8 seconds ago
Bahrain: Court Upholds BD 50 Fine For Fight Over Misunderstanding
Court records show that a misunderstanding between two men led to a quarrel and mutual assault, prompting the Public Prosecution to charge both individuals with attacking each other’s physical integrity. Medical reports confirmed that neither party suffered injuries severe enough to prevent them from carrying out personal tasks for more than 20 days. The incident occurred when the first appellant was seated in his vehicle and was approached by the second defendant to discuss the misunderstanding. The situation quickly escalated, with the appellant exiting his vehicle and a physical fight breaking out between the two men. As a result of the altercation, the second defendant sustained bruises to his nose and left arm. Both men were found to have assaulted one another. The Court of First Instance fined each party BD 50. While the second defendant accepted the ruling, the first appellant challenged the verdict before the High Court of Appeal, which upheld the fine. He then appealed to the Court of Cassation, which confirmed the lower courts’ rulings and rejected the appeal. The final judgment confirmed the BD 50 fine against the appellant, bringing the legal dispute to a close.
9 minutes ago
Bahrain: Two Jailed For Drug Trafficking Through ‘Dead Drop’ Method
The High Criminal Court sentenced the first and second defendants to 15 years in prison each, fined them BD5,000 each, ordered their deportation upon completion of the sentence, and confiscated the seized items of drug. The incident dates back to 6:30 a.m., when a police officer, after completing his shift, was heading to his residence in the Ras Rumman area. He noticed the two defendants acting suspiciously, appearing to distribute narcotics using the so-called “dead drop” method. One of them was placing an object while the other was using his mobile phone as if recording the location, prompting the officer to stop them. Location The officer identified himself, seized their phones, and found photos on one device marked with arrows pointing to the photographed location. Upon searching them, he discovered 24 small wraps in their pockets containing a crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The defendants and the seized items were then handed over to the Gudaibiya Police Station and the Anti-Narcotics Directorate. A captain from the Anti-Narcotics Directorate later took custody of the defendants and transferred them to their residence, as they had been caught in flagrante delicto. A search of their home uncovered a dark-colored substance, a bag […]
18 minutes ago
Strong Winds Sweep Across Bahrain
The Meteorological Directorate of Bahrain, under the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, has reported strong wind gusts across the kingdom on January 21, 2026. Measurements taken at 1:00 PM local time show northwesterly winds affecting key areas, in line with recent cold weather forecasts. Recorded Wind Gusts: The strongest gusts were recorded at the King Fahd Causeway. These winds are expected to bring cooler temperatures, occasional dust or sand in some areas, and may impact outdoor activities, driving on bridges and causeways, aviation, and marine conditions. Authorities advise the public to exercise caution in open areas, secure loose objects, and follow updates from the Ministry regarding road, transport, or sea safety. The weather is expected to remain cold with some clouds throughout the day.
31 minutes ago
91 Countries, One Passport: Saudi Arabia Emerges as MENA’s Travel Leader
For Saudi travellers, the world just got a little closer. According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Saudi Arabia has surged ahead of its regional neighbours — Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Iran ,offering citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 91 countries. It’s more than just a number. Each country unlocked represents new opportunities: a business meeting without visa hurdles, a holiday abroad without waiting in lines, a chance to explore cultures freely. In the eyes of Henley & Partners, Saudi Arabia isn’t just rising in the rankings – it’s stepping onto the global stage as a nation whose citizens can move with unprecedented ease. Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s neighbours are keeping pace, but with smaller steps. Bahrain offers access to 89 countries, Oman 85, Jordan 57, and Iran 41. The gap may seem small on paper, but for travellers, it’s the difference between effortless mobility and the bureaucracy of prior visas. So what’s behind Saudi Arabia’s leap? Diplomacy, foresight, and strategy. Over the past years, the Kingdom has signed visa-free agreements with Russia, expanded access to African and European countries, and simplified travel processes. Each handshake and negotiation translated into tangible freedom for its citizens. The result is a passport that […]
44 minutes ago
Saudi Arabia: Spears Of Victory 2026 Military Exercise Begins At Eastern Province Air Warfare Center
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced the start of the “Spears of Victory 2026” military exercise at the Air Warfare Center in the Eastern Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. The exercise is being conducted with the participation of branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, including land, air, naval and air defense forces, in addition to the Ministry of the National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, the Unified Military Command of the Gulf Cooperation Council and military forces from 15 allied and partner countries. Spears of Victory 2026, one of the largest air exercises in the region, aims to enhance military partnerships, strengthen the exchange of expertise in planning and execution, raise combat readiness and achieve advanced levels of operational coordination and integration among participating forces. The exercise includes a series of advanced training activities, such as joint and combined tactical operations, specialized academic lectures and operational missions designed to improve the performance of aircrews, technical and support personnel. It also evaluates modern military tactics, including electronic and cyber warfare, within a multidimensional operational environment that simulates real operational conditions. Forces participating in the exercise include those from Bahrain, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, […]
58 minutes ago
Turaif Records Saudi Arabia’s Lowest Temperature At -3°C
Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region recorded the lowest temperature in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, plunging to -3°C, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). Frost blanketed the area this morning, highlighting the intensity of the winter cold spell currently affecting the governorate. Other parts of the Northern Borders Region also experienced a significant drop in temperatures this morning, resulting in frost and ice formation overnight and during the early morning hours, particularly in open areas. According to the NCM, temperatures in Arar may drop to around -3°C due to a cold air mass affecting the area. The NCM had previously issued warnings about the cold wave affecting Turaif and other parts of the Northern Borders Region. It urged the public to take necessary precautions in the midst of a sharp drop in temperatures.
