The partnership aims to develop dedicated maintenance and ground service facilities for private jets at Bahrain International Airport, as part of the country’s broader efforts to modernize and expand its aviation infrastructure.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications.

Vision for a Modern Aviation Hub

The initiative is part of Bahrain’s vision to transform its private aviation sector into a modern, investor-friendly hub, supporting the kingdom’s broader economic diversification goals.

“This partnership will not only enhance aviation services but also position Bahrain as a regional center for private aviation,” the minister said.

Dedicated Facilities at Bahrain International Airport

As per the agreement, Valour Aviation will construct a 6,000-square-meter facility within Bahrain International Airport, exclusively for VIP and private jet maintenance and services.

This collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the development of a sustainable, world-class aviation ecosystem, reinforcing Bahrain’s role as a key player in the global private aviation landscape.

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The move comes in response to a growing trend of residents carelessly leaving household waste outside their homes. The governorate has issued a clear warning that any garbage left outside designated waste bins will result in fines ranging from BD 50 to BD 300.

In addition, municipal waste collection services have been instructed not to collect garbage that is not placed inside the authorized bins. A specific waste disposal time schedule has also been announced. Residents are now only allowed to dispose of household waste between 8 PM and 10 PM daily in the designated bins or collection areas.

Authorities emphasized that violators of these guidelines will face strict penalties. The new circular has been issued in collaboration with a private waste management company and is part of a broader initiative to enhance public cleanliness and streamline waste collection processes across the country.

However, construction zones will be granted some relaxations under the new directive, recognizing the unique challenges in those areas.

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The investment will be executed in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Port of Duqm Company, the DEME Group, and Port of Antwerp-Bruges, collectively forming the Cap Infra consortium. This marks AIIP’s fourth major infrastructure investment, following previous ventures in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“This investment aligns perfectly with AIIP’s mandate to support long-term infrastructure concessions across the GCC and MENA region,” said Sami Neffati, Managing Partner of Investcorp Aberdeen Infrastructure Partners. “We are proud to partner with the Port of Duqm Company and Cap Infra to expand this vital shipping hub and strengthen trade connectivity throughout the region.”

Located in southeastern Oman with direct access to the Indian Ocean, the Port of Duqm serves as a critical gateway for international trade. Operating as a multi-purpose hub, the port handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, dry and liquid bulk, and general freight.

Key Infrastructure Developments

The new investment will fund major marine infrastructure upgrades, including dredging operations and the construction of a new quay wall. These enhancements are designed to support the establishment of a low-carbon industrial plant within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).

The plant is set to produce low-CO2 iron metallics and, in later phases, hydrogen-powered green steel, aligning with Oman’s broader vision for sustainable industrial development and energy transition.

With this landmark project, Investcorp continues to deepen its presence in regional infrastructure, underscoring confidence in the GCC’s economic transformation and long-term development goals.

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President Ahmad al-Sharaa is heading a high-ranking delegation to Bahrain, a gulf nation that had relations with former President Bashar Assad until his removal from power in early December.

Bahrain’s news agency said the two leaders discussed mutual relations and ways of boosting them, as well as regional affairs and ways of backing Syria’s security and stability.
Al-Sharaa’s visit to Bahrain comes days before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the region for talks with leaders of gulf Arab nations.
Since taking office, al-Sharaa has visited Arab and regional countries including Saudi Arabia , United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey. Earlier this week, he made his first trip to Europe where he met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and announced that his country is having indirect talks with Israel.

After Assad’s fall, Syria and its neighbors have been calling for the lifting of Western sanctions that were imposed on Assad during the early months of the country’s conflict that broke out in March 2011.

The lifting of sanctions would open the way for Arab nations to take part in funding Syria’s reconstruction from the destruction caused by the conflict that has killed nearly half a million people.
The United Nations in 2017 estimated that it would cost at least $250 billion to rebuild Syria. Some experts now say that number could reach at least $400 billion.

In April, Saudi Arabia and Qatar said they will pay Syria’s outstanding debt to the World Bank, a move likely to make the international institution resume its support to the war-torn country.

