. Bapco Energies is supporting the Kingdom of Bahrain to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, with a commitment to investing in decarbonization projects across government-owned energy and utility businesses.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
The Ministry of Justice has reported that its “Inquiry about Decedent’s Properties” service, offered through the Real Estate Market platform, has recorded over 1.5 million inquiries since its launch.
The service is part of the ministry’s endeavor to digitalize its services and increase its efficiency when dealing with clients.
According to the ministry, the online service enables users to inquire about the properties of a deceased individual electronically. To access the service, users must possess a valid electronic certificate of determination of heirs, which ensures secure and accurate access to information.
To utilize the service, users can navigate the Real Estate Market platform, select the “Decedent’s Properties” option from the real estate inquiries section, and browse a list of properties owned by the deceased. They can then choose specific properties and view detailed information, including property deeds and other relevant data.
The Real Estate Market platform, accessible at srem.moj.gov.sa, of
fers a variety of real estate services, such as real estate trading, mortgage and financing options, and title deed issuance for property subdivision and consolidation using the real estate identity. It also enables the digitization of deeds and provides a range of real estate indicators and inquiries, all through a secure and integrated digital platform designed for ease of use and reliability.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
New York, Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States, participated in a seminar organised by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, marking the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) between the United States and Bahrain.
Steven C. Bondy, Ambassador of the United States to Bahrain, also participated in the seminar.
The seminar underscored the advancement of security and economic relations following the signing of the historic agreement.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid commended the strategic Bahrain-US relations, which embodies the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
He highlighted that the signing of C-SIPA represents the strategic diplomatic efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the continuous follow-up from Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the National Security Advisor and Royal Guard
Commander.
The ambassador underscored the agreement as a significant milestone in the development of Bahraini-US relations and advanced cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted Bahrain’s role in regional defence initiatives and noted that the agreement provides a framework for enhanced defence integration, serving as a model that could be extended to other nations with aligned objectives.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid emphasised the core principles of the agreement, including respect for the rules-based international order, sovereignty, and freedom of navigation. He highlighted the joint threat assessment and the shared vision between the two nations in addressing global challenges.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Alshikh has said that Riyadh Season will host a Latino Night on November 16 at one of the new areas of Riyadh Season this year, The Venue.
The event, organized in partnership with Golden Boy Promotions, one of the leading boxing promotion companies owned by six-weight world champion Oscar De La Hoya, will feature the best Latin boxers, consistent with Riyadh Season’s commitment to delivering outstanding boxing matches that meet the expectations of fans worldwide.
Al Alshikh said that Latino Night will be broadcast globally for free, and that more details regarding the platforms for viewing the matches will be announced soon.
Latino Night will feature a historic bout between WBA Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, who boasts 46 victories, 30 by knockout, and seeks to become the undisputed champion in this weight class, and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Chris Billam-Smith, wh
o has 20 victories, 13 by knockout, and has defended his title in three consecutive bouts.
Ramirez made history as the first Mexican to become world champion in both Super Middleweight and Cruiserweight. He is now aiming to dominate the Cruiserweight division.
English boxer Billam-Smith has held the WBO Cruiserweight title since 2023 and held the European, British, and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles between 2019 and 2022.
This eagerly anticipated event will feature several other top boxing champions. Former American Olympic champion Jose Ramirez, who won 29 fights, 18 by knockout, will face fellow undefeated WBO top-ranked Arnold Barboza Jr., who has 30 wins, 11 by knockout, in a 12-round WBO Super-Lightweight World Title eliminator.
In another match, Mexican William “El Camaron” Zepeda, with 31 fights, 27 by knockout, will face former IBF World Champion, American Tevin Farmer, who won 33 fights, eight by knockout, in a 10-round lightweight bout.
In a 12-round WBA Super-Lightweight World Title elimina
tor, Mexican Oscar “La Migrana” Duarte, with 27 fights, 22 by knockout, will face American WBA top-ranked Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr., who has 21 wins, eight by knockout.
Uzbek boxer Bektemir “Bek” Melikuziev, with 14 victories, 10 by knockout, will take on undefeated Guatemalan Lester Martinez, with 18 wins, 15 by knockout, in a 12-round WBA Super-Middleweight World Title eliminator.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Riyadh, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighted that the Gulf-Chinese discussions focused on enhancing cooperation, building on strong relations and shared interests established during the first Gulf-Chinese Summit in Saudi Arabia in December 2022.
The meeting was co-chaired by Li Qiang, Premier of China’s State Council, and the GCC Secretary General.
The meeting discussed enhancing free trade negotiations between GCC member states and China and finalising the agreement soon. The discussions also explored strengthening cooperation across various domains and implementing the Joint Action Plan for 2023-2027.
The meeting also exchanged views on regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the serious and ongoing violations by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people. The Chinese side emphasised the necessity of working to achieve a ceasefire and implementing all relevant international and UN
resolutions.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
The Green Arts Park, in King Abdullah Economic City, provides a fun atmosphere for families through topiary.
