Bahrain

Al Salam Bank Hosts Second Shari’a Departments Forum

Manama, Bahrain – 19 May 2024: Al Salam Bank hosted the second Shari’a Departments Forum on Sunday, 12th May 2024 under the supervision of the Shari’a Audit Department and with the support of the Bank’s Executive Management. Taking place at the Bank’s headquarters, the distinguished event focused on bridging the gap between theoretical and practical applications of Islamic Jurisprudence of financial transactions. It aimed to enhance the...

How Sharjah's old buildings tell a human story of the emirate's growth and character

Over the course of a century, Sharjah’s buildings have collected their own stories of the emirate’s history and development, according to author and arts patron Sultan Al Qassemi. Speaking at the Thessaloniki Book Fair on Saturday, where Sharjah is the guest of honour, Al Qassemi discussed the 2021 book Building Sharjah, a co-edited compendium of t...

'Plane crash leaves no survivors': Leila Abdel Latif predictions resurface after Iranian president incident

ALBAWABA - "The fall of a plane will not spare anyone" Lebanese astrologer Leila Abdel Latif's prediction has been circulating again at the beginning of this year after the crash of the Iranian president's helicopter.However, this time Leila Abdel Latif's prediction faced severe criticism because it was too general and did not specify the individuals on the plane or their importance. Most activists believe that this is just a prediction that...

Bright green fireball lights up skies over Portugal and Spain

The bright comet fragment appeared late on Saturday, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).

Royal Navy warship nearly crashed into huge oil tanker

Lieutenant Euan Playford-Johnston left an inexperienced colleague on HMS Penzance to navigate so he could concentrate on other work while in a busy shipping lane at night.

Amir expresses condolences on demise of Iranian president, foreign minister

DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has expressed his condolences following the death of the Iranian president and several others in a helicopter crash.His Highness the Amir wrote in his official X account: Sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, and the accompanying officials...

South Korea's Power Nap competition - in pictures

A sleeping contest aimed at raising awareness on the importance of rest

Weather cloudy in most regions

20/05/2024 10:03, TUNIS/Tunisia Tunis, May 20 (TAP)- The weather Monday is temporarily cloudy in most regions, growing cloudy in the north with rain expected in the northwest. The wind is blowing north in the north and south in the midland and the south, light to moderate, getting stronger in the afternoon in most regions with sandstorms in the south. The sea is choppy to very choppy. Highs are ranging between 25°C and 30°C in the south and...

Louvre Abu Dhabi loans Samanid-era bowl and Josef Albers work to Oman's National Museum

Louvre Abu Dhabi is loaning two significant pieces from its collection to the National Museum of the Oman. The pieces are distinct from each other, offering unique examples of Islamic art and modern abstraction. They will be displayed in Oman for one year. A Samanid-era bowl made some time between the 10th and 11th centuries is one of the loans. It...

Aljadaan Heads Kingdom's Delegation to Saudi-Chinese Meetings in Beijing

The Saudi Minister of Finance, Mohammed Aljadaan, heads the Kingdom's delegation participating in the two-day Saudi-Chinese meetings to be held on Monday in Beijing.The Saudi delegation includes the Vice Minister of Finance Abdulmuhsen Alkhalaf, as well as officials from the Ministry of Finance; the National Center For Privatization (NCP); the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA); the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA); the Zakat, Tax and Customs...

Gold prices in Jordan Today 20 May, Monday

ALBAWABA - Gold prices in Amman, Jordan today opened at a selling price of JOD 1,735.706 per ounce, Monday, May 20, not including taxes and fees.24-karat gold prices in Amman TodayThe price per gram of 24-karat gold in Jordan stood at JOD 55.804 today.22-karat gold rates in Jordan TodayThe price per gram of 22-karat gold in the Kingdom of Jordan stood at JOD 51.154 early today.21-karat gold prices in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan TodayThe...

Foreign Ministry follows up on Iranian President's helicopter accident

Amman, May 19 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said it was following with great concern the news of the accident involving the helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and the President's entourage. The Ministry's Spokesperson, Sufyan Qudah, stressed the Kingdom's readiness to provide all forms of support and assistance, expressing its sympathy with the...

