Breaking News
12 months ago
Information & eGovernment Authority (IGA) announced yesterday that citizens and residents can now access ID card and birth certificate eServices through the MyGov app, as part of efforts to enhance accessibility and ensure seamless transactions. The launch marks the first phase of integrating these services into the unified digital platform. The first phase of MyGov includes ID card services such as issuing and renewing ID cards, obtaining replacements for lost or damaged cards, and tracking application status. These services are among the most widely used, with an annual average exceeding 700,000 transactions, both in-person and online. Having them available in a single app for the first time allows users to complete transactions more easily. Additionally, the app enables users to view their birth certificates, along with the ID cards of their children under 18 and domestic workers. Duaa Sultan Mohammed, Deputy Chief Executive for Statistics and Population Registry at the iGA, described the move as a significant step in Bahrain’s digital transformation, ensuring streamlined access to key government services. She confirmed that future phases will expand the range of available services while maintaining international standards for customer service and user experience. Launched by H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al […]
12 months ago
The National Media Office (NMO) has issued a statement calling on social media users in the UAE to uphold national values of respect, tolerance, and coexistence when posting online. The office emphasised that users must adhere to ethical and legal standards when using digital platforms and avoid content that “abuses or disparages national symbols, public figures, or friendly countries and their societies.” The NMO warned that legal action would be taken against those who violate these directives, in accordance with UAE laws designed to maintain a “safe and balanced digital environment that encourages mutual respect,” according to a statement by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). UAE National Media Office issues guidelines for social media users “Sharing misleading information, hate speech, or defamation – whether directly, indirectly, or by implication – violates the law and is subject to strict legal penalties,” the statement noted. The office referenced President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s message that UAE citizens serve as ambassadors for their country. “Every action you take, positive or negative, reflects your Emirati identity. We are all responsible for shaping the reputation of this country, as each of us is a guardian of its honour and standing,” the President said. Social media users were urged […]
12 months ago
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced receiving the first signal from Etihad-SAT, its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. It represents a technological leap in MBRSC’s satellite fleet, integrating radar imaging technology with existing optical satellite capabilities. Unlike traditional optical cameras, radar imaging relies on radio waves that penetrate clouds, darkness, and even rain, making it a powerful tool for consistent and uninterrupted data collection. View this post on Instagram A post shared by مركز محمد بن راشد للفضاء MBRSC (@mbrspacecentre) Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, noted that the UAE is steadily advancing towards strengthening its position among the leading nations in space science and technology, guided by the vision and support of the leadership. “This milestone paves the way for leveraging space technologies across various fields that serve the nation.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by مركز محمد بن راشد للفضاء MBRSC (@mbrspacecentre) Strategic partnership Etihad-SAT was developed through a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative. MBRSC’s team led the technical specifications phase before moving on to preliminary design and technical validation to ensure compliance with the highest global standards. In the later stages, MBRSC engineers took the lead […]
12 months ago
The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) has confirmed the successful deployment and operation of Bahrain’s Al Munther satellite in orbit. The satellite has fully activated its solar panels and sensors and has successfully transmitted its first signal to ground stations, verifying its operational status. Al Munther was launched earlier today, March 15, 2025, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket developed by SpaceX. The Falcon 9 is one of the most frequently launched rockets, known for its reusable design that reduces the cost of space access. It is a two-stage, partially reusable launch vehicle measuring 70 meters in height and 3.7 meters in diameter. The rocket has a maximum payload capacity of 22,800 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 8,300 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). It is powered by RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX) fuel.
