Gulf Digital News - Online

09/01/2026

Bahrain’s multidisciplinary approach to treating pulmonary hypertension is gaining traction, with a dedicated clinic at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) reporting 110 patient visits between January and November last year, a forum heard.

SMC consultant adult cardiologist Dr Aysha Ahmed revealed that more people in the kingdom were undergoing treatment for the condition than ever before, attributing it to increased awareness among the population.

She was speaking at the first Bahrain Thoracic Conference, which kicked off yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Manama.

Officials including Supreme Council for Health (SCH) chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Government Hospitals chief executive officer Dr Mariam Al Jalahma attended. The event brought together speakers from Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK and Qatar.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when elevated blood pressure builds up in the arteries connecting the heart and lungs, forcing the right side of the heart to work harder and potentially leading to heart failure.

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain and swelling of the legs. The condition may result from underlying heart or lung disease, certain medications or, in some cases, have no identifiable cause. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to controlling symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372886

Bahrain’s multidisciplinary approach to treating pulmonary hypertension is gaining traction, with a dedicated clinic at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) reporting 110 patient visits between January and November last year, a forum heard. SMC consultant adult cardiologist Dr Aysha Ahmed revealed that...

09/01/2026

Bahrain is taking a decisive step to strengthen its defences against money laundering and terrorism financing as the Shura Council is set to approve amendments to the anti-financial crime legislation on Sunday.

The council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee has recommended approval of the decree-law No 36 of 2025, which amends key provisions of a 2001 decree-law on combating money laundering and terrorism financing, citing urgent national and international obligations.

Committee chairman Dr Ali Al Rumaihi said the amendments were essential to safeguarding Bahrain’s financial system and maintaining international confidence.

“These legislative updates are a strategic necessity to protect the kingdom’s financial and economic stability, enhance our ability to combat evolving financial crimes and meet international standards,” Dr Al Rumaihi said.

According to the committee’s report, the decree-law was issued to ensure Bahrain keeps pace with rapidly evolving money laundering and terrorism financing methods, including the financing of weapons proliferation.

The changes also aim to align Bahrain’s laws with the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ahead of the kingdom’s next mutual evaluation, scheduled for March 2026.

Failure to adopt the amendments promptly, the report warned, could expose Bahrain to being placed on the FATF’s ‘grey list’, a move that would label the kingdom as a high-risk jurisdiction and trigger severe consequences for its financial sector.

“Any delay would pose serious risks to Bahrain’s international standing and could negatively affect investment flows and correspondent banking relationships,” Dr Al Rumaihi said.

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372893

Bahrain is taking a decisive step to strengthen its defences against money laundering and terrorism financing as the Shura Council is set to approve amendments to the anti-financial crime legislation on Sunday. The council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee has recommended ...

09/01/2026

A man who insulted Arab states and deliberately disseminated false news has been sentenced to six months in prison with immediate effect and fined BD200 by the Lower Criminal Court.

The Public Prosecution received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate concerning an interview the man gave on a television channel, which was subsequently circulated on several social media platforms.

During the interview, he made false and defamatory statements about Arab states, accusing them of collusion and conspiracy, and called on people to resist and rise up against their governments, the Public Prosecution said in a statement yesterday.

An investigation was launched into the incident, during which the authorities reviewed the statements made by the defendant and questioned him in the presence of his lawyer, the statement added.

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372913

A man who insulted Arab states and deliberately disseminated false news has been sentenced to six months in prison with immediate effect and fined BD200 by the Lower Criminal Court. The Public Prosecution received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate concerning an interview the man gave on a tel...

09/01/2026

His Majesty King Hamad, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, deputised General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Commander of the National Guard, to attend the closing ceremony of the shooting and military marathon championships, on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the National Guard, at the Sakhir Shooting Ranges Complex.

The National Guard Commander was received by Lieutenant General Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Khalifa, National Guard Staff Director, along with senior officers.

The final rounds of the shooting championship covered rifle, pistol, and shotgun categories, with the Special Operations Unit emerging as the winners. Meanwhile, the Special Operations Unit won the first place in the military marathon championship held earlier in the day.

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372928/Military-marathon-and-shooting-championship-winners-honoured

HIS Majesty King Hamad, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, deputised General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Commander of the National Guard, to attend the closing ceremony of the shooting and military marathon championships, on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the establishment of th...

09/01/2026

Silah Gulf, Bahrain’s leading customer experience (CX) and business process outsourcing (BPO) provider, has launched an Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking a transformative milestone in the company’s 15-year history.

The offering, which opened on December 29 last year, seeks to raise approximately BD2.9 million in gross proceeds. Silah is offering 16,359,429 new shares, representing 30 per cent of the company’s issued share capital post-IPO, at an offer price of BD 0.176 per share.

Speaking on the launch, Silah Gulf chief executive Feras Ahmed told the GDN that going public is a strategic decision to accelerate the firm’s regional footprint. “This IPO is an invitation to join our growth story – a company committed to innovation, customer excellence, and contribution to the regional economy,” Mr Ahmed said.

The subscription period is set to close on January 19, 2026. To ensure a balanced market, the offering is structured with 70 per cent of shares allocated to professional investors and 30 per cent reserved for retail investors.