The park increases the proportion of green areas, its design gives urban identity, and it creates an ideal environment for the city’s residents and visitors, and bolsters the Quality of Life Program.
The park, which overlooks the Red Sea coast, includes a variety of carefully clipped shrubs creating giraffes, camels, and other animals distributed throughout the park, to entertain the visitors.
The Green Arts Park is ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling in a wonderful atmosphere with an exceptional view of the Red Sea.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and Pearson, a leading education company, have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster the development of national capabilities in the AI and digital fields.
The memorandum was signed during the third edition of the Global AI Summit, held currently in Riyadh.
The partnership aims to nurture a skilled national workforce capable of driving the Kingdom’s AI-powered future. This includes creating tailored professional qualifications for the AI sector and associated digital technologies.
The memorandum highlights the importance of bolstering the capabilities of national workforce to contribute to the rapidly evolving technology industry.
The two parties will collaborate to create comprehensive assessment mechanisms that accurately measure proficiency in AI and digital technology skills. Such assessment will provide valuable information to employers, educational institutions, policymakers, and individuals, facilitating informed decisions regard
ing skill development and career paths.
The memorandum stipulates establishing testing centers for professional certificates, ensuring fair and comprehensive assessments for individuals wishing to demonstrate their AI and digital technology skills. Assessments will be made according to globally recognized standards.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
The State of Kuwait called on the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), provide it with the information it requires, and implement all the provisions of their joint statement.
This came a statement delivered by Kuwait’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Delegate to UN Organizations in Vienna Talal Al-Fassam at the regular session of the IAEA Board of Governors on Wednesday.
The Kuwaiti envoy commended the important IAEA roles, especially in implementing the comprehensive safeguards system under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Ambassador Al-Fassam highlighted IAEA Director General’s statement in his report to the Agency about Iran where he stressed that Iran must resolve the outstanding issues to help the IAEA assure the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.
The Kuwaiti Ambassador delivered another statement before the IAEA Board of Governors regarding the issue of verification and monitoring nuclear activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light
of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
In his statement, he said that the report issued by the IAEA Director General on August 29, 2024 indicated that the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate since Iran stopped implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA, including provisionally applying its Additional Protocol on February 23, 2021.
Ambassador Al-Fassam reiterated that the State of Kuwait’s firm stance that every country has the right to produce, develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
He, however, called on Iran to continue working with the Agency and fully adhere to the issued Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
He voiced Kuwait’s hope that Iran would ratify and implement the Additional Protocol so that the Agency would be able to provide credible assurances regarding the absence of undeclared n
uclear materials and activities in Iran and ensure its status as a non-nuclear-weapon state.
Source: Kuwait News Agency
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has implemented a novel irrigation technique utilizing fish farming wastewater, significantly boosting date palm productivity across the Kingdom.
Recent research indicates that this method has a profound effect on soil nutrient concentration and enhances various characteristics of dates, ultimately improving their economic viability.
Conducted by a specialized team, the study, titled “The Impact of Using Fish Farm Wastewater on Palm Production”, shows that using wastewater from fish farms is a pioneering approach in the realm of sustainable agriculture. The organic matter and nutrients, particularly ammonia, contained in fish food residues and fish waste improve soil health and increase crop yield.
According to the findings, date palms irrigated with fish farming water exhibited a remarkable 26% increase in fruit weight, a 17% gain in length, and a 13% increase in diameter. Notably, the levels of key nutrients in the dates surged as well, with sugar conte
nt rising by 25%, zinc by 367%, manganese by 112%, copper by 9%, calcium by 15%, phosphorus by 42%, and iron by 162%.
This research aligns with a national initiative aimed at expanding applied agricultural research, a key component of the Kingdom’s transformation strategy.
The study estimates that the 362 fish farms in the Kingdom generate approximately 386 million cubic meters of wastewater annually. The strategic use of this wastewater for irrigating date palms has the potential to greatly enhance local date production and quality, thus contributing to sustainable agricultural practices, in line with the goals outlined in Vision 2030.
Furthermore, the study highlights the economic advantages associated with utilizing fish farming wastewater for irrigation, which include improved nitrogen and organic matter levels in the soil, reduced reliance on manufactured mineral fertilizers, conservation of water resources, increased farmer income, and promotion of the circular economy.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Two brothers have been killed by Israeli occupation airstrike which targeted a motorbike in Bayada Village, south Lebanon, Lebanese Health Ministry’s emergency center announced on Wednesday.
Israeli occupation phosphorus bombing on Khiam village suffocated a citizen and was hospitalized for treatment, it added in a separate statement.
Israeli occupation warplanes carried out an airstrike on Ayta ash Shab Village and another one on the outskirts of Marwahin Town, National News Agency (NNA) reported.
It added that Israeli artillery bombarded some towns, including Blida and Khiam.
The agency quoted Lebanon’s resistance as saying that its fighters targeted Israeli occupation’s Zaoura military base with a barrage of Katyusha rockets.
Source: Kuwait News Agency