Jordan follows with great concern reports about Iranian president’s plane incident

AMMAN - The Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it was following up with great concern on news reports about the incident involving the plane carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the accompanying delegation.The ministry's spokesman Sufyan Qudah underlined in a statement Jordan's readiness to provide all necessary support and assistance, voicing the Kingdom’s expressed sympathy with Iran and...

Saudi King to undergo medical examinations in Jeddah: Royal Court

JEDDAH, 19th May, 2024 (WAM) -- The Saudi Royal Court said Sunday that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia will undergo medical examinations at the Royal Clinics of Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah due to a high fever and joint pain. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Court added that the medical team will conduct tests to diagnose his condition and monitor his

NHS staff would get private care for joint pain under Labour plan

Wes Streeting said nearly 200,000 days a month were being lost to the problems, and quicker treatment will mean people can continue working.

Paris Paralympics to open in 100 days; organizers launch campaign to boost ticket sales

PARIS, 20th May, 2024 (WAM) -- With 100 days until the Paralympics begin, Paris organizers are delivering a message from the athletes in a bid to boost ticket sales, “I am not missing anything, except you.”The Associated Press reported that the countdown campaign for the 28th August to 8th September Paralympic Games begins Monday. It features three Paralympic athletes, each of them alone in an empty stadium. The campaign slogan — “Il ne me...

Janusz Kusocinski Memorial 2024: Tunisia's Marwa Bouzayani wins 3000m steeplechase, sets season world's 5th best time

19/05/2024 15:58, TUNIS/Tunisia TUNIS, 19 May 2024 (TAP) - Tunisia's Marwa Bouzayani won the 3000m steeplechase at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial 2024, a World Athletics Indoor Tour in Poland, after clocking 9:17:78, the world's fifth best time this season. Bouzayani, who is preparing for this summer's Olympic Games in Paris, took the lead ahead of Spain's Carolina Robles (9:27:54) and Irene Escribano (9:27:69), while her compatriot Rihab Dhahri...

Qatar Foundation Students Learn Life Skills During Educational Camp

Doha, Qatar, 19 May 2024: Thirty students from Qatar Foundation schools participated in an enriching educational camp called ‘Discovery and Challenge’ that focused on developing essential life skills, fostering cultural awareness, and enhancing teamwork through a variety of activities.The camp, which took place over three weeks from 3-17 May, was a collaborative effort between Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), the Internal...

Bahrain to Host a Global Aviation Conference This Month!

The Bahrain Airport Company will host the 14th edition of the World Airport Lawyers Association (WALA) Conference in the Kingdom. Read More: Key Discussions from the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain The conference will be hosted at the Gulf Hotel from Wednesday, May 29 to Friday, May 31. The WA

66 killed in fresh floods in Afghanistan

ALBAWABA - Fresh floods killed 66 people in Faryab province, northern Afghanistan, according to a regional official on Sunday, the country's most recent fatal flooding.Heavy flooding in many regions of Faryab province occurred Saturday night, resulting in both human and financial damages. In a statement, Asmatullah Muradi, spokesman for Faryab governor, revealed that 66 people were murdered as a result of the

Sharjah Charity International provides AED22.2 million in medical aid in 2023

SHARJAH, 20th May, 2024 (WAM) -- Sharjah Charity International (SCI) expanded its medical aid activities in 2023, providing healthcare support to 1,106 patients, with a total expenditure of AED22.2 million.Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, Executive Director of SCI, emphasised SCI's commitment to expanding its public assistance programmes, highlighting a particular focus on patients facing financial difficulties who cannot cover their treatment...

Personal tragedies endured by the King's portrait artist Jonathan Yeo

Jonathan Yeo, 53, has opened up to the Sunday Times about having a heart attack last March whilst painting his portrait of King Charles.

Saudi offers Iran 'any assistance' needed in Raisi helicopter search

Iranian rescue teams are scouring a fog-shrouded mountainside after an accident happened to the helicopter transporting Iranian president

Number of migrants arriving in UK in small boats nears 10,000 mark

Some 103 people came across in two boats yesterday, it has been revealed - bringing the total so far this year, not including Sunday's arrivals, to 9,803.

First baby born on the NHS reveals she is now going private

The first baby born on the NHS has revealed she is going private due to the health service's sorry state which forced her own son to rip his teeth out with pliers.

