GDN Online

Bygone Bahrain: A nostalgic trip through the GDN and Gulf Mirror archives - 1981: Three decker Ro Ro vessel due to make its first call in Bahrain #gdnonline #bahrain #bygonebahrain #archives

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today received a telephone call from the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. During the call, Prime Minister Starmer affirmed the UK’s continuing support for Bahrain in safeguarding its security and the safety of its territory, citizens, and residents. Prime Minister Starmer also reiterated the United Kingdom’s condemnation of Iran’s ongoing attacks on critical national infrastructure and on international shipping in the Straits of Hormuz, and thanked HRH the Crown Prince for Bahrain’s continued leadership at the United Nations. The call also underscored the importance of strengthening joint coordination and cooperation in support of efforts to maintain regional security and stability. #Bahrain #UK #Iran #GDNOnline

Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry’s Agriculture and Animal Wealth assistant under-secretary Asim Abdullatif Abdulla emphasised the important role of veterinary quarantine facilities in ensuring the safety of meat imports into Bahrain and protecting food security and public health. During an inspection visit, he noted that 777 laboratory tests were conducted between March 1 to 15, as part of intensified inspection efforts. To meet demand during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, the ministry issued 112 import permits and facilitated the import of 2,349 tonnes of chilled and frozen meat, along with 8,107 sheep and 385 cattle. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379199 #gdnonline #bahrain #foodsafety #meat

A man has been sentenced to two years in prison for driving under the influence and causing a crash that injured his friend and tragically claimed the life of a promising young woman. The 20‑year‑old motorist was found guilty of manslaughter, speeding, causing property damage and injuring a passenger in the accident that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The High Criminal Court convicted him on all six charges, which included driving at least 30 per cent above the speed limit, reckless driving and causing the death of an individual while driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The victim, also aged 20, was in her last year of university in the UK and was sitting in the back seat when the crash happened at about 5.30am. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379182 #gdnonline #bahrain

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held a meeting with Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and several ministers. His Majesty the King expressed pride in President El Sisi’s visit, which embodies the depth of the longstanding ties between the two countries. His Majesty affirmed that Egypt represents a fundamental pillar of security and stability in the region, expressing high appreciation for Egypt's continuous support in facing challenges encountered by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in light of ongoing Iranian aggression against regional territories. His Majesty also expressed his gratitude to the President for his solidarity with the measures taken by Bahrain to defend its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its people. The meeting addressed regional developments and their implications for security, particularly discussing the continuous and blatant Iranian attacks targeting regional states. The two leaders highlighted that these actions constitute a violation of national sovereignty and international laws and norms, posing a threat to international peace and security. His Majesty the King and the President reaffirmed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which strongly condemned and demanded an immediate end to all Iranian attacks on the Arabian Gulf states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The resolution calls for an immediate and unconditional cessation of any provocation or threat to neighbouring countries, upholding the inherent right of the GCC states and Jordan to defend their territories. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/137924…

Dubai’s property market is beginning to show early signs of weakening nearly three weeks into the US-Israeli war on Iran, with data from analysts showing tanking transaction volumes and some real estate agents pointing to price reductions. Real-estate transaction volumes in the UAE fell 37 per cent year-on-year in the first 12 days of March, and 49pc month-on-month, Goldman Sachs analysts estimated in a note published this week. Some properties are already being offered at big discounts, with price cuts of 12-15pc, according to some real estate agents and messages on social media that Reuters reviewed. For instance, a seller was looking for a “quick sale” for a property close to the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – a message shared by an agent read. The seller was looking for $650,000, down about 12pc from a previous price of $735,000 “due to the current situation”. An off-plan flat in Dubai’s coveted Palm Jumeirah was also being offered at a 15% discount to its original price to around $2 million, according to a message reviewed by Reuters on a WhatsApp group created a week into the war. The UAE’s real estate boom has mirrored Dubai’s rise, but there were already concerns that the market was headed for a slowdown after five years of rising prices. The conflict is the biggest test to date for the market, where demand was fuelled by an influx of wealthy migrants attracted by the UAE’s tax-free regime. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379188 #gdnonline #dubai #uae #business #gcc

Explore the ultimate Eid staycation with family and friends at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Enjoy comfort, privacy, and tranquility, with exceptional service and beautifully curated spaces coupled with the vibrant Eid Brunch at Cantina Kahlo included in your experience. Call 17586499 for inquiries

