Featured - Gulf Insider

1 week ago

How GPS Fails During Conflicts and the Alternatives We Urgently Need: A Case for Celestial Navigation

If you were in Manama and watched your phone insist you were in another country, you have already met the problem Shawn Usman is trying to solve. Usman is the founder of Rhea Space Activity (RSA), a US and UK defence contractor building navigation systems designed to work without GPS; they call this Celestial Navigation. He spent eleven years in the US intelligence community building spy satellites before starting the company eight years ago. In this conversation, Gulf Insider spoke to the former US Intelligence official about GPS spoofing in the Gulf, the mobile app his team is launching this summer that lets civilians fix their location by pointing a camera at the sky, and what the technology could mean for a region where signal disruption has become routine. We also spoke about a separate product built around laser communications and quantum encryption, and the case for bringing that kind of infrastructure to countries like Bahrain. You spent eleven years in US intelligence before founding RSA. What drew you to GPS vulnerability as the problem to solve? I worked for the US intelligence community for eleven years, primarily building spy satellites. When you build satellites, you are taking pictures of […]

As the Managing Director of TRACCS Bahrain, Irene Karamitsou leads one of the region's most influential communication firms.

3 weeks ago

Driving Business Transformation: Irene Karamitsou on the New Era of Reputation Management

As Managing Director of TRACCS Bahrain, Irene Karamitsou leads one of the region’s most influential communication firms. Her career covers the changing industry landscape in the GCC. She has seen how the industry has evolved from a simple support role to a key player in shaping boardroom strategy and driving business change. Under her guidance, TRACCS is upholding its 28-year tradition of agility while adapting to the growing importance of digital narratives and the challenges of a nonstop information environment. In this exclusive Q&A, Irene discusses with Gulf Insider the current needs of reputation management, the balance between efficiency driven by AI and leadership centred on people, and why genuine connections are still the most valuable asset in a busy digital world. You’ve been in Communications and marketing for a while now. What’s the biggest change you’ve witnessed in the industry since you started, and what surprised you about that shift? When I first started out in the industry, communications was often viewed as a support function responsible for the flow of information between brands and their audience. Today, communications is a strategic driver of business transformation, influencing boardroom decisions, investor confidence, and long-term brand value. We as communicators are […]

1 month ago

CZ Releases New Memoir Highlighting the Rise of Crypto and the Story of Binance

Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has published a new memoir, with a candid account of the early days of crypto, the rapid rise of Binance, and the personal cost of building one of the biggest platforms in modern finance. Freedom of Money: A Memoir of Protecting Users, Resilience, and the Founding of Binance launched globally on 8 April 2026 on Amazon Kindle and paperback. The book traces CZ’s journey from his unconventional path into technology through the founding and growth of Binance during a period of unprecedented expansion in the cryptocurrency industry. Part memoir and part reflection on the evolution of digital assets, the book offers readers a builder’s perspective on what it was like to grow a global platform in a new industry where the rules were still being written. “While many people congratulated me on being number one, something else gave me more satisfaction,” CZ writes in the book. “I was getting messages from users all around the world thanking us for providing them with financial access or even financial freedom.” The memoir also reflects on the challenges that came with building at such speed, including the pressures of scaling a global company, regulatory scrutiny as the industry […]

2 months ago

Binance Bahrain Partners with Beyon Connect for Safer, Easier User Integration Through eKey 2.0

Binance Bahrain has partnered with Beyon Connect to make user verification safer and easier. The partnership integrates Bahrain’s eKey 2.0 National Identity system into Binance Bahrain, enabling citizens and residents to verify their identity when using the platform securely. Through Beyon Connect, an authorised reseller of eKey 2.0, Binance Bahrain can access verified, government-backed user data needed for Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. Users can now log in and verify their identity using eKey 2.0 through the Bahrain eGovernment App Store (bahrain.bh/apps), ensuring a smooth and secure digital experience. Driving Bahrain’s Digital Transformation The enhanced eKey 2.0 National Identity solution is a key part of Bahrain’s digital transformation. It is a government-developed platform designed for use by both public and private sectors. eKey 2.0 helps reduce costs by offering secure, user-friendly identity verification without requiring extra investment in technology or infrastructure. Using biometric authentication and 3D facial recognition, it replaces older OTP-based systems, cutting fraud risks while improving convenience and user experience. Tarik Erk, MENAT Lead, Binance, commented: “We are proud to partner with Beyon Connect to integrate eKey 2.0 into Binance Bahrain’s onboarding journey. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting Bahrain’s innovation-driven digital vision, while delivering a seamless, […]

2 months ago

The Risks of Oversharing: Why Privacy Settings Matter for Middle Eastern Families?