Since the fall of Assad, a close ally of Iran, Syria’s new leadership has been improving the country’s relations with Arab and western countries.

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A statement was issued by the Diwan of Royal Court to this effect. It reads as follows:

“In response to an invitation received by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik fromPresident Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, His Majesty the Sultan willgo on a state-visit to the Russian Federation on 21-22 April 2025.
The visit comes within the context of promoting relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation in a manner that meets aspiration of the two countries.

Thep visit will discuss areas of cooperation between the two countries in various spheres and means of boosting them to serve the joint interests.

During the visit, the two leaders will exchange views on a set of current regional and international issues.

His Majesty the Sultan will be accompanied during the visit by a high-ranking official delegation comprising HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani, Minister of the Royal Office, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Dr. Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, Head of the Private Office, Abdussalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority, Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion,Jamal bin Hassan Al Mosawi, Secretary General of the National Museum and Hamoud bin Salim Al Tuwaih, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Russian Federation.

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The proposed amendment to Article 40 of the Civil and Commercial Execution Law would have empowered a panel of three judges to rule on cases involving expatriate residents facing both deportation and a travel ban. It would have also allowed appeals to be filed within seven days before the High Civil Court.
However, the government strongly opposed the measure, asserting that deportation is a sovereign right and cannot be subject to judicial discretion. “Deportation is a sovereign act, not something to be weighed against private debt claims,” the government said in a memorandum.

Authorities argued that deportation is a critical tool for maintaining public order, safety, and moral standards. Subjecting such decisions to judicial review, they warned, would obstruct the state’s ability to act swiftly and decisively in the face of potential internal threats.
Under current law, courts may issue travel bans to prevent foreign debtors from fleeing the country. However, these orders do not override or delay deportation or administrative removal decisions.

The government cautioned that the proposed amendment would invert this principle, effectively giving civil claims precedence over national security.

Internal threats
“This interferes with and weakens the state’s capacity to respond quickly to internal threats,” the government noted. It also raised the concern that expatriates could potentially exploit the system by using debt claims to trigger a travel ban and thereby delay deportation.

“There is nothing in the proposed text to prevent misuse,” the memorandum added.
The government called on Parliament to withdraw the draft law, maintaining that the existing legal framework already strikes a proper balance between individual rights and public interest. It warned that the amendment would introduce legal uncertainty and compromise the enforcement of final court rulings.

The memorandum also clarified that deportation may be imposed as a supplementary sentence in criminal cases. Once such a sentence becomes final, it must be carried out without delay. “A final criminal ruling cannot be re-examined. No other body may delay or undo its effect,” the government asserted.

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If the council blocks the tax again, the matter will head to a joint National Assembly session for a final vote.

MPs backing the remittance tax argue it would generate revenue for the country and reduce capital outflow. Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom emphasized that millions of dinars are sent abroad, and the tax could help Bahrain retain more funds within its economy.
Committee rapporteur Zainab Abdulamir echoed this sentiment, pointing out that remittances have grown substantially, warranting government intervention.

However, the proposal faces stiff resistance from financial experts and the Shura Council’s financial and economic affairs committee. Chairman Khalid Al Maskati warned that the negatives outweigh the benefits, calling the tax impractical and financially damaging.

Al Maskati and other opponents argue that the tax could push low-income expatriates—72% of whom earn less than BD200 per month—toward illegal money transfer channels, increasing risks of money laundering and black-market transactions.

Officials from the Finance and National Economy Ministry also warned that the levy contradicts international agreements protecting the free movement of capital. They highlighted that similar taxes elsewhere have fueled underground financial networks, complicating regulation.

The Central Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain Chamber, and the Bahrain Association of Banks have also voiced strong opposition, fearing that the tax could discourage foreign talent, disrupt banking operations, and deter global investors.

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During the visit, the Omani delegation met with officials from Bahrain’s National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, alongside representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs and the Bahrain Police. The discussions focused on exchanging expertise, reviewing best practices, and exploring mechanisms and procedures adopted by Bahrain to combat human trafficking effectively.