Alcove: New book on modernist Arab artists reveals the hidden context behind their work

Academic and curatorial interest around Arab modernism is increasing at a rapid pace. Much of the new scholarship focuses on national groups, but a recently published book, Alcove, sheds light on the artists as well as the world around them. Sitting midway between memoir and art-historical documentation, this beautiful volume shows the artists as h...

Civil Defence deals with 43 drowning incidents this summer

AMMAN — Since the beginning of the summer season, the Civil Defence Department (CDD) has responded to 43 drowning incidents across the Kingdom's provinces, resulting in the loss of 19 lives of various ages, along with 33 injuries.Head of the Civil Defense Operations Division Ahmed Zayadat said that the response times of the Civil Defence teams have been commendably swift, averaging around 8 minutes, a record speed in comparison with global...

Tribute to Edmond Amran El Maleh at Rabat's International Book Fair

Rabat - The 29th International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) held in Morocco's Rabat paid homage to the legacy of the esteemed Moroccan writer and intellectual, Edmond Amran El Maleh, in a high-level conference that celebrated his prolific contributions to literature and culture.The conference, titled "Crossed Perspectives: Edmond Amran El Maleh, a Thought that Challenges Us," was organized by the Edmond Amran El Maleh Foundation in...

Ancient Petra: Unearthing latest archaeological findings

AMMAN — At the lecture “New important archaeological result in the downtown Petra”, Laurent Tholbecq from the Université Libre of Brussels, explained how the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom Petra transformed into a Roman provincial town after the annexation in 106AD.The presentation was held at Beit Yaish in Jabal Luweibdeh and the French institute of the Near East, Ifpo, organised the event on Wednesday with the Amman office of ICOMOS.“The...

Riyadh gears up to host world aviation leaders at WAGA2024

RIYADH, 20th May, 2024 (WAM) -- The Riyadh Airports Company is set to host the World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA2024) from 21st to 23rd May.WAGA2024, under the theme "The Global Race: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Airport Ecosystem," will be a hub for knowledge sharing and collaboration, featuring the signing of agreements, joint meetings, and specialised sessions designed to foster dialogue and exchange of best...

Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurates Greek edition of ‘Folktales Reimagined’

THESSALONIKI, Greece, 19th May, 2024 (WAM) -- As part of Sharjah's participation as a Guest of Honor at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024 (TIBF) in Greece, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Founder and Patron of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), inaugurated yesterday, the Greek edition of the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition, at Thessaloniki Central Library,...

What happens next in Iran after sudden death of President Raisi?

The Iranian constitution outlines specific procedures to follow in the event of a president's sudden absence. Here is what happens after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash on Sunday: Who assumes President Raisi's powers? Article 131 of the constitution states that in case of the president's death, dismissal, resignation, extended...

Kuwait to Buy 500MW of Power Through GCC Interconnection Authority

Kuwait on Sunday signed contracts to buy 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity through the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) to avoid summer blackouts.The contracts are for 300 MW from Oman and 200 MW from Qatar, the electricity ministry's acting undersecretary, Haitham Al-Ali, told reporters at the signing event, adding that the contracts would last from June 1 to Aug. 31.Al-Ali explained that the contracts were signed...

Qatar to Test Air Taxis in Early 2025

People in Qatar soon will be able to commute via flying taxis to work or anywhere!Read More: Qatar's Baladna Explores Dairy Expansion in the Philippines The country's Ministry of Transport has launched plans to test air taxis and electric delivery planes in early 2025. The ministry has

Mediclinic Abu Dhabi Annual Cancer Conference concludes in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 19th May, 2024 (WAM) -- Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the support of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the 3rd Mediclinic Abu Dhabi Annual Cancer Conference concluded on 18 May 2024.Addressing the conference, Sheikh Nahyan said: “With President His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s guidance and support, the UAE is committed to providing the best health care...

European Commission activates satellite mapping service to assist with Iranian president's search

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service provides mapping products based on satellite imagery

Government approves bylaw on licensing petroleum sector-related activities

Amman, May 19 (Petra) --The Council of Ministers Sunday approved the reasons for a draft bylaw amending for licensing activities related to the petroleum derivatives sector for 2024. The draft bylaw comes due to activities related to the petroleum derivatives sector practised without specifying the fees that must be collected. Therefore the matter requires specifying fees for these activities. The Council appointed Mahmoud Shaalan as...