Eligible Bahraini and non-Bahraini investors can apply through the Bahrain Bourse eIPO portal, eipo.bahrainbourse.com or in person at designated BBK branches, including the Main Branch, Souq Al Baraha, Exhibition Financial Mall, and Atrium Mall. The company is expected to debut on the Bahrain Bourse on February 3, 2026, trading under the ticker symbol SILAH.

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372898/Silah-Gulf%E2%80%99s-BD29-million-IPO-to-fuel-regional-inorganic-growth-plans

09/01/2026

New fees have been introduced as part of measures to regulate truck parking at Manama Central Market.

Municipal officials say the move aims to ease congestion, improve traffic flow and support the sustainability of commercial activity at one of Bahrain’s most vital wholesale hubs.

Under the new system, trucks will be charged BD10 for the first 12 hours of parking, BD2 for each additional hour, and BD50 in the event of a lost ticket.

Special parking packages are also available upon request by contacting Amakin – the government-owned company responsible for managing parking properties and facilities on behalf of public authorities.

Earlier, the fee structure was flexible, with charges determined by the type of parking space and the length of stay.

In a statement, the Capital Trustees Authority said the ‘well-considered development steps’ were intended to improve service efficiency and create a more organised operating environment for merchants and visitors.

“These measures are designed to enhance the efficiency of truck movement, loading and unloading operations, and to ensure smoother traffic flow within the market without harming commercial activity or affecting its stability,” the authority said.

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372884

New fees have been introduced as part of measures to regulate truck parking at Manama Central Market. Municipal officials say the move aims to ease congestion, improve traffic flow and support the sustainability of commercial activity at one of Bahrain’s most vital wholesale hubs .

09/01/2026

Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani yesterday received a copy of the credentials of Stephanie Hallett, the newly-appointed US Ambassador.

Dr Al Zayani commended the long-standing strategic partnership between Bahrain and the US, and wished her success in her diplomatic role supporting the interests of both countries and peoples.

Ambassador Hallett expressed her pride in her appointment and reiterated her commitment to enhancing bilateral co-operation and further developing the partnership between the two countries.

Read: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372924

Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani yesterday received a copy of the credentials of Stephanie Hallett, the newly-appointed US Ambassador.Dr Al Zayani commended the long-standing strategic partnership between Bahrain and the US, and wished her success in her diplomatic role supporting the intere...

09/01/2026

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09/01/2026

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08/01/2026

Eight people were rescued after a fire broke out at a house in Hamad Town today.

Civil defence personnel extinguished the blaze, while the National Ambulance Service provided the necessary support at the scene.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, the Interior Ministry said in a post on X.

08/01/2026

Bahrain is set to give fans their first glimpse of the next generation of Formula 1 cars, with pre-season testing scheduled at the Bahrain International Circuit next month.

The 2026 season arrives with high anticipation following an epic 2025, which saw a three-way title fight go down to the final round and McLaren’s Lando Norris finally emerged as the champion, unseating defending champion Max Verstappen. One of the biggest talking points is the sweeping set of new regulations.

Cars will be smaller and lighter, with an altered approach to aerodynamics, including active wings that can change configuration depending on track conditions. Power units will see the largest change since 2014, with a roughly 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical energy, removal of the complex Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H), and full use of sustainable fuels.

Drivers will have new tools for overtaking, including creative deployment of recovered energy and a manual boost mode similar to Drag Reduction System (DRS).

The grid will also feature four world champions for the first time in four years.

Carrying the number 1 on his McLaren, Norris joins Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso, combining for 14 titles among them.

2026 also brings a new Grand Prix in Madrid, joining the existing Barcelona-Catalunya race.

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372813/Gearing-up-for-F1

GULF WEEKLY - Bahrain is set to give fans their first glimpse of the next generation of Formula 1 cars, with pre-season testing scheduled at the Bahrain International Circuit next month. The 2026 season arrives with high anticipation following an epic 2025, which saw a three-way title fight go down....

08/01/2026

BBK has launched its Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF), a major step in supporting the kingdom’s transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Developed in collaboration with Standard Chartered, the framework received a “significant” sustainability contribution rating from Morningstar Sustainalytics.

The Second Party Opinion (SPO) confirms the framework aligns with 2025 global standards for Green, Social, and Sustainability Bonds, Sukuk, and Loans.

The SFF enables BBK to mobilise capital for high-impact projects across 12 eligible categories.

Key sectors include renewable energy, clean transportation, green buildings, affordable housing, and SME financing.

This initiative aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the national goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.

“This represents a defining moment in our sustainability journey,” said BBK Group chief executive officer Yaser Alsharifi.

“As Bahrain diversifies its economy, we are providing the innovative financial solutions needed to foster environmental stewardship and long-term value creation.”

Read more: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372843/BBK-ties-up-with-Standard-Chartered-to-launch-SFF

BBK has launched its Sustainable Finance Framework (SFF), a major step in supporting the kingdom’s transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy. Developed in collaboration with Standard Chartered, the framework received a “significant” sustainability contribution rating from Morningstar S...