2 hours ago
A total of 14 Yemeni nationals were arrested in Riyadh for exploiting as many as 27 children of their own nationality for exploiting them to practice begging in public squares and roads. The arrests were made during the security campaign, being carried out by the Riyadh police, in coordination with the General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes, to monitor and arrest beggars. The arrested Yemenis were referred to the Public Prosecution after completing the legal procedures against them. The security authorities are making coordination with the relevant authorities to provide the necessary humanitarian services to the children who were subjected to exploitation.
2 hours ago
The Nusuk app, the official guide for pilgrims visiting the Holy Cities, has introduced a suite of new services designed to enhance the visitor experience. The latest updates include features such as exploring unique and historical destinations, a tasbih service, a Hisnul Muslim guide for daily prayers and supplications, and Haramain Qur’anic recitations. Additionally, the app offers awareness cards, interactive maps, a calendar for events and activities, and a comprehensive digital guide with instructions available in multiple languages. Health information and services are also provided. Moreover, the app enables service providers to showcase their offerings electronically to Umrah pilgrims and visitors. The Nusuk app serves visitors from over 100 countries worldwide, operating in 10 languages. It provides more than 120 services to facilitate the arrival and experience of pilgrims. The app is integrated with 25 government bodies and 10 cooperating business sector entities, aiming to keep pace with the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts and enhance the use of technology.
2 hours ago
This year, the world is witnessing a moment of astronomical coincidence, as the first of Ramadan in the Hijri calendar coincides with March 1, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar astronomically, according to Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society. He said that the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycle, as each month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. The Hijri year consists of 354 or 355 days, which makes it about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year. The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar that depends on the earth’s rotation on its axis around the sun, and its number of days is 365 or 366 in a leap year such as 2024, which affects its synchronization with the Hijri calendar. Abu Zahra pointed out that since the Hijri year is shorter than the Gregorian year, the Hijri months gradually recede in the Gregorian calendar by 10 to 12 days annually. As a result, the Hijri months pass through all the seasons of the year during a cycle of approximately 33 years. “The precise synchronization – as in the case of Ramadan 1, 1446 corresponding to March 1, 2025 – only […]
2 hours ago
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has made available to individuals and establishments the service of refunding the value-added tax (VAT) for the donations provided to implement public benefit projects. The authority explained that the donor, who is eligible for refunding, is the one who sponsors or contributes to implement one or more public benefit projects, such as mosques, health centers, educational facilities, and other public benefit projects. This will be after taking into account the regulations issued regarding considering donors as persons eligible to refund the VAT. The authority said that donors wishing to benefit from the service shall go through the regulations related to considering donors as persons eligible to refund the value-added tax and the tax bulletin designated for it, and check the user guide by visiting the authority’s website. The guide explains the steps and procedures for registering donors as persons eligible to recover the value-added tax for public benefit projects. The authority stated that the most prominent requirements for a refund of the VAT include submitting the approval of the competent authority for the public benefit project and a contract or agreement to implement the project unless the donor is a legal person who implements […]
2 hours ago
Europe is growing more hawkish in its rhetoric, seeing the need for a counterbalance against Trump efforts to secure lasting peace in Ukraine, which recently included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing that the US does not see future NATO membership for Ukraine as a realistic possibility. The latest shot across the bow is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing that the UK is “ready and willing” to put British peacekeeping troops on the ground in Ukraine, and stressing it’s essential that the West backs Kyiv toward “securing a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty for the long term” which essential” to deter Putin from “further aggression.” There is as yet no framework for negotiated peace in place, and yet Starmer is talking boots on the ground. This was laid out in an op-ed the Telegraph newspaper published Sunday night. He sounded a similar note to other European leaders who have warned that Trump’s peace plan could cede all the immense sacrifices made defending Ukraine thus far. “We must be clear that peace cannot come at any cost,” Starmer said. “Ukraine must be at the table in these negotiations, because anything less would accept Putin’s position that Ukraine is not a real nation.” He stressed: “The end of […]
2 hours ago