Legislators are calling on the government to accelerate long-delayed urban planning and infrastructure works on Nurana Island, where hundreds of Bahraini landowners remain unable to utilise their properties more than a decade after purchasing them. The move is led by Parliament’s services committee chairman and area MP Mamdooh Al Saleh, with strong backing from fellow MPs. Mr Al Saleh described the situation as a ‘bureaucratic trap’ that has left citizens in limbo for years. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379187 #gdnonline #bahrain #nuranaisland #infrastructure

A key meeting has discussed the latest developments in the region in light of the recent Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries and Jordan. The meeting affirmed that the security of the GCC countries is an indivisible and interconnected system, based on the council’s charter and its joint defence frameworks. Bahrain’s Ambassador to the US Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa chaired a meeting of the ambassadors of the GCC countries and Jordan, with US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast. It was held within the framework of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the GCC. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379186 #gdnonline #bahrain #iran #gcc #us

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MPs are calling for a transformative shift in mindset to ensure the kingdom captures every possible drop of its limited rainfall before it flows into the sea. When heavy rains lash Bahrain, roads flood, drains overflow and within hours, millions of cubic metres of precious water are gone – swept into the sea in a country that receives barely 10cm of rainfall a year, they claim. Now, Bahrain’s legislators are calling for a change in mindset – from treating rain as a ‘seasonal inconvenience’ to harnessing it as a strategic national resource. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379185 #gdnonline #bahrain #rainwater

Charitable and community groups across Bahrain have stepped up efforts to support families and individuals during Eid Al Fitr, despite ongoing regional tensions, to ensure children can still experience a joyful celebration. From distributing financial aid and shopping vouchers to organising outings for orphans, these initiatives aim to make the holiday feel as ‘normal as possible’ for those in need. A’ali Social Charity Society chairman Aqeel Al A’ali told the GDN that the society has transferred funds directly into parents’ bank accounts, allowing them time to prepare for Eid. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379180 #gdnonline #bahrain #charity #eid

A chartered flight, organised by the Bharathi Association, took 192 expatriates from Bahrain to Chennai, India last night via Dammam. Organised in collaboration with the Indian Club, the flight carried home passengers who were urgently seeking to travel for various reasons, after the temporary closure of Bahrain’s airspace. Priority was given to the elderly, pregnant women, children and medical patients. The ticket included bus transportation to Dammam as well as the required Saudi visa. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379183 #gdnonline #bahrain #india

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Traffic police are investigating a tragic morning crash between a vehicle and a group of cyclists that claimed two lives. The accident happened in the Zallaq area early today. The victims have been described as Asian. Relevant legal procedures are currently being taken by the authorities. #bahrain #accident #gdnbreaking

Citizens and residents across Bahrain performed Eid Al Fitr prayers at mosques and designated prayer grounds in all governorates, in a calm and well-organised atmosphere despite rainfall. Security patrols and community police were deployed extensively to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of public facilities. In their sermons, preachers highlighted the significance of the occasion as a time to be thankful for the kingdom’s stability and security. They underscored the importance of national unity, cohesion and solidarity behind the leadership in strengthening the country’s resilience. Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379202 #gdnonline #bahrain #eidprayers

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His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received a telephone call from Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India. His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India and means to further advance cooperation across different sectors. The Prime Minister extended Eid Al Fitr greetings, wishing continued progress and prosperity for the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people. Head to gdnonline.com to read more. #gnonline #modi #bahrain

A leading Middle Eastern savings application, the Entertainer, has introduced a new community-focused initiative designed to support both residents and local hospitality businesses in Bahrain. As part of the programme, 50,000 complimentary One Heart memberships are being offered, giving users access to a wide range of ‘buy one, get one’ deals available on the platform. These offers span more than 500 merchants, including dining, leisure, wellness, hotel stays and lifestyle services, with each membership valid for six months. The initiative aims to encourage residents to responsibly engage with local businesses and explore the kingdom’s diverse hospitality scene. By doing so, it also helps sustain activity across the sector during a challenging period. “At times like these, the strength of the Bahrain community becomes particularly evident,” said Entertainer founder and chief executive officer Donna Benton. “For more than 25 years the GCC has been our home, and this initiative reflects our continued commitment to the people and businesses that form part of the communities we serve.” Read more: gdnonline.com/Details/1379101 #gdnonline #bahrain #gcc

The United States military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and Sailors to the Middle East, three US officials told Reuters on Friday. The deployments of the USS Boxer, along with its Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and accompanying warship, comes as Reuters reported that President Donald Trump's administration was considering deploying thousands of US troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East. Trump told reporters on Thursday that he was not putting troops "anywhere," but that if he was going to, he would not tell journalists. Head to gdnonline.com to read more. #gnonline #Trump #Iran