GCC News

4 hours ago

Bahrain FinTech Bay and Bahrain Association of Banks Host Forum on Payments, Digital Assets, and AI

Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), in partnership with the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB), held an invitation-only forum at the Sheraton Hotel, Bahrain. Titled “Moving Money, Moving Fast”: Payments, Digital Assets and the AI-Driven Transformation of Bahrain’s Financial Sector, the event brought together chief executives and senior decision-makers from the Kingdom’s banking, payments and fintech sectors for a morning of discussion on the issues shaping the next phase of financial services in Bahrain and the wider GCC. The forum opened with two executive panel sessions. The first looked at payments and digital assets, covering stablecoin infrastructure, real-time payment rails and the cross-border connectivity tied to GCC financial integration. The second turned to AI and digital transformation within financial institutions, looking at how Bahrain’s banks and financial services firms are building the governance and operational systems that AI-driven finance calls for. A Closed-Door Format BFB and BAB said the gathering reflects their shared aim of keeping Bahrain among the region’s fintech hubs by connecting institutions, regulators and innovators. The organisers chose the invitation-only format deliberately, saying a closed setting allows senior decision-makers to speak more openly and work towards common ground on where the sector is heading. “Bahrain’s financial sector is moving […]

8 hours ago

Seven People Rescued After Their Vessel Broke Down Off The Coast Of Rabigh

Search and rescue teams from the Makkah Border Guard successfully rescued seven persons after their vessel suffered a sudden mechanical breakdown while at sea off the coast of Rabigh governorate. The General Directorate of the Border Guard stated that the rescued persons include six Saudi citizens and one Egyptian resident. Upon receiving information about the accident, the teams responded promptly, rushed to the scene, and safely transported all seven people to shore without sustaining any injuries. The directorate reaffirmed the readiness of its maritime search and rescue units to respond to a wide range of incidents and emergencies around the clock. It also urged all seafarers to strictly follow maritime safety regulations and instructions before departure and throughout their voyages. The directorate further stressed the importance of ensuring that vessels are seaworthy, wearing life jackets at all times, and contacting the emergency number 911 in Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 994 in other regions, to request assistance in emergency situations. READ MORE: 2 Citizens Arrested For Transporting 5 Residents To Makkah Illegally

8 hours ago

Now It Takes Just 48 Hours To Get UAE’s Single Entry Tourist Visa Valid Up To 60 Days

The single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 to 60 days, can now be processed within 48 working hours after all requirements are met, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), as part of Dubai’s commitment to facilitating entry procedures and accelerating services for visitors from around the world. GDRFA explained, via an explanatory video published on Instagram, that those wishing to obtain the visa can apply through accredited tourism offices, through simplified procedures aimed at providing a smooth and fast experience for travellers. The requirements for obtaining the visa include a personal photo, a copy of a valid passport, in addition to the national ID card of the applicant’s country for some nationalities, GDRFA explained, noting that applications are processed within a short period once the required documents are completed. This comes within Dubai’s continuous efforts to enhance its position as a global tourist destination, by developing digital services and facilitating the visitor’s journey from the application stage to arrival, in line with the rapid growth witnessed by the tourism sector in the emirate. Sherif Al Farram, CEO of “Sherif House” travel agency, said that the issuance of tourist visas is usually done in […]

8 hours ago

MoH Issues Summer Heat Guidelines As Temperatures Soar Above 48°C

Muscat -The Ministry of Health (MoH) issued summer health guidelines on Tuesday, urging residents to take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses following a sharp rise in temperatures across the sultanate. The advisory comes after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reported exceptionally high temperatures on Monday, with Barka recording the highest temperature in the country at 48.2°C. Several other areas also experienced intense heat, including Muscat, Rustaq and Amerat, where temperatures ranged between 46.1°C and 47.8°C. In its awareness campaign, the ministry highlighted the risks of heatstroke, a serious medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or extended periods in direct sunlight. It stressed that awareness and prevention remain the first lines of defence during the summer months, when heat-related illnesses become more common. According to the MoH, symptoms of heatstroke include a body temperature exceeding 40°C, a rapid but weak pulse, nausea, dizziness, fainting, difficulty concentrating, confusion, seizures and dry, reddened skin. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications, including damage to vital organs, heat-induced stroke, loss of consciousness and even death. The ministry advised the public to seek immediate medical attention if a person is suspected of suffering from heatstroke. Until professional help arrives, […]

