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1 month ago
Bahrain launched its first locally designed and manufactured satellite, “Al Munther,” on Saturday to localize satellite technology and enhance national capabilities in the space sector. View this post on Instagram A post shared by صحيفة الأيام البحرينية (@alayam) Al Munther is the first satellite of its kind in the region to employ artificial intelligence (AI) for onboard image processing, according to the Kingdom’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA). It carries advanced payloads, including AI-based image processing, an Earth observation camera, a cybersecurity system, and a unique feature to broadcast Bahrain’s national anthem and a message from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa from space. NSSA’s CEO, Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Aseeri, told Forbes Middle East that the accomplishment is not only a step forward in enhancing the Kingdom’s presence in the field of space science but also a confirmation of its capabilities and its ability to contribute to global scientific progress. The satellite was launched on Saturday aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-13 mission from California. The mission aims to develop local expertise in satellite design, construction, and operation, create Bahrain’s first nanosatellite operating system, secure intellectual property rights, and capture medium-resolution images of the […]
1 month ago
Bahrain has announced the enforcement of a two-month ban on crab fishing in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s territorial waters, effective from March 15 to May 15, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve marine resources and ensure environmental sustainability. The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) noted that the decision aims to protect crab stocks during breeding seasons, contributing to ecological balance. The SCE highlighted the importance of fishermen’s compliance with the ban, warning that any illegal crab fishing during this period may result in legal action. The council further emphasised that fishermen who unintentionally catch crabs in their gear during the ban must immediately return them to the sea, ensuring their safety and well-being.
3 months ago
Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they will cease attacks on Israel and on merchant shipping in the Red Sea as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect Sunday. “If Israel stops the aggression in Gaza, and if the U.S., UK and Israel stop the aggression against Yemen, the Houthis will stop their operations, including attacks against navies and commercial ships,” Houthi spokesperson Mohammed al-Bukhaiti told Arab news service Al Jazeera on Saturday. The ceasefire began over the weekend with an exchange of Israeli hostages from Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Later phases will include the withdrawal of Israel from Gaza. Ocean lines have said they are watching developments in the Red Sea but have offered no timeline to resume regular schedules there. Click here to read more
3 months ago
In a significant move to reform the labour market, Parliament yesterday approved a draft law that prohibits the conversion of visit visas into work permits. The proposed amendments target the 1965 Aliens (Immigration and Residence) Act, introducing a new article that explicitly bans the practice. Additionally, the law includes provisions to annul any conflicting regulations and sets out guidelines for its implementation. First introduced in May 2023, the draft law aims to prioritize employment opportunities for Bahraini nationals. It aligns with the government’s long-term labour market strategy, which emphasizes placing Bahraini citizens at the forefront of hiring while enhancing their skills through comprehensive training programs. The legislation reflects a broader effort to strengthen local employment prospects and reduce dependency on foreign labour in certain sectors. The draft law will now proceed through the legislative process for final approval and enactment.
