1 year ago

Renowned Bahraini Social Figure Passes Away At 98

Bahrain mourns the loss of Aisha Ahmed Al-Moayyed, a prominent social and cultural figure who passed away at the age of 98 yesterday. Aisha leaves behind a profound legacy, marked by her contributions to documenting the vibrant community life in Bahrain, particularly in Fareej Al-Fadil, where she spent her formative years. Born in 1926 to parents Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Moayyed and Maryam Al-Sahhaf, Aisha hails from a family deeply affected by the plague that swept Bahrain at the turn of the last century, claiming the lives of many of her relatives. She was the youngest among her siblings, with an older sister, Latifa, and a brother, Muayyad, who played a pivotal role in her education. Despite her upbringing in a prominent merchant family, Aisha’s childhood deviated from traditional gender norms. Assigned tasks like milking cows and household chores, she learned resilience and independence from an early age. Her educational journey began with learning the Holy Quran under the guidance of a volunteer named Safia Umm Muhammad Baqir. However, due to rumours surrounding the Christianization of Muslim students, Aisha was withdrawn from the American Mission School by her father. Later, she briefly attended Aisha Umm Al-Muminin School before opting for home education, […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Tops UN Tourist Arrival Ranking for 2023

Saudi Arabia has topped the United Nations Tourism Ranking in terms of the growth of international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019 among the countries hosting major tourism destinations. Saudi Arabia recorded an increase of 56 percent in the number of incoming tourists in 2023 compared to 2019, according to the World Tourism Barometer report issued by the United Nations Tourism Organisation in January. The report also indicated that the Kingdom has achieved a remarkable tourism recovery rate of 156 percent in the number of tourist arrivals during the year 2023 compared to 2019. The outstanding achievements in the tourism sector have contributed to positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Middle East region’s global recovery in the field of tourism. The Mideast region is the only region that surpassed pre-COVID-19 growth levels with a 122 percent recovery rate in international tourist arrivals during the year 2023 compared to the year 2019. According to the UN barometer report, several tourist destinations in the Kingdom witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of inbound and domestic visitors during the year 2023. Saudi Arabia also achieved a new record in the spending of inbound tourists and visitors, reaching more than […]

1 year ago

Lauryn Hill Electrifies Bahrain National Theatre in Spring of Culture’s 18th Edition

In a captivating debut performance at the Kingdom of Bahrain, multi-Grammy Award-winner Lauryn Hill set, on Friday 16 February, the Bahrain National Theatre ablaze with her presence, marking a high point in the eighteenth edition of the Spring of Culture. The audience, filling every seat in the house, was enthralled not only by Hill’s electrifying performance but also by the unexpected appearance of YG Marley, the grandson of the legendary Jamaican icon Bob Marley, who briefly stole the spotlight. The Spring of Culture, now in its eighteenth iteration, is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, and the Al Dana Amphitheatre. This cultural extravaganza is brought to life in partnership with Albareh Art Gallery, Al Riwaq Art Space, Art Concept, and La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art. This year’s edition proudly welcomes the Economic Development Board as its strategic sponsor, alongside Tamkeen, who shines as the gold sponsor. Completing the roster of support, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, and the National Bank of Bahrain generously contribute as silver sponsors, ensuring the continued success and vibrancy of this esteemed […]

1 year ago

When Will Saudi Arabia Join BRICS?