A recent survey conducted by the Toluna Research Agency at the request of Kaspersky has revealed that nearly half of parents across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (48%) regularly keep sharing photos, videos, or updates of their children on social media. While the majority of these parents (72%) limit visibility to friends or followers, more than a quarter (28%) maintain fully public accounts, making their children’s content accessible to any internet user. Motivations and Consent The primary motivation for sharing is the preservation of memories, cited by 64% of respondents, while 42% post out of pride in their children’s achievements. However, social pressure and engagement also influence behaviour; 21% post because they see others doing so, and 10% admit to sharing content specifically to increase follower counts or likes. While 59% of parents claim to ask for their child’s permission before posting, one in five admits to publishing content even if the child disagrees. Long-Term Security Risks Experts warn that what may seem like a harmless family moment can contribute to a permanent digital footprint with long-term risks. Oversharing can unintentionally expose sensitive details such as full names, birth dates, school locations, and daily routines. This data can be exploited […]

2 months ago

Porsche Centre Bahrain Debuts Custom Panamera GTS in Arena Red

Porsche Centre Bahrain has expanded its local lineup with a customised Panamera GTS. The vehicle, finished in a special Arena Red paint, showcases the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur program. This part of the German automaker focuses on high-level personalisation, allowing buyers to change almost every aesthetic aspect of their vehicles. The arrival of this particular unit underscores the brand’s attention to the demand for luxury sedans in the Bahraini market. Technical Specifications and Performance The new Panamera GTS features a significantly updated 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. This engine delivers 500 PS (368 kW) and produces a maximum torque of 660 Nm. With the standard all-wheel drive and the Sport Chrono Package, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The manufacturer states that the top speed of this model is 302 km/h. To handle this power, Porsche has made several chassis-specific upgrades. The GTS variant has a dedicated adaptive air suspension system that sits 10 mm lower than the standard Panamera. It also includes the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system, which enhances cornering by distributing torque between the rear wheels. The exterior boasts 21-inch forged wheels with a central locking mechanism, a feature usually found on […]

2 months ago

Two US Federal Courts Dismiss Terrorism-Funding Claims Against Binance

Two US federal courts have dismissed the claims brought against Binance under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in the space of a week. The rulings were delivered by courts in the Southern District of New York and in Alabama. In separate rulings that came out in favour of the world largest cryptocurrency exchange by registered users, judges determined that the plaintiffs failed to meet basic legal standards to support their allegations. One court described the filing as a “shotgun pleading,” while the other rejected every claim across a 62-page decision. Both courts have allowed the plaintiffs an opportunity to file amended complaints, though in each case the judges flagged serious deficiencies in the original filings. New York Ruling In a 62-page decision, the New York court dismissed all claims brought by 535 plaintiffs who alleged that Binance provided material support related to 64 terrorist attacks. The court found that the plaintiffs failed to establish any of their central allegations: that Binance assisted terrorists, associated itself with terrorist attacks, participated in or sought to advance those attacks, or engaged in any conspiracy with terrorist organisations. The court has allowed the plaintiffs 60 days to file an amended complaint in light of a […]

3 months ago

Designing an Inclusive Financial Future: Spotlighting Binance Sharia Earn and Halal Rewards