1 hour ago
Saudi Arabia: 4 Women Among 6 Expats Arrested For Prostitution In Tabuk
Tabuk police arrested six expatriates for their involvement in prostitution. A video posted by the Ministry of Interior on its Snapchat account showed the arrest of two men and four women engaged in prostitution in an apartment. The arrests were made in a security operation carried out by Tabuk police in coordination with the General Directorate for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking. The arrested suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal measures.
1 hour ago
Man Kills Girlfriend, Hides Body In Suitcase, And Tries To Smuggle It Out Of Kuwait
Kuwait’s Court of Appeals has upheld the death sentence for a man convicted of murdering his girlfriend in Rumaithiya suburb and concealing her body in a suitcase in an attempt to smuggle it out of the country. According to local media reports, the ruling, which was issued following a hearing presided over by judge Abdullah Al Othman, amended the original conviction to premeditated murder by strangulation while maintaining the maximum penalty. During proceedings before the criminal court, the public prosecution called for the harshest possible sentence, describing the defendant in stark terms and arguing that the crime constituted a grave violation of the most fundamental right — the right to life. Addressing the court, the prosecutor said the prosecution sought justice and retribution, adding that the request for the maximum penalty was rooted in the principle of fair punishment. A medical committee comprising psychiatrists examined the defendant and concluded that he did not suffer from any mental illness. The criminal court had initially sentenced the man to death and eight years in prison on additional charges, including desecrating a corpse, misuse of a telephone, drug use and the unlawful detention of the victim. However, the Court of Appeals revised the […]
1 hour ago
UAE Awards Scientists $1.5m Each To Make Rain Using AI, Nano-Particles, And Landscape Reshaping
The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science has chosen three winning projects to receive major funding, with each team getting up to $1.5 million( (Dh 5.511 million), over the next three years. The National Center of Meteorology in Abu Dhabi announced the grants today, continuing the country’s push to tackle water scarcity through innovative science. Three very different approaches won funding, each attacking the rainfall challenge from a unique angle. Dr. Dixon Michael from Colorado will use artificial intelligence and dual-polarization radar to figure out exactly what happens inside clouds when they’re seeded. His work promises to replace guesswork with hard data, showing scientists precisely which seeding methods actually work and why. Professor Linda Zou from Australia is developing entirely new cloud seeding materials using nanotechnology. Her team will create advanced particles specifically engineered to form ice crystals in clouds more effectively than current materials. AI will help optimise these particles, and she’ll install specialized testing equipment at the meteorology center while training UAE scientists to use it. The most unconventional project comes from Dr. Oliver Branch in Germany, who wants to modify the land itself to trigger rain. His research will test whether reshaping terrain and changing ground […]
5 hours ago
James Batts, Principal of Nadeen School Bahrain, discusses the institution’s focus on student belonging, using neuroscience-based learning approaches, expanded curriculum choices, and community events to help learners thrive. When we talk about school improvement, it’s easy to get caught up in exam results and league tables. But what if we focused instead on whether every young person genuinely feels they belong? While operating within the BQA and BSO frameworks, Nadeen School has been exploring what it means to create an environment where learners don’t simply attend classes but participate, grow, and be their unique selves. We’re rethinking some fundamental assumptions about how we support learning and thriving. Learning About Learning One shift that’s made a real difference is helping learners understand their own brains. The High Performance Learning approach weaves insights from neuroscience and performance psychology. When embedded throughout the Nadeen School curriculum, not just as an add-on subject, learners become more intentional learners. As students begin to grasp how memory works or why practice matters, they stop seeing struggle as failure and start recognising it as part of the process, part of life. A word of advice for any educator considering this approach: start small. A simple conversation about […]
5 hours ago
Audi officially began a new era in motorsport yesterday with the global debut of the Audi Revolut F1 Team at Kraftwerk Berlin. This event marked the public launch of the German manufacturer’s factory program, featuring the unveiling of the R26. This car will lead Audi’s first campaign in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The launch is the result of a multi-year shift that started in 2022. Audi has now fully combined its operations at three main European locations: the power unit division in Neuburg, Germany; the chassis and race operations in Hinwil, Switzerland; and a new technical facility in Bicester, UK. This setup allows Audi to function as a full works team, giving them complete control over both the combustion engine and chassis development. Technical and Visual Identity The R26 race livery introduces a distinct look for the brand’s F1 entry, marked by a titanium finish and exposed carbon fibre. The design features Lava Red accents and the iconic Audi rings, which the company set aside specifically for this project. This visual identity extends beyond the car to the team’s presence in the paddock and a new apparel line created with Adidas. Under the 2026 technical regulations, the R26 […]