4 months ago
A new authority was launched in Abu Dhabi to ease businesses setup and further regulate the sector across the emirate. Th decision by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to launch Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA) follows the Abu Dhabi Executive Council’s resolution to establish the entity. Responsibilities of the authority include overseeing the registration of businesses in the emirate and its non-financial economic free zones and coordinating with relevant entities to streamline licensing procedures. It will also ensure full compliance with laws and regulations applicable in the emirate and its non-financial economic free zones, including those related to anti-money laundering, combating the financing of suspicious activities, and addressing illicit organisations. ADRA will also develop a unified database consolidating data on economic establishments across the emirate’s mainland and its non-financial free zones. This initiative aims to facilitate the management of the commercial registry, streamline licensing procedures for economic establishments, manage regulatory affairs, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It will facilitate business establishment, operations and growth to encourage investment and foster a robust ecosystem for the business sector. It will introduce new types of licences, creating opportunities to attract talents, investors, and entrepreneurs, enabling them […]
4 months ago
Abu Dhabi will support international and local TV and film production companies with major incentives Abu Dhabi is luring film and TV production companies with major financial incentives. Using local talents, basing shoots and projects in the Emirate and supporting media production workers in the region will see firms offered cash rebates on projects made in the city. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), part Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA), has announced multi-layered enhancements for its long-established film and TV production rebate offer. Abu Dhabi film industry The new guidelines will see international, regional and local production companies afforded up to a 50 per cent total cashback rebate, based on a clear set of criteria and sliding-scale points system. With a baseline increase from 30 per cent to 35 per cent announced in October this year, the new rebate, available for all qualifying productions from January 1, 2025, will offer expanded qualifying formats, increased financial project caps and a streamlined and improved process designed to grow, strengthen and attract strategic investment into the film and TV production industry in Abu Dhabi. The new guidelines position the use of Emirati actors and Emirati production talent including directors, writers and other film-related roles to […]
4 months ago
Kuwait has announced new regulations requiring the equivalency of engineering qualifications for obtaining or renewing work permits in engineering professions. Outlined in a circular by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Director Marzouq Al Otaibi, the guidelines aim to standardise professional standards and ensure compliance within Kuwait’s private sector. Key requirements: Initial Recognition: Applicants must submit a request for recognition of their engineering qualifications through PAM’s electronic portals before applying for a work permit. Accredited Qualifications: Permits will only be issued to graduates of accredited Kuwaiti institutions in engineering, engineering sciences, or architecture, or to those whose qualifications are certified and equated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Higher Education. For existing engineers: Engineers already registered in PAM’s system as of September 8, 2024, can renew or transfer their permits with their profession temporarily registered until full equivalency is achieved. For newly arrived engineers: Initial recognition from a specialised committee is required, granting a temporary two-year registration to complete the equivalency process. Special cases: Applicants whose qualifications are not immediately recognised can transfer to non-engineering professions while awaiting approval. Government employees transitioning to the private sector must provide certification from the Civil Service Bureau confirming prior registration in an engineering role. […]
4 months ago
In a humorous Christmas Day post on social media, President-elect Donald Trump sent a warning to the “wonderful soldiers of China” over a possible dispute involving the Panama Canal, and also poked fun at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As Breitbart reports, President Trump’s annual Christmas message on his website Truth Social wished a “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.’” “Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World,” President Trump continued. “Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will.” The post referenced several major negotiations that the president-elect has already undertaken before […]
4 months ago
Conflicts, climate-related disasters and economic pressures have continued to drive ever more people from their homes in search of security and a better life. While the vast majority of migrants moving to Europe follow legal routes, many resort to crossing international borders without authorization each year. This often includes dangerous (and in many cases deadly) passages. As Statista’s Anna Fleck shows in the following chart, 2024 has seen major shifts in the patterns of irregular border detections since 2023. This data was collected between January and November of 2024 by Frontex, the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders. The organization highlights that detections are different from the number of persons, as the same person may cross an external border several times. Currently there is no EU system in place capable of tracing each person’s movements following an illegal border-crossing. You will find more infographics at Statista According to Frontex, overall detected irregular border crossings into the European Union were down by 40 percent in the first 11 months of this year. This was mostly driven by the drop in detections of people making crossings in the Western Balkans (-79 percent) and the Central Mediterranean (-59 percent). Despite this decline, the latter […]
4 months ago
A “false cobra,” a mildly venomous snake, has been spotted in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The pale-coloured snake, which can grow over a meter long, is not considered a significant threat to humans despite its venomous bite. Experts highlight its importance to the local ecosystem and urge against unnecessary killing. Adnan Khalifa, a member of the Aman Environmental Association, was quoted by SPA as saying that the false cobra, scientifically known as Rhagerhis moilensis, is a mildly venomous species commonly found in the region and across the Kingdom. Unlike some other snakes, it does not hibernate during colder periods. Characterised by its pale colour, blending with the surrounding sand, the false cobra can grow over a meter in length and is identified by black spots behind its eyes, resembling secondary eyes. While it has rear fangs that deliver weak venom to subdue prey, the false cobra poses minimal threat to humans. However, fear often leads to its unnecessary killing, despite its important role in maintaining ecological balance. The female false cobra typically lays about 22 eggs in late spring, though only a small number survive to adulthood.
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