2 minutes ago

Arab Fugitive Arrested for Selling Fake Concert Tickets in Bahrain

The Anti-Cyber Crimes Directorate of the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has apprehended an Arab fugitive involved in a scam selling fake concert tickets in Bahrain. The directorate reported that a series of actions were taken, including the issuance of an international arrest warrant, which led to the suspect’s capture outside Bahrain. Following the completion of all necessary legal procedures, the individual was handed over to the Public Prosecution for further investigation. Once his sentence is served, the fugitive will face deportation.

10 hours ago

Tourism Minister: Sama Bay Enhances Maritime Tourism In Muharraq

Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, emphasised that the “Sama Bay” project represents a continuation of initiatives to develop maritime tourism and a qualitative addition to the tourism sector in Muharraq Governorate. She noted that waterfronts and marine activities are among the key pillars of the 2022-2026 tourism strategy, highlighting that the project offers an integrated tourism experience that includes marine, sports, and entertainment activities, making it a distinctive destination for all age groups. The minister highlighted that the new waterfront enhances Muharraq Governorate’s tourism appeal and highlights the beauty of the Kingdom and its rich maritime heritage. She also noted the governorate’s advanced tourism infrastructure, in addition to hosting several major projects such as Marassi Bahrain and the Sa’ada project, which contribute to strengthening the tourism sector and attracting investments. Minister Al Sairafi added that Bahrain, as the only archipelagic country in the region, possesses unique capabilities to enhance maritime tourism, noting that coastlines represent a key element in diversifying and developing the tourism product, which helps attract visitors from around the world and supports the goals of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. On her part, Sarah Ahmed Buhejji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), […]

10 hours ago

iGA CE: More Than 13,000 Registrations For Revamped eKey 2.0 Within One Day Of Launch

Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), announced that the total number of registrations of the Revamped eKey 2.0 app exceeded 13,000 within one day of its official launch.  Al Qaed mentioned that such engagement in downloading the app reflects the public awareness and advanced digital culture among the citizens and residents in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and their interest in benefiting from modern technologies to access the services provided to them. He also pointed out that these initial statistics support the Authority’s efforts in implementing digital transformation strategies, demonstrated by the initiatives under the Government Programme for 2023-2026. These initiatives aim to continue the digitisation of services, develop government systems and channels, and adopt modern technologies that enhance user experience while ensuring the highest levels of security.  iGA invites the public to download the Revamped eKey 2.0 app, available via the eGovernment Apps Store, bahrain.bh/apps, as well as other stores such as iOS, Android, and Huawei. iGA also encourages all citizens and residents to submit their inquiries, feedback, and suggestions via the National Suggestions and Complaints System or through the Tawasul app, or directly contact the Government Services Contact Centre at 80008001.  It […]

10 hours ago

Bahraini Students Achieve Top Ranks In TIMSS 2023

 Bahraini students ranked among the top in the Arab world in TIMSS 2023, an international assessment of mathematics and science by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).  Bahrain placed second in fourth-grade science, third in fourth-grade mathematics, fourth in eighth-grade science, and third in eighth-grade mathematics.  Dr. Samah Mohammed Al Ajjawi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Development of Education and Learning Policies and National Research Coordinator for International Studies, highlighted the Ministry of Education’s efforts to enhance teaching practices in science and mathematics to align with global advancements in these key subjects through the STREAM approach. The ministry is also implementing plans to develop curricula and teaching methods for mathematics and science to achieve better international results in future assessments. The study provides data to support continuous improvements in education policies for public and private schools. 

11 hours ago

Saudi Arabia Bets On Flying Taxis And Autonomous Vehicles To Transform Mobility

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of mobility innovation, with industry leaders highlighting the potential of flying taxis and autonomous vehicles at the LEAP conference in Riyadh.  FlyNow, a developer of electric aviation solutions, is preparing to roll out a modular system of helicopters to transport goods and passengers, according to co-founder and chief operating officer Yvonne Winter.  “Economic growth is tightly linked to mobility,” Winter said during a panel discussion, adding: “And to solve traffic issues related to congestion, air quality pollution, and noise pollution, air transportation is the way to go.”  She described this new industry as “the low-altitude economy,” and insisted that “together we have to find a way to unlock it.” Winter noted that one of the biggest challenges for international governments and regulatory bodies is the absence of a feasible blueprint for implementation — an issue FlyNow has tackled with a step-by-step approach that “is considered to be very safe.”  As part of this approach, a regulatory sandbox has been developed to validate different vehicles, air traffic management systems, and operational reports before progressing to cargo applications.  Following extensive cargo trials over low-population areas, FlyNow plans to expand testing to urban settings and passenger transport.  […]