8 hours ago
Fauci & Collins Brushed Off ‘Impressive’ Data for COVID Natural Immunity
Newly released emails reveal that senior Biden administration health officials privately grappling with research suggesting recovery from Covid-19 infection provided stronger protection than vaccination alone – at the very moment the federal government was preparing sweeping vaccine mandates in 2021. The correspondence, released under the Freedom of Information Act to the watchdog group Protect the Public’s Trust and shared with the Daily Caller News Foundation, offers the clearest documentary evidence to date that top officials recognized scientific uncertainties around one-size-fits-all vaccination policies, even as they publicly dismissed the value of natural immunity. At the center of the internal debate was a massive Israeli study of nearly 800,000 people that found prior infection conferred substantially stronger protection against reinfection than two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. In private emails, Dr. Anthony Fauci described the findings as “rather impressive,” acknowledging both the scale and rigor of the research, which had received prominent coverage in Science. “The data [in the Israeli study] as reported in the news article look rather impressive . . . . but I would imagine that it is more complicated than we think . . . . [I]t is conceivable and possibly likely that those who have had a serious systemic infection develop a high level of immunity that […]
8 hours ago
Pakistan to Send Chinese Warplanes to Libyan Faction Under Gen. Haftar
Pakistan has sealed a deal worth over $4 billion to sell military equipment, including warplanes jointly built with China, to General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army, according to a report by Reuters. The deal could significantly alter the military balance of power in the oil-rich North African country, where Haftar rules over the eastern half and a UN-recognized government led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh in Tripoli controls the west. “Please make your armed forces as strong as possible because armed forces did guarantee the existence of countries,” Pakistan military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir said in a visit to Benghazi last week, where he met Haftar’s son, Saddam. Reuters reported that the arms deal was finalized in that meeting. “Libya is a land of lions,” Munir said in a video clip of his address to Libyan National Army officers, referencing the Libyan Islamic Scholar Omar al-Mukhtar, whose struggle in the 1920-1930s against the Italian occupation of Libya was made famous in the 1981 movie Lion of the Desert starring Anthony Quinn. A copy of the arms deal seen by Reuters before it was finalized said Haftar’s LNA would purchase 16 JF-17 fighter jets, a multirole combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, along […]
10 hours ago
Medicine Prices in UAE Under Review as Officials Admit Cost Gap
The UAE is reviewing its drug pricing framework and preparing initiatives to encourage local manufacturing of essential medicines, as parliamentarians renewed calls for tighter price control and greater transparency to ease the burden on patients. During a recent Federal National Council (FNC) session on pharmaceutical security, officials acknowledged that medicine prices in the UAE remain higher than in regional and global markets, while confirming that a high-level, multi-ministry committee has been formed to study pricing mechanisms and market regulation. The Emirates Drug Establishment told the council it is revisiting drug pricing rules and developing initiatives to incentivise local manufacturers to produce essential medicines, particularly those used to treat chronic conditions, as part of broader efforts to improve availability and stabilise the market. Officials also recognised a clear difference between government procurement prices and those in private pharmacies, despite the existence of a federal unified procurement initiative through which medicines are purchased directly from manufacturers. Pricing review should impact patients Commenting on the discussion, FNC member Naama Al Sharhan said the council had pressed for a reassessment of medicine pricing, stressing that any reconsideration — especially for essential drugs — would have a direct and positive impact on patients. “Medicine today has become extremely important, particularly for […]
10 hours ago
Dubai Exchanges 58,000 Foreign Driving Licences in 2025 Across 57 Countries
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) replaced 58,082 foreign driving licences in 2025 as part of efforts to enhance quality of life and simplify procedures for residents and visitors. The licence exchanges covered driving permits issued in 57 countries that are recognised for replacement with a UAE driving licence, in line with ministerial decisions and memoranda of understanding signed between the UAE and the relevant countries. Sultan Al Akraf, Director of Drivers Licensing at the Licensing Agency, RTA, said the list of countries whose citizens are eligible to replace their licences includes: He noted that the most recent additions during the current and previous year include Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, the State of Texas, and Croatia. He said these additions reinforce Dubai’s approach to supporting international cooperation and serving community members of diverse nationalities, in line with the emirate’s position as a preferred global destination for living, working, and achieving quality of life. Al Akraf said the foreign driving licence replacement service is available through RTA’s website or via Customer Happiness Centres across Dubai. Driving licences in Dubai The procedure requires applicants to undergo an eye test at one of the approved vision testing centres, submit the application, present the original […]
1 day ago
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