This visit aligns with the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Oman and Bahrain, which aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in tackling this international crime.

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In a statement issued on Sunday evening, the Diwan of Royal Court stated that “the scheduled visit of His Majesty the King of the Brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain to the Sultanate of Oman has been postponed until further notice.”

Earlier on Sunday, the Diwan of Royal Court said that visit by His Majesty the King of Bahrain on December 24 would explore a range of topics of mutual interest in a manner that meets aspirations of the two countries.

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The Diwan of Royal Court issued a statement to this effect, reading as follows:
“In embodiment of the distinguished relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain and, in affirmation of cooperation between the two countries in various spheres, King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, will pay a state visit to the Sultanate of Oman, with effect from Tuesday, 24 December 2024.
The visit will explore a range of topics of mutual interest in a manner that contributes to achieving the aspirations of the two countries, enhancing joint GCC action and promoting consultation on various issues and developments on the regional and international arenas.
May the Almighty Allah grant success to His Majesty the Sultan and the King of Bahrain for the good of their countries, their peoples and the Arab and Islamic nations”.

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The case stemmed from a complaint filed by a customer with the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) in Rustaq. The customer had purchased a new vehicle for RO 13,600, but just two days later, the ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard. After the vehicle was inspected by the dealership, a brake system malfunction was identified. However, despite the issue being covered under the warranty, the dealership representatives refused to repair the car.

Frustrated by the lack of resolution, the consumer escalated the matter to the authorities. Despite efforts to reach an amicable settlement, the issue was not resolved and was subsequently referred to court.
The court ruled that the dealership representatives had failed to provide the service properly, imposing a fine of RO 400 for this violation. Additionally, the court fined them RO 2,000 for failing to fulfil their obligation to repair or refund the vehicle, as stipulated by the warranty.
The CPA stressed the importance of suppliers adhering to contractual obligations and complying with the Consumer Protection Law. The CPA urged suppliers to avoid violating consumer rights to prevent legal repercussions and maintain public trust.

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The airline operates daily non-stop flights from Bahrain International Airport to Moscow, utilising A320neo and A321neo aircraft. In addition to Moscow, Gulf Air offers convenient connections to popular destinations like Thailand, the Maldives, and Saudi Arabia, as reported by news agency Zawya.

The airline’s modern fleet features reclining seats, up-to-date in-flight entertainment, and a range of international dining options in both the Falcon Gold and Economy classes.

Flights depart from Bahrain International Airport at 1.30am Bahrain time from Sunday to Wednesday, and at 9am Bahrain time on Thursday through Saturday. This schedule provides passengers with flexible travel options, according to a company statement.

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The deal is expected to be officially signed in the first half of next year.

In September, the two companies entered a non-binding agreement and are currently undergoing a due diligence process for a potential merger, which will also require regulatory approval.

Under the terms of the agreement, Maaden would sell its entire stake in Maaden Aluminium Co. and Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Co. to Alba in exchange for newly issued shares, as reported by Saudi financial news portal Argaam.com.

Alba’s shares, which are listed in Bahrain, will also be cross-listed on the Saudi stock exchange. In September, Maaden acquired a 20.6 per cenrt stake in Alba from Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (Sabic) for around $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion).
Aluminium is a key component in products ranging from beverage cans to electric vehicle batteries. However, its production is highly energy-intensive, producing just one ton requires roughly 14,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, which is equivalent to the amount of power consumed by the average UK household over five years.

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Here is your guide to paying for parking in the emirate.What are the two zones?
There are two parking zones in Sharjah – standard parking zone and the seven-day parking zones. While both have the same parking charges, the timings for both are different.

Standard parking zone – 8am to 10pm, Saturday to Thursday
Seven-day parking zone – 8am to 12 midnight, including Fridays and public holidays

You can identify the seven-day parking zones from the blue information signs that are placed there.How much does the parking cost in Sharjah?