8 hours ago

Two Accused Of Assaulting Worker Over Car-Washing Turf Dispute In Sharjah

Sharjah Misdemeanour Court heard a case of assault on an Asian national while he was working washing vehicles in one of Sharjah’s areas, after he refused to succumb to a financial compromise imposed on him by two compatriots in exchange for allowing them to work in the area. The victim explained that he was working in vehicle washing, and when he went to wash a vehicle at the owner’s request, two compatriots intercepted him and prevented him from carrying out his work. He added that the suspects, who also worked in washing cars in the same area, blackmailed him into paying a sum of money in exchange for allowing them to work in the area, but he refused, which escalated into an assault on him using a metal tool, resulting in various injuries. When the court confronted one of the suspects with the charge, he admitted to it, confessing his participation in the assault on the victim along with the second suspect. The Court adjourned the case to a later session to hear the statements of the second suspect and complete the trial procedures. READ MORE: Sharjah Opens 1.8km Green Belt Park Running Track

1 day ago

Customs Fines Added for Seal Removal

Updated GCC customs law brings fines and new exemptions framework New rules on customs clearance, duty refunds and traveller exemptions have been issued in Bahrain. Fines also cover cutting lead seals, removing customs seals, locks or ties, and removing covers from goods. The changes were issued by Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa under Decision No. 63 of 2026, amending the executive regulations of the GCC Unified Customs Law. They take effect the day after publication in the Official Gazette. Customs may now accept electronic papers for clearance if the owner of the goods or an authorised representative sends them. The sender must be approved by Customs, and the papers may be checked, certified, electronically signed or matched against originals. The decision also allows heavy machinery and equipment not available in local markets to enter temporarily for projects or for practical and scientific tests linked to them. The period is capped at three years, with room for extension by the director-general or his authorised representative. Foreign goods re-exported outside the GCC may have customs duties refunded in full or in part. The goods must be from one consignment, worth at least BD2,000, unused locally, and in the same […]

1 day ago

Odometer Readings Sought for Annual Car Tests

A proposal to record car odometer readings during Bahrain’s annual vehicle inspection has been studied by Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee as part of efforts to curb mileage fraud in the used-car market. Submitted by MP Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed, the proposal asks the government to link each vehicle’s odometer to the yearly test, with the reading logged electronically in the Traffic Directorate’s vehicle record report. Buyers would then be able to check earlier readings before buying a used car. Al Ahmed said the proposal follows repeated cases of sellers lowering recorded mileage to raise sale prices. He said the practice harms buyers, weakens trust in the market and raises road safety risks by hiding the true use of a vehicle. The proposal also calls for stiffer penalties for anyone found to have tampered with an odometer to mislead buyers. Al Ahmed said many consumers have weak means of checking a car’s true mileage, while the practice has spread in a way that makes an official record necessary. The matter was among items studied by the committee during the fourth ordinary session of the sixth legislative term.

1 day ago

Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group Signs Pledge of Allegiance to His Majesty the King

In line with its commitment to the values of loyalty and national belonging, Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, one of the largest independent family-owned multinational businesses in the Middle East and a Bahraini institution with a legacy spanning more than 135 years, participated in signing the Pledge of Allegiance to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The pledge was signed by members of the Board of Directors and Executive Management of Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, reflecting the collective commitment of the Group’s leadership to the Kingdom and its future aspirations. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Fawzi Ahmed Kanoo, Chairman of Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, stated: “The Pledge of Allegiance embodies the values of loyalty, belonging, and unity that have long been at the heart of Bahrain’s success. We are honoured to reaffirm our support for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Kingdom’s leadership, and we remain committed to contributing to Bahrain’s ongoing growth and development.” Dr. Faisal Khalid Kanoo, Deputy Chairman of Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, said: “This occasion reflects our deep appreciation for the remarkable progress achieved by the Kingdom under the leadership of […]