As digital assets continue to mature globally, the conversation in the Middle East is shifting. It is no longer just about access to crypto. It is about how that access is structured. In a region where financial systems have long been shaped by strong governance frameworks and clearly defined compliance standards, innovation cannot be disruptive. It must be inclusive by design. That is where structured, Sharia-aligned financial innovation enters the picture, as a framework for clarity, transparency, and broader participation. This approach is especially significant considering that global Islamic finance assets are projected to reach US$9.7 trillion by 2029, growing at an average annual rate of 10% [LSEG Islamic Finance Development Indicator 2025 / ICD Islamic Finance Report]. This highlights the vast potential for growth within Sharia-compliant financial markets. Across the region, millions of potential users remain cautious about digital assets, not due to a lack of interest, but because they want greater clarity on how returns are generated, what mechanisms underpin yield products, how risk is structured, and which governance standards apply. “Financial freedom must be built on trust and clarity,” said Tarik Erk, MENAT Lead & Senior Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi at Binance, “In this region, inclusive growth […]

3 months ago

Gulf Hotels Group Expands into Saudi Arabia Amid Strong 2025 Results

Gulf Hotels Group B.S.C (GHG) has released its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ending 31 December 2025. The Group posted a net profit of BD 9.8 million for the year, a 10.4% increase from the BD 8.9 million recorded in 2024. The Group’s growth over the last two years shows a clear upward trend. Since 2023, net profit has jumped from BD 6.8 million to BD 9.8 million, which is a 44% increase. Management credits this growth to careful operational execution and improved cost management. Fourth Quarter Financial Performance In the final three months of 2025, the Group earned a net profit of BD 3.33 million. This marks an 11.6% increase compared to the BD 2.98 million earned during the same period the year before. Earnings per share for the quarter rose to 15 fils, up from 13 fils in 2024. Total comprehensive income for the quarter increased significantly to BD 4.4 million, more than double the BD 2.2 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, revenue for the quarter stayed flat at BD 10.6 million, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.41% compared to the previous year. Full Year Results and Dividends For […]

3 months ago

From Exchange to Infrastructure: How Binance is Integrating Crypto into the Region

As the global crypto market enters a more mature phase, a quiet transformation is underway. What was once driven by speculative trading and rapid experimentation is increasingly being shaped by institutional participation, regulatory clarity, and real-world financial integration. At the centre of this shift is a growing focus on infrastructure, the systems, liquidity, compliance frameworks, and technical rails that allow digital assets to operate at scale. This evolution is particularly visible across the region, where regulators and financial institutions are actively building frameworks for digital-asset adoption. From the UAE to Bahrain to Pakistan, Binance’s recent regulatory milestones and partnerships point to a strategy centred on long-term integration rather than short-term growth. Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is navigating this transition. With over 300 million users, the platform is moving away from being just a trading venue. It is now positioning itself as a provider of technical support, liquidity, and compliance systems that enable digital assets to operate globally. This shift comes as on-chain activity reaches record highs, and stablecoins become a primary method for international payments. From Trading Venue to Infrastructure Layer Global market data shows how crypto usage is changing. On-chain activity reached record levels in […]

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How GPS Fails During Conflicts and the Alternatives We Urgently Need: A Case for Celestial Navigation

Driving Business Transformation: Irene Karamitsou on the New Era of Reputation Management

CZ Releases New Memoir Highlighting the Rise of Crypto and the Story of Binance

Binance Bahrain Partners with Beyon Connect for Safer, Easier User Integration Through eKey 2.0

The Risks of Oversharing: Why Privacy Settings Matter for Middle Eastern Families?

Porsche Centre Bahrain Debuts Custom Panamera GTS in Arena Red

Two US Federal Courts Dismiss Terrorism-Funding Claims Against Binance

Designing an Inclusive Financial Future: Spotlighting Binance Sharia Earn and Halal Rewards

Gulf Hotels Group Expands into Saudi Arabia Amid Strong 2025 Results

From Exchange to Infrastructure: How Binance is Integrating Crypto into the Region

Recent Posts

Pakistan Deploys Thousands Of Troops, Jet Fighter Squadron To Saudi Arabia

“The Political Shift Is Inevitable”: AfD Leader Weidel Heralds New Polling High For Party

Pentagon Urged No Resumption Of Strikes As Iran Grew More Effective Tracking US Air Ops: NYT

“Closely Monitoring The Situation”: Germany Fears Next Migration Wave After Spanish PM Welcomes Hundreds Of thousands Of Illegals

LMRA Conducts 1,222 Inspection Campaigns, Visits

Customs Affairs Updates Duties On Personal Shipments And Postal Parcels Under GCC Unified Customs Law

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