12 months ago
Etihad-SAT, the UAE’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, was successfully launched today aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The highly anticipated launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the US. This is a groundbreaking achievement for the UAE’s space ambitions and marks a significant milestone in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s (MBRSC) growing contributions to space exploration and technological innovation. The launch was initially scheduled for 10.39am, but was later moved to 10.43am. Developed as part of a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT was designed with the involvement of MBRSC’s team, who led the technical specifications phase before moving on to preliminary design and technical validation to ensure compliance with the highest global standards. MBRSC engineers then took the lead in finalising the design and manufacturing in partnership with Satrec Initiative. Earth observation Etihad-SAT is equipped with advanced SAR technology that enables high-precision Earth observation in all weather and environmental conditions, both day and night. The satellite offers three imaging modes: spot mode (high-resolution imaging for small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage for large regions), and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions). These features make Etihad-SAT a powerful tool for multiple […]
12 months ago
Saudi sovereign wealth fund-backed Scopely Inc. has agreed to buy Niantic Inc.’s gaming business, including the mobile hit Pokémon Go, for $3.5 billion. Scopely, which is owned by a unit of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, will also acquire Pikmin Bloom and Monster Hunter Now from Niantic, along with the teams working on them, the Saudi company said in a statement on Wednesday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report. Niantic’s games encourage players to go outside and explore their neighborhoods to receive in-game rewards. The Niantic games business generated more than $1 billion in revenue from 30 million monthly active users last year, Scopely said. Beyond the runaway success of Pokémon Go, many of Niantic’s other games have struggled to gain traction or have shut down entirely. Scopely will not acquire Niantic’s mapping technology business, which the company’s Chief Executive Officer John Hanke will helm under the new name, Niantic Spatial. Using players’ data, the company said in a press release, it will build mapping technology that “captures the content of the world at a level of fidelity never before achieved” with applications in manufacturing, education, warehousing, logistics, tourism and more. Niantic Spatial is funded with $200 million […]
12 months ago
The number of drone operators in the UAE is expected to double in the coming years and authorities have laid out plans for navigation and airspace rules in the country. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has introduced the region’s first national regulation for the certification of air navigation service providers for unmanned aircraft, known as CAR Airspace Part Uspace. This regulation sets a comprehensive framework for organisations seeking to provide air navigation services for drones, ensuring they meet strict operational and safety requirements. UAE drone operators Designed with a holistic approach, the new regulation covers every critical aspect of certifying drone air navigation service provider, including: The goal is to seamlessly integrate drone operations into the existing aviation ecosystem, ensuring a cohesive, efficient, and safe airspace through licensed entities that provide specialised air navigation services for drones. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, emphasised the significance of this milestone, adding: “This regulation is not just about compliance; it is a testament to our commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation in aviation. “As drone operations are set to double in the near future, this proactive regulatory framework will serve as a model for seamless drone-commercial aviation integration, further cementing the […]
12 months ago
Users of X, faced access issues on Monday, though the reason for the outage remains unclear. The Elon Musk-owned social media platform displayed a message stating: “Posts aren’t loading right now.” DownDetector, a website which tracks internet outages, reported two significant waves of user issues with X between 1PM and 3PM GST and again between 6PM and 7:30PM . Users unable to access X amid global disruptions X has over 600 million users worldwide. The platform was purchased by Tesla and SpaceX owner Musk in 2022. Following the acquisition, staff reductions were made across the company. Also read: UAE: Elon Musk Shares Emirati’s Post on X, Garnering 102 Million Views
1 year ago
Messaging platform WhatsApp has launched the ‘Lists’ feature for its UAE users today. With this feature, WhatsApp users can filter their chats into custom categories of their choice. Lists can be created for families, work colleagues, friends, or even neighborhoods, helping users focus on those that are most important when needed. The lists can be created and edited by tapping the + in the filter bar at the top of your Chats tab, or edited by long-pressing a list. Similar to ‘Favorites’, users can add both groups and one-on-one chats to a list, and any list they create will appear in the filter bar. The lists feature was rolled out by the entity on October 31, 2024, to help its users focus more on the people and conversations that matter most to them. Default Lists There are four default lists available for users. They are as follows: Lists Feature: The functioning explained When selected, lists are highlighted in green. The lists remain applied until users change the filter view or exit and reopen WhatsApp. However, it should be noted that chats cannot be reorganized within the All, Unread, or Groups categories. The contacts added as favorites appear in the Chats tab, the Favorites […]
1 year ago
The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the meteorological system through high-quality technologies aimed at improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and climate predictions. This initiative will also bolster the safety of air and maritime navigation, benefiting critical sectors under the comprehensive development journey led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, may God protect him, and under the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him. On the occasion of the completion of the Ministry’s Meteorological Directorate in installing third-generation satellite image and data reception devices, the Minister expressed pride that Bahrain is the second country in the Gulf region to implement this advanced system for weather monitoring. This advancement is key to addressing various climate challenges with precision, efficiency, and high-quality performance. Minister Sheikh Abdullah further emphasized that the implementation of this system aligns with the ministry’s commitment to developing the meteorological infrastructure in accordance with the latest technologies and international standards. This move is in line with the government’s strategic vision, led by His […]
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