• Dh2 for one hour
• Dh5 for two hours
• Dh8 for three hours
• Dh12 for five hours

Note: While the cost for parking is the same, regardless of which zone you park in, how you pay for it can add to the cost. For example, if you are using the mParking option, you will need to factor in a 38 fils per SMS fee. Also, if you pay on an hourly basis, you can save a few dirhams, but run the risk of getting a fine if you do not renew the ticket on time.
Different ways to pay for parking

1. Parking metres – these are placed in all parking areas, and you can pay for parking using cash.
2. mParking – send an sms to 5566 in the following format: Plate sourcePlate numberhours

For plate source, you need to put in the emirate where the car is registered in the following format – Sharjah: SHJ, Dubai: DXB, Abu Dhabi: AUD, Ras Al Khaimah: RAK, Ajman: AJM, Fujairah: FUJ, Umm Al Qaiwain: UAQ

Additional charges of 38fils per SMS apply.

3. Digital Sharjah – You can also pay for the parking, and renew it, online through the Digital Sharjah app, using your phone wallet or credit card. This option helps you save on the extra service charges that come with mParking.
4. Parking permit – Another option that is available to you is getting a monthly parking permit, if you regularly visit certain areas in Sharjah. The permit allows you to park in two zones of your choice, and you can apply for one-month, three-months, six-month and yearly permit. Find out more here.

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Visitors will flock. Bookings are full in hotels

As the days of the Airshow are approaching, many hotels in Bahrain have been booked. By the second week, the flow of visitors to the country will begin. Most visitors will arrive via the Saudi Causeway. The experiences of the previous years testify that the causeway traffic is likely to increase as it is the easiest route for those driving from GCC countries like Saudi, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.
Many Indian companies will also arrive in Bahrain to be a part of the airshow, which will boost the country’s economy. It is also expected that this time also the aircraft of the Indian Defense Force will participate in the exhibition.

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They have proposed to stop expatriate recruitment in areas including administrative affairs, human resources, arts, events, media, public relations, accounting, banking, security, documentation, cargo clearance and tourist guidance. There are hundreds of unemployed Bahrainis, Al Olaiwi said, adding that new graduates can take up jobs without relying on expatriates. He also says that when the country is suffering from unemployment, this proposal should be seen as a real solution to the problem.

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NBB’s home financing solutions are tailored to provide customers with several advantages, including competitive interest rates, repayment terms of up to 30 years, a grace period of up to 6 months, and complimentary fire insurance coverage with each loan.

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This service, developed in collaboration with Citi, simplifies the processing of US dollar transactions, enabling NBB’s corporate and retail clients to send and receive US dollar funds anytime.

By implementing 24/7 US dollar clearing, NBB enhances its customers’ ability to manage cross-border financial operations with greater flexibility.

This service removes the limitations of traditional business hours and time zone differences, ensuring quicker access to US dollars funds and improved cash flow management.

Ali Abdul Karim, group head of corporate and commercial banking at NBB said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Citi to provide this service, which underscores our unwavering focus on delivering industry-leading solutions that empower our customers.”

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The two facilities, which cost a total of $85 million (Dh312 million), are part of the government’s initiatives to improve infrastructure and address the increasing demand for essential services, according to a report from the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

The electricity station has a capacity of 360 megavolt-amperes (MVA), which is the unit used to measure the apparent power in a circuit and is projected to serve nearly 40,000 users in Hidd and nearby areas by transmitting power from the main grid to local 66 kV substations.

The water distribution station features a storage capacity of 2.34 million gallons and is equipped with monitoring and control systems.

The inauguration was attended by several officials, including Ahmed Bin Salman Al Musallam, speaker of the council of representatives, as well as ministers and representatives from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), led by CEO Sultan Bin Abdul Rahman Al Marshad, as reported by BNA.

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Almatar’s chairman, Youssef Al Rajhi, described the agreement as a “landmark” achievement for the company. “We are proud to collaborate with Gulf Air and the integration of NDC will enable us to expand our services and provide an advanced travel experience to our customers,” he stated,

This partnership will enable Gulf Air to reach a broader audience through Almatar’s platform.

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