The BRICS alliance invited six new countries to join the bloc during the 15th summit in August last year. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Argentina, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia had been invited to join BRICS. However, Argentina was the first country to reject BRICS membership, as newly-elected President Javier Milei is sceptical about the bloc. Only the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia joined the BRICS alliance this year, in January 2024. Saudi Arabia has yet to give its consent to enter the BRICS and has kept the decision on hold. The Kingdom is weighing its options on the prospects of BRICS and has yet to conclude. Saudi Arabia is playing it safe, as it wants the support of both the BRICS and the West. It needs the support of BRICS and other developing countries that procure oil and other trade and services. Saudi Arabia also needs the US and other Western allies to keep its economy afloat and businesses running in the Kingdom. Despite trying to distance itself from the oil economy, Saudi Arabia is unable to maintain its GDP without oil. In addition, Saudi Arabia is opening up its economy to tourism, and defying the West will be a costly […]

1 year ago

Oman: Smuggling Operation Busted; Over 150 Kgs of Drugs Seized in South Al Sharqiyah

Eight people have been arrested with more than 150 kilograms of drugs in their possession, said the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Department, led by the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate Police, arrested 8 people of Asian nationality in possession of more than 75 kilograms of crystal meth, 85 kilograms of hashish, 3 kilograms of morphine, and 15,800 psychotropic pills.

1 year ago

Grammy-Winning Artist, DJ and Producer Zedd to Perform at F1 Bahrain 2024

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, announced yesterday that multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist, DJ and producer Zedd will be performing live at the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2024. Zedd will be taking to the main stage at BIC’s F1 Village vending area on the Friday night of the grand prix weekend, taking place 29 February to  March 2. All those with tickets to the F1 spectacle will be able to enjoy the concert at no extra charge. Zedd is the second artist announced by BIC who will be highlighting the weekend’s offtrack attractions. The German made his debut in 2012 with “Clarity” and has been breaking down barriers surrounding music genres ever since. Throughout his career, Zedd has worked with a diverse range of artists to create hits, including Foxes on “Clarity”, which earned Zedd a 2014 Grammy for Best Dance Recording; Hayley Williams on RIAA platinum-certified hit “Stay The Night”, which has racked up more than 950 million streams; and Selena Gomez on the platinum-certified track “I Want You To Know”, which spent four weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Zedd has also collaborated with Alessia […]

1 year ago

Dubai Announces 2024 Edition of Esports & Games Festival

Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) has announced its 2024 edition. Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, DEF 2024 will run from April 19 to May 5. “The Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2024 is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the skill, strategy, and the dedication of gamers and esports professionals across the city, the region and wider global landscape. In a city committed to the digital economy’s growth and transformation, this year’s festival is set to be the leader of the region’s gaming industry, solidifying Dubai’s position as a year-round global hub for esports and gaming. This year, DEF will go above and beyond, venturing into new innovative areas of gaming and esports experiences. DEF 2024 will bring together players, enthusiasts, and industry experts worldwide over their love of gaming and esports, while empowering these communities to thrive not just in Dubai, but across the wider GCC and beyond,” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said. The festival aims to surpass the benchmarks set by previous editions, featuring over 50 games played on 200 machines, including 11 […]

1 year ago

Bahrain: Rashid Equestrian Club Holds Season’s 22nd Race

In the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs; His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC) High Committee, and His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Vice-President of the Supreme Council for Environment, and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports member, the REHC today held the 22nd race of this season, 2023-2024, at Al-Raffah, Sakhir. Their Highnesses and equestrian sports fans, as well as sponsors’ representatives, attended the eight-round race, held over the cups of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad and those HH’s children, namely HH Shaikha Sheema bint Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HH Shaikh Khalid bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The ninth and tenth rounds of the Bahrain Turf Series were also held over the cups of Vision 2030, presented by BEYON, and Al-Sakhir, presented by Alba. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad expressed delight over the outstanding success of the […]

1 year ago

84 Motorists Fined for Watching Car Stunts During Rain in Sharjah

At least 11 vehicles have been impounded by Sharjah Police for reckless driving during rain. According to the police, motorists have been charged with driving recklessly and performing dangerous stunts during the rain. They not only endangered their lives but also posed risk to other road users. Police said that such a negative behaviour is not tolerated at all. Police have also issued fines to at least 84 motorists who had gathered at the same location to watch stunts. Police have called upon drivers to adhere to laws and traffic regulations to avoid hefty fines. Police also appreciate the community members for their cooperation for reporting such incidents.

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