1 day ago

AUBH Celebrates Student Excellence at the 2025-2026 Spotlight Awards

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) celebrated the achievements of its students during the 2025-2026 Spotlight Awards, held on campus in the presence of Dr. Wafa Almansoori, Interim President and Provost of the University, alongside faculty members, administrative staff, students, and representatives of supporting organizations. The event reflected AUBH’s efforts to showcase outstanding student talent and recognize achievements across academic, research, and innovation-led fields, while also highlighting students’ distinguished participation in local, regional, and international competitions and initiatives, where they represented both the University and the Kingdom of Bahrain with pride. It also reinforced the value of participation as an essential part of the university experience, giving students the opportunity to explore their potential, broaden their perspectives, and gain practical experience that is as meaningful as awards and results. These experiences help build confidence, encourage initiative, and support students’ continued growth inside and beyond the classroom. The ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. Amal Al Awadhi, Dean of Students at AUBH, who emphasized the importance of celebrating student excellence as an integral part of a holistic university experience. She affirmed that the student achievement extends beyond academic performance to encompass leadership development, effective communication, creative thinking, and meaningful engagement with […]

1 day ago

Al Noor International School Celebrates Graduation of 26th A-Level British Section Batch

Al Noor International School organised the graduation ceremony for the twenty-sixth batch of A Level students in the British Section, numbering 78 students, at the conference centre at the Gulf Hotel on 1st June 2026, in the presence of Ms. Lulwa Ghasan Al Muhana, Director of Licensing and Monitoring of Private Schools, number of officials and parents. The School Founder Chairman Mr Ali Hasan extended his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their unwavering support and visionary leadership in advancing education across the Kingdom of Bahrain. School Director Dr. Muhammad Mashood expressed his pride in the school’s graduates, who each year enroll in some of the world’s best universities and in turn have gone on to work in many world renowned companies. He went on to praise the parents and teachers for their endeavours in assuring the success of the graduating students. School Principal Abdul Rahman Al-Kooheji in his welcome address commended the outstanding results of this batch of students, wishing them continued success in their future endeavors. Graduates Ahmed AbdulRahim delivered speeches in English, while students Mariam […]

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Recent Posts

Bahrain FinTech Bay and Bahrain Association of Banks Host Forum on Payments, Digital Assets, and AI

US Launches Strikes On Iranian Military Targets After Apache Helicopter Incident

Seven People Rescued After Their Vessel Broke Down Off The Coast Of Rabigh

Now It Takes Just 48 Hours To Get UAE’s Single Entry Tourist Visa Valid Up To 60 Days

Search Here

Bahrain FinTech Bay and Bahrain Association of Banks Host Forum on Payments, Digital Assets, and AI

Seven People Rescued After Their Vessel Broke Down Off The Coast Of Rabigh

Now It Takes Just 48 Hours To Get UAE’s Single Entry Tourist Visa Valid Up To 60 Days

MoH Issues Summer Heat Guidelines As Temperatures Soar Above 48°C

Two Accused Of Assaulting Worker Over Car-Washing Turf Dispute In Sharjah

Customs Fines Added for Seal Removal

Odometer Readings Sought for Annual Car Tests

Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group Signs Pledge of Allegiance to His Majesty the King

AUBH Celebrates Student Excellence at the 2025-2026 Spotlight Awards

Al Noor International School Celebrates Graduation of 26th A-Level British Section Batch

Recent Posts

Bahrain FinTech Bay and Bahrain Association of Banks Host Forum on Payments, Digital Assets, and AI

US Launches Strikes On Iranian Military Targets After Apache Helicopter Incident

Seven People Rescued After Their Vessel Broke Down Off The Coast Of Rabigh

Now It Takes Just 48 Hours To Get UAE’s Single Entry Tourist Visa Valid Up To 60 Days

MoH Issues Summer Heat Guidelines As Temperatures Soar Above 48°C

Two Accused Of Assaulting Worker Over Car-Washing Turf Dispute In Sharjah

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