11 hours ago

MENA Tech Startup Launches First AI-Powered Arabic Phone Bot

Saudi-based tech company Maqsam has unveiled the region’s first phone bot powered by artificial intelligence capable of handling customer service calls entirely in Arabic and English, including several dialects. Speaking to Arab News at LEAP 2025 Tech Conference, Fouad Jeryes, cofounder and chief business officer of Maqsam, said the innovation tackles a central challenge businesses face when trying to provide a seamless Arabic-language customer service. “Most global AI solutions do not support Arabic well,” Jeryes said. “There aren’t solutions that actually speak Arabic, so it’s a big gap here.” The smartphone bot developed by Maqsam transcribes speech, understands intent, and responds fluently in Arabic, offering 24/7 automated support.  Unlike existing machine-learning solutions, which are predominantly optimized for English, the bot handles linguistic variations across the Arab world, ensuring a more natural and effective customer experience. Despite Arabic being one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, businesses have struggled to implement tech-powered customer service solutions that accurately process different dialects. The bot’s ability to recognize and adapt to different Arabic dialects makes it particularly valuable for businesses operating in several markets in the MENA region. “Good customer service is crucial for customer retention and trust, as it takes many positive […]

11 hours ago

Saudi Arabia: 15 Government Employees Among 19 Arrested After Busting 3 Drug Trafficking Gangs

 Fifteen government employees were among 19 people arrested after busting three drug trafficking gangs from the regions of Asir, Jazan and the Eastern Province. According to an official source at the Ministry of Interior, the arrested gang members were referred to the Public Prosecution after taking the necessary legal measures. The arrested persons included five employees of the Ministry of Interior, three from the Ministry of Defense and seven from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority. They were part of three criminal networks involved in drug smuggling and trafficking in the regions of Asir, Jazan and the Eastern Province. It was found that the drug gangs made coordination to expand their criminal activities to other regions of the Kingdom. They were also involved in money laundering by using the money obtained from drug trafficking. The ministry reiterated that the security authorities are vigilant against all criminal plots being hatched to target the nation and its youth with drugs, and will confront anyone who dares to tamper with the security of the Kingdom, as well as with the safety of its citizens, and residents.

11 hours ago

Saudi Arabia: 7th Batch Of 360 Female Recruits Graduated

Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, director general of Public Security, graced on Sunday the graduation ceremony of 360 female recruits graduated from Women’s Training Institute in Riyadh. The graduation ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif. The graduates completed the Basic Individual Qualification Course, which covered training, applications, knowledge, and theoretical and practical classes. These were based on acquisition of skills with regard to carrying out their security missions as well as in the systems and procedures of security work, in addition to preparing them for undertaking special responsibilities required by the nature of their work.

13 hours ago

First LNG-Laden Tanker Transits Red Sea In About One Year

According to Anas Alhajji, managing partner at Energy Outlook Advisors, Salalah LNG has become the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) laden carrier to transit the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea in nearly a year. The transit marks a shift in the critical maritime chokepoint, as LNG-laden tankers had been diverting around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran-backed Houthi forces after more than a year of chaos because of a weak Biden-Harris administration. “Major economic and political development: First LNG-laden carrier in about a year is crossing the Red Sea! Salalah LNG is carrying Omani LNG to an unknown destination,” Alhajji wrote on X.  He asked a critical question: “Is this the start of a trend?”  Marine Traffic data shows that Salalah LNG is flying under the Panama flag with “Armed Guards.” The vessel’s current position is in the northern stretch of the Red Sea and is set to arrive at a Turkish port on Sunday.  “Finally a real test case. Regional risk premium has been pricing in zero traffic – this could shift the whole equation,” one X user said in response to Alhajji’s post.  Many LNG tankers diverted around […]

1 day ago

Education Ministry to Open Bahrain Teachers College Registration for Bachelor’s Programme

The Ministry of Education has opened registration for the Bahrain Teachers College bachelor’s programme for students graduating in 2024-2025 or those who graduated in the previous academic year. Applicants must meet the requirements listed on the ministry’s website: www.moe.gov.bh. Graduates can apply online via the ministry’s website from February 9 to March 6. For more information, call 17278222 during working hours.

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