'Critics' Awards for Arab films': Four Daughters' scoops three awards

19/05/2024 15:37, TUNIS/Tunisia Tunis, May 19 (TAP) - Tunisian film “Four Daughters” directed by Khaouther Ben Hania has won three awards at the 8th edition of the 'Critics' Awards for Arab films', organised each year on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival.This documentary feature film (107′, 2023) won the 'Best Director' and 'Best Documentary' awards, presented to Khaouther Ben Hania. The 'Best Editing' award went to Qutaiba Barhamji. The...

The unexpected death of the president of Iran

Must-see photos of China's magnificent city of ice

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is an annual winter event that takes place in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, and it's now the largest ice festival on the planet. It starts every year on January 5th and runs for about two months, boasting a jaw-dropping and shivering display of the world's biggest ice sculptures. At this point of the year, the city is no longer standing, but luckily we have amazing photos in case you've never seen it. Click through to see the city in all its icy frigid glory—and how it all comes together. When it comes to winter, if you can't beat it, join it!

Qatar's Industrial Production Index increases by 4.7% in March

DOHA, 20th May, 2024 (WAM) -- The Industrial Production Index (IPI) March 2024 reached 100.2 points, increased by 4.7% compared to the previous month (February 2024), and decreased by 3.2%, when compared to the corresponding month in 2023, state news agency (QNA) reported.This indicator reflects the growth of details of the growth of the various industrial economic sectors that make up it, with a different relative weight they have, such "Mining...

Who is Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's interim president?

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, was announced as interim president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Mr Mokhber will organise a presidential election in the next 50 days. Early on Monday, Iranian authorities confirmed the death of Mr Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, in the crash in ...

The world has changed, so should the countries of the Global South

Many countries in what is now called the Global South need to move away from the old model of development that produced rates of economic growth that had no precedence in economic history. First South Korea and Taiwan and then China saw their national economies expand at rates close to 10% a year. This level of growth means doubling of the national product every seven years. In 1993, economists at the World Bank wrote a report in which several...

AND announces arrest 26 alleged drug dealers

AMMAN — The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) on Saturday announced the arrest of 26 alleged drug dealers in nine illicit drug bust operations in various locations in the Kingdom over the past few days.One of the main cases involved the case of a father and his three sons who were allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Capital, according to Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi.“We received information about the alleged illegal drug...

Reportage Properties showcases latest projects at Acres

Portfolio includes 35 projects in the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco and Saudi Arabia

No survivors from helicopter crash carrying Iranian president

ALBAWABA - Iranian state television reported Monday that a helicopter crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, and Iran's Foreign Minister left no survivors.Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is reportedly "not alive" along with all other passengers according to initial reports from Iran following a helicopter crash near East Azerbaijan Province, as he was returning from a state visit to neighboring Azerbaijan. The helicopter was carrying a...

President Sheikh Mohamed and other world leaders send condolences on death of Iran's Raisi

President Sheikh Mohamed has expressed his “deepest condolences” over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, East Azerbaijan provincial governor Malik Rahmati and Mohammed Ali Ale Hashem, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's representative to East Azerbaijan, also died in the...

A rapid increase in natural disasters begs for climate action

Sahab governorate pioneers sustainable development, municipal reform

AMMAN — Sahab Mayor Abbas Maharma highlighted that Sahab governorate aims to broadens its scope in order to achieve its municipal objectives and transformative changes.In a recent interview with The Jordan Times, Maharma emphasised that the reform process begins with the adoption of a sustainable municipal vision, adding that a mayor today is considered to be the head of a “community government”.Located 16 kilometres southeast of the capital...

Will Putin respect the Olympic truce at the Paris Games?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted that he will not respect the Olympic truce and will continue to fight in Ukraine during the Paris Olympics this summer. "These Olympic principles, including the Olympic truce, are very correct (...) But few countries in history have respected them, with the exception of ancient Greece," Mr. Putin told Russian journalists at the end of a two-day visit to China. Vladimir Putin further suggested that...