Bahrain emerges as a world-class sporting destination 12:54 PM (3 hours ago)
Al Sakhir, Mahmood Rafique, Editor: With the official opening of the 3rd Asian Youth Games on Wednesday, the Kingdom of Bahrain has become as a world-class destination on the global sporting map.
The opening ceremony of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, from October 22nd to October 31st, 2025, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, f
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been at the forefront of developing sports aims fostering the next generation of sporting excellence and leadership setting new standards for young sporting events in the region.
The event marked a significant milestone in the history of Asian multi-sport events, not only as the official launch of the third edition of the Asian Youth Games, but also as the first ceremony of its kind to be held indoors.
The Kingdom’s Bahrain’s efforts for supporting sports has yielded positive results as the Kingdom selected to host the 3rd Asian Youth Games in which over 8,000 athletes from 45 nations and territories are participating. In terms of infrastructure the event is divided on 20 venues which will witness 26 sports over the next 12 days proving Bahrain’s capacity to host a global sporting event.
This move departs from the long-standing tradition of outdoor stadium settings and reflects a forward-looking approach to the presentation of sporting ceremonies across the continent.
The ceremony which held at Exhibition World in Sakhir, attended by high-level officials, a broad public audience, and representatives from 45th Asian National Olympic Committees, alongside prominent figures from the international and regional sports community and participating delegations.
The ceremony featured an artistic programme that brings together contemporary performance with elements of Bahrain’s cultural heritage. Through a series of creative segments, it will highlight the Kingdom’s story, from its ancient roots to its present-day development, delivered in a format that balances tradition with modern expression. The performance will also reflect a spirit of unity and cooperation, in line with the values that sport and cultural exchange continue to promote across Asia.
The programme features a sequence of events beginning with the arrival of the ceremony’s patron and the entry of the military police, followed by the playing of Bahrain’s national anthem, marking the official start of proceedings. A countdown to the opening of the Games will then take place, leading to artistic performances and the Parade of Nations.
The ceremony concluded with official speeches, culminating in the most symbolic and anticipated moment: the raising of the Games flag and the lighting of the Asian flame, which will remain lit throughout the competition. This flame will stand as a lasting symbol of passion, ambition, and the spirit of challenge that brings together the continent’s youth on Bahraini soil.
US-Bahrain participates in Ballast Cannon 26.1 series exercise 7:21 AM (9 hours ago)
MANAMA: As a routine exercise, this iteration supports the U.S. Air Force’s efforts to expand integration with the Royal Bahraini Air Force by exercising aerial refueling, coalition command and control, tactical integration, and expanded air-air-air engagements for U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel.
The Ballast Cannon series of exercises allows the U.S. and Bahrain to train alongside one another to test collaborative techniques and develop common operating procedures to execute aerial refueling from KC-135s in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Enduring partnerships throughout the U.S. Central Command theater enable routine events such as Ballast Cannon, which strengthen coalition cohesion, enhance multi-domain proficiency, and set the stage for future combined defense of the Arabian Peninsula missions.
Zain Bahrain profit up 3.3 per cent to BD4.18m in 9-months 7:07 AM (9 hours ago)
Manama: Zain Bahrain, a leading telecommunications provider in the Kingdom, has reported a total profit of BD4.18million for the nine months. Zain on Wednesday has announced its financial results for the third quarter (Q3 2025) and the nine-month period ended 30 September 2025.
Zain Bahrain reported a total profit attributable to the shareholders of BD 1.64 million for the three months ended 30 September 2025, representing an increase of 1.1% from BD 1.62 million in Q3 2024. Basic and diluted earnings per share remained stable at 4 fils. Revenue increased to BD 19.5 million representing a growth of 2.7% compared to BD 19 million in Q3 2024. EBITDA for Q3 2025 decreased by 5.4% reaching BD 6 million from BD 6.35 million in Q3 2024.
For the nine months ended 30 September 2025, Zain Bahrain reported a total profit attributable to the shareholders of BD 4.18 million, representing a 3.3% increase from BD 4.04 million in the same period as in 2024. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended 30 September 2025 remained stable at 11 fils. Revenue for the nine months ended 30 September 2025 reached BD 60.75 million, an increase of 5.8% compared to BD 57.44 million for the same period in 2024. EBITDA for the nine months ended 30 September 2025 decreased by 5.8% to BD 17.09 million from BD 18.14 million in the prior period.
Zain Bahrain’s balance sheet remains strong with a total equity of BD 88.73 million as of 30 September 2025, compared to BD 88.12 million for the year ended 31 December 2024, a slight increase of 0.7%. The Company’s asset base stood at BD 135.39 million as of 30 September 2025, a reduction of 4.6% from BD 141.91 million as of 31 December 2024.
“Zain Bahrain delivered a strong positive performance in the third quarter, a testament to the clarity and strength of its strategy. This achievement reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence in customer experience, supported by its state-of-the-art infrastructure and sustained strategic investments, which remain the pillars of Zain Bahrain’s current success and future growth,” Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, Zain Bahrain Chairman, said.
“We are pleased with the progress made across several strategic initiatives in this quarter; key highlights include the strategic agreement with Ericsson to expand and modernize its network as part of our USD 100 million investment plan over the next three years. This strategic investment ensures faster connections, enhanced indoor coverage, seamless video streaming, and advanced mobile internet experiences for our customers, while preparing the network for next-generation innovations, including innovative services and advanced 5G applications.”
“Bede also continued to expand its services, opening access to non-Bahrainis and strengthening its role as a financial enabler in the Kingdom. The new service reflects Bede’s ongoing commitment to broadening its Sharia-compliant financial solutions built on innovation and flexibility, while empowering diverse segments of society across the Kingdom.
“Additionally, Zain Business continued to empower enterprises by providing cutting-edge solutions, with new agreements signed leading organizations and institutions to support their digital transformation journeys.
“We have also strengthened our insurance offerings by launching an enhanced version of Zain’s comprehensive motor insurance service in partnership with Takaful International Company, delivering a simpler, faster, and more flexible digital experience for our customers. Customers can now insure their vehicles within minutes with installments.”
“Another significant milestone this quarter was Zain Bahrain’s recognition as a leading company in the field of workforce nationalization for the year 2025, by the Committee of Labor Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, following its nomination by Bahrain Ministry of Labor. Zain’s Bahrainization rate currently stands at an impressive 93.33%. This recognition adds to a series of accolades Zain Bahrain has received, having been consistently listed among the best employers of Bahrainis throughout 2024 and the second quarter of 2023 by the Ministry of Labor. Zain’s Bahrain ongoing efforts in recruitment, training, and talent development continue to set it apart as a champion of national workforce advancement.
These achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to investing in advanced infrastructure, pioneering digital services, and, most