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned on X that “Europe’s security is at a turning point.” She continued in the statement she wrote while arriving in Paris for “crucial talks” with European counterparts on the Russia-Ukraine war, “Yes, it is about Ukraine – but it is also about us.” “We need an urgency mindset. We need a surge in defense,” she wrote. “And we need both of them now.” The words come immediately on the heels of von der Leyen telling the Munich Security Conference, “I will propose to activate the escape clause for defense investments. This will allow member states to substantially increase their defense expenditure.” Europe is also deeply concerned that it is getting cut out of peace talks toward a negotiated settlement to end the Ukraine war. They are worried President Zelensky himself is getting sidelined, after last week’s 90-minute Trump call with Putin. Several media outlets reported on Sunday that initial talks will be held in Saudi Arabia, expected to kick off Tuesday, between Russian and American diplomats. Both sides have confirmed the talks: It appears final details ahead of the high-level talks were hammered out in a Saturday phone call between Secretary of State Rubio and top Russian diplomat and security official Sergey […]
3 hours ago
At the end of last week, the Department of Education (ED) issued a directive to public schools across the country, ordering them to either abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices or risk the loss of federal funding. As the Daily Caller reports, the department’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Craig Trainor, issued a letter saying that “educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices.” “Under the banner of ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (‘DEI’),” Trainor’s letter explained, certain individuals and organizations have been “smuggling racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming, and discipline.” While the previous administration vehemently forced such initiatives on public schools in the name of “diversity,” the Trump Administration has declared these practices to be in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As such, any schools that continue to endorse or engage in these programs “may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding,” Trainor declared. DEI programs often applied to both students and faculty, including influencing hiring decisions that overwhelmingly prioritized non-White minorities over White applicants, even if the former were […]
3 hours ago
After decades of dominating China’s market for high-performance cars with precision engineering, German automakers are losing out to Chinese rivals that have shifted the definition of a high-end car to one that is electric, smart and affordable. Many new Chinese vehicles resemble their German rivals, like the wildly popular Xiaomi SU7, which mimics Porsche’s Taycan. The SU7 rivals the Taycan in power and braking, but it also includes integrated artificial intelligence that can, for instance, help with parking and greet drivers with their favorite song. The cherry on top: It sells for roughly half the price of a Taycan. As a result, the German automakers that for decades commanded China’s premium car market are now seeing their sales dwindle, while Xiaomi — a leading Chinese smartphone manufacturer — last year sold more than 100,000 models of the SU7. Among the hardest hit has been Porsche, which reported last month that its deliveries in China plunged 28 percent in 2024. Although Porsche’s sales were up in every other region around the world, the decline in China was significant enough to pull down its global deliveries for the year by 3 percent. For years, German automakers relied on the Chinese market to […]
16 hours ago
The Public Prosecution has launched a comprehensive and ongoing investigation into an explosion in the Arad area that resulted in the complete collapse of a building, the death of two people, and injuries to six others. The blast also caused damage to nearby commercial properties and vehicles. According to the Head of the Muharraq Governorate Prosecution, the Public Prosecution received notification from the Al Hidd Police Station, under the Muharraq Governorate Security Directorate, regarding the incident. “Immediately upon receiving the notification, the Public Prosecution initiated an extensive investigation. A team from the Public Prosecution visited and inspected the scene of the incident, observing the extent of the collapse and examining the bodies of the deceased. Statements were taken from thirty-one individuals, including five injured persons and twenty-six witnesses,” a statement issued by the Public Prosecution indicated. As per the statement, the Public Prosecution has commissioned a forensic doctor to conduct a medical examination of the injured to determine the nature and cause of their injuries and the required duration of treatment. The forensic doctor will also examine the bodies of the deceased to determine the cause of death. The Public Prosecution has authorised the release of the bodies to their […]
16 hours ago
The Anti-Narcotics Directorate of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science has successfully apprehended multiple individuals of different nationalities in separate cases, seizing a total of 11 kilograms of narcotics and psychotropic substances with an estimated street value of BD80,000. According to officials, the arrests followed thorough investigations prompted by intelligence reports. The authorities swiftly acted upon the received information, leading to the identification and apprehension of the suspects. The operation underscores Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to combating drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety. Following the arrests, legal proceedings were initiated, and the cases have been referred to the Public Prosecution for further action. The General Directorate reaffirmed its dedication to tackling drug trafficking and urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to narcotics. Authorities continue to intensify efforts against drug-related offenses, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in curbing the illegal drug trade. This latest operation is part of Bahrain’s broader strategy to combat drug smuggling and protect its citizens from the dangers of narcotics. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies by reporting any illicit drug activities through official communication channels.
16 hours ago
A plan to ban the conversion of tourist visas into work permits has been knocked back by the Shura Council, with ministers arguing that existing enforcement has already cut such cases by 87 per cent. They warned that the proposal would only add costs for businesses without solving any real issue. The upper house threw out the amendment to the Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Law of 1965 and sent it back to Parliament for another look. The draft law aimed to introduce a new Article (7) bis, barring visit visa holders from switching to work permits in all cases. Proposal But after going through the proposal put forward by MPs, the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee decided there was no need for it. Committee Chairman Dr Ali Al Rumaihi, pointed to a ministerial decision already in place, saying it had slashed visa conversions. “The Interior Minister’s decision has reduced tourist visa switches by 87 per cent,” he said. Inspections “That shows the authorities are on top of the matter. The committee agreed that inspections by the Interior Ministry and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority are doing the job well enough. Instead of rushing into new laws, we should […]
16 hours ago
A woman’s desperate escape has brought down a human trafficking ring, landing a sex trafficker a 15-year prison sentence for kidnapping, rape, and forcing victims into prostitution. Bahrain’s highest court upheld the verdicts against him and two accomplices, who were also convicted of holding multiple women captive and profiting from their exploitation. The court confirmed earlier rulings from the lower courts, ensuring that the primary defendant-an Asian man — remains behind bars. He had abducted an Asian woman by force, assaulted her, and then stripped her of her freedom, forcing her into sex work and pocketing the proceeds. A third defendant was sentenced to three years and fined BD2,000, with both offenders ordered to leave the country once their time is served. A second defendant, sentenced to five years in prison by the lower court, did not challenge the ruling.
16 hours ago
The Southern Municipality has carried out extensive inspection campaigns to remove unlicensed collection boxes and containers designated for plastic, paper, cardboard, and clothing waste. Over the past two months, the municipality has successfully removed 700 unauthorized sorting containers. According to the municipality, these campaigns were conducted in coordination with the Municipal Council and relevant service authorities to curb the random distribution of illegal containers. These unregulated bins often obstruct visibility, hinder traffic movement, and pose safety risks to pedestrians. Additionally, the initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to regulations that uphold the urban and architectural identity of the Southern Governorate. The municipality urges all citizens to cooperate in ensuring the success of this campaign, which aligns with the Public Cleanliness Law issued under Decree No. (10) of 2019. This law mandates compliance with cleanliness standards to preserve the beauty of local communities and address visual pollution for sustainable urban environments. The law explicitly states that “waste collection and sorting must be organized in a manner that facilitates recycling, in accordance with recognized environmental standards.” It further stipulates that “appropriate containers must be provided for all types of waste in designated locations, ensuring their cleanliness and maintenance. […]
17 hours ago
In a move aimed at enhancing business flexibility and reducing operational costs, the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) has introduced a new six-month work permit option for expatriate workers already residing in the Kingdom. The latest initiative serves as an additional choice alongside the existing one-year and two-year permits, providing business owners with greater flexibility in managing their workforce. By allowing employers to utilize the existing talent pool, the new option is expected to create more success opportunities while streamlining operations for companies across various sectors. This strategic step aligns with Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to support the private sector and maintain a dynamic and efficient labor market.
17 hours ago
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) carried out 1,248 inspection campaigns and visits between February 9 and February 15, 2025. These efforts resulted in the detection of 45 illegal and non-compliant workers, while 115 violators were deported during the same period. The inspections also uncovered several violations related to the provisions of various regulatory laws, particularly the Labour Market Regulatory Authority Law and the Residency Law of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Legal measures were taken against those found in breach of the regulations. According to LMRA, a total of 1,230 inspection visits were conducted across commercial establishments in all governorates, in addition to 18 joint inspection campaigns. These included 10 campaigns in the Capital Governorate, two in Muharraq Governorate, five in the Northern Governorate, and one in the Southern Governorate. The inspections were carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior—represented by the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs, and the respective security directorates in each governorate—as well as the Ministry of Oil and Environment and the Supreme Council for Environment. The LMRA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing collaboration with government entities to intensify inspection campaigns across all governorates. The authority emphasized its dedication to addressing violations and practices that […]