Day: October 1, 2024

On behalf of Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Public Diplomacy Deputyship Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi has participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS held in Washington. The event, chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saw participation from representatives of 87 countries and coincided with the tenth anniversary of the coalition’s founding.

In his opening address, Dr. Al-Rassi extended the minister’s greetings to attendees and welcomed the Maldives as the coalition’s newest member. He emphasized the need for global cooperation in addressing the rising threats of terrorism, stating, “The world is witnessing many unprecedented crises, risks, and challenges, including the rise of the scourge of terrorism, which poses a significant threat to international peace and security.”

Dr. Al-Rassi reiterated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm rejectio
n of extremism and terrorism in all forms, highlighting the Kingdom’s influential role in maintaining security and countering terrorism on local, regional, and international fronts through an integrated strategic approach.

He noted the Kingdom’s substantial financial contributions to the coalition since its inception, including a recent donation of $30 million in 2023. Saudi Arabia has also hosted ministerial meetings in 2014 and 2023 and has taken on leadership roles in the Financing Group and the Focus Group on Africa.

Dr. Al-Rassi expressed hope that joint efforts would further the coalition’s goal of eradicating ISIS and other terrorist organizations, ultimately promoting security and stability for all nations and fostering a better future for coming generations.

The Saudi delegation included Major General Abdullah bin Saeed Al-Qahtani, representing the Presidency of State Security.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Interior Minister, met with Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, in the presence of Yousif bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Jaafari Endowments Council.

The Interior Minister stressed the importance of places of worship in promoting societal unity and fostering moral values. He also underscored the responsibility of all citizens in maintaining security and public order.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Advisor at the Royal Court and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah met with Saudi Ambassador to Mali Abdullah bin Saleh Sabr at KSrelief headquarters in Riyadh today.

During the meeting, the officials discussed matters of mutual interest concerning humanitarian and relief operations. Ambassador Sabr commended Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, recognizing its vital role in assisting needy and affected people by crises worldwide.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Bahrain, launched a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of nature and promoting green spaces across the Kingdom.

The campaign, titled Buthoor Al Bahrain (Seeds of Bahrain), is part of the Building Smart, Green, and Sustainable Cities project, conducted in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other local entities.

The launch coincides with Urban October, a global celebration aimed at fostering better urban future. The initiative includes the introduction of the Buthoor Al Bahrain digital platform, where residents can suggest tree-planting locations, and the Mobile Seeds truck, which will distribute trees and engage with communities across Bahrain.

On this occasion, Waleed bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, emphasised the campaign’s alignment with Bahrain’s national afforesta
tion plan, aiming to plant 3.6 million trees by 2035. He also highlighted the strong partnership between Bahrain and the United Nations in advancing sustainable development.

Khaled El Mekwad, UN Resident Coordinator, commended the cooperation, noting the campaign’s role in promoting sustainable development goals, particularly environmental preservation.

Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), underscored the initiative’s support for increasing Bahrain’s green coverage. She highlighted the contributions from the public and private sectors, as well as international organisations, in achieving the objectives of the national afforestation plan.

Shaikha Maram bint Isa expressed her hope that the campaign would further raise awareness of the importance of tree planting in contributing to sustainable development goals.

Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of the Un-Habitat Country Programme in Bahrain, highlighted the environmental and psycholo
gical benefits of green spaces, adding that the campaign would help create a balanced, healthy urban environment.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) is gearing up to hold the “third coordinating forum for Saudi institutions concerned with the Arabic language on October 2-3 under the theme “Investing in the Arabic Language”.

Representatives from Saudi universities, government and private language institutions, non-profit organizations, and Arabic language specialists will attend the forum. This is in line with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, a Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

In its main sessions, the forum will discuss four key themes: investing in the development of language skills, investing in education and distance learning, investing in language testing, and investing in the cultural and tourism sectors.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa visited today the Abu Dhabi Naval Base in the United Arab Emirates.

Upon arrival, His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman was received by HE Major General Staff Pilot Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, along with senior officers of the UAE Naval Forces.

The visit is part of the Bahrain-UAE cooperation in the military field, specifically between the Royal Bahrain Naval Force and the UAE Naval Forces.

His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman affirmed the deep-rooted Bahrain-UAE relations, supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.

During the visit, His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman was briefed on the establishment and development of the UAE Naval Forces, including their capabilities, potential, and level of readiness in carrying out their national tasks
and duties.

His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman further toured the naval base, where HH observed various types of warships and the latest advanced naval systems in use. HH the Staff Commander also met with several ship captains and crew members.

His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman highlighted the UAE Naval Force’s combat readiness and their contributions, alongside other allies, to further enhancing regional maritime navigation.

His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman emphasised the importance of joint cooperation in advancing regional progress and development.

His Highness Staff Commander Shaikh Isa bin Salman concluded by expressing his gratitude to HE the Commander of the UAE Naval Forces and the members of the Abu Dhabi Naval Base for the warm hospitality extended during His Highness’s visit.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Financial Academy Forum 2024 is set to commence in Riyadh on October 9 under the patronage of Chairman of the Capital Market Authority and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Financial Academy (FA) Mohammed bin Abdullah Elkuwaiz in the presence of key local and international decision-makers and financial experts.

FA Director General Mana Alkhamsan said that the forum, now in its third edition under the theme “Sustainable Talent Growth,” will serve as a vital platform for leaders in the financial sector. Attendees will include high-ranking government officials, CEOs, prominent figures in finance, researchers, academics, and practitioners, along with experts in banking, investment, finance, and insurance, all focused on sharing knowledge and best practices in human capacity development amid technological advancements and innovation.

The forum is periodically organized to promote professional growth, boost ties among sector leaders and professionals, and advance sustainable human capital development
in the Kingdom. Forum topics and registration details can be found at https://forum.fa.gov.sa/.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), an award-winning venue, is set to host a series of prestigious exhibitions and conferences, further establishing Bahrain as a leading hub for global business tourism, entertainment, and high-profile Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events from October 2024 through early 2025.

EWB aims to enhance its reputation as a premier international destination for a wide range of notable events. From October until the end of 2024, the venue will offer an impressive calendar of internationally recognised events, drawing participants from across the region and the world.

October will see the launch of Fintech Forward, organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, which will highlight the latest innovations in financial technology. This will be followed by Cocoon’s 25-Year World Tour, celebrating the band’s legacy, and the globally renowned World Routes event, a major aviation networking platform made possible through a strategic collaboration betwee
n Bahrain Airport Company, Gulf Air, and Informa Markets.

The calendar also includes the International Maintenance, Reliability and Asset Management Conference (MAINTCON) 2024 and the 9th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Gastronomy Forum, which will explore the intersection of gastronomy and tourism.

In November, EWB will host Jewellery Arabia, Scent Arabia, and Cityscape Bahrain, organised by Informa Markets, for the third time in a row.

Heading into 2025, EWB will continue to welcome prominent events catering to diverse sectors. Highlights include the Innovation in Social Housing Conference, the Autumn Fair, the 3rd GCC Law and Arbitration Week, and the Educational Supplies and Technology Fair. February will feature the return of the Bahrain International Garden Show, focused on horticulture and landscaping, followed by the Global Water, Energy, and Climate Change Congress.

In addition to these large-scale events, EWB will host various private and corporate functions, including banque
ts and graduation ceremonies for local schools and universities.

Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain, commented: “We are excited to unveil an outstanding lineup of events in the coming months, many of which are making their debut in Bahrain.”

This diverse programme reinforces Bahrain’s and EWB’s position as a premier destination for global business and innovation. It also aligns with our strategic efforts to attract world-class exhibitions and conferences, foster international collaborations, and showcase the region’s dynamic potential, with Bahrain at its core. Exhibition World Bahrain is set to become a cornerstone of Bahrain’s business tourism strategy, and the attraction of major global events solidifies this vision.”

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Roads General Authority (RGA) announced that its strategic partnership with the Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) has significantly contributed to improving spending efficiency in road projects and maintenance, enhancing performance-based contracts, and elevating the quality of infrastructure and road assets across the Kingdom. This initiative aligns with RGA’s broader efforts to enhance the quality of the Kingdom’s road network.

RGA highlighted that this collaboration has shifted 62 contracts toward performance-based models, resulting in financial savings of more than 30% in road maintenance costs. The partnership has also played a key role in achieving 70% localization in the road sector. Additionally, RGA has implemented a comprehensive asset management system based on international best practices and automated maintenance operations to increase efficiency and precision.

These achievements align with the Kingdom’s vision of establishing itself as a global logistics hub by improving
road infrastructure. The RGA reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to future projects, with plans to collaborate further with EXPRO to elevate the quality of the road network. The goal is to secure the sixth rank in the global road quality index by 2030, reduce road fatalities to under five per 100,000 people, and meet International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) standards for traffic safety.

The RGA also emphasized its dedication to enhancing service levels on the road network, increasing private sector involvement, and adhering to the road sector strategy, which prioritizes safety, quality, and traffic management.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), received Shaikh Khalifa bin Duaij Al Khalifa.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz received British Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis in Riyadh today.

During the meeting, they discussed various topics of mutual interest.

Assistant Minister of Interior Dr. Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al-Falih, British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton, and a number of the Saudi ministry’s officials were present at the meeting.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), received this morning retired General Sir Nick Carter, Vice Chairman of the International Advisory Council and former Chief of Defence Staff of the British Armed Forces.

The meeting reviewed cooperation and coordination between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom.

Source: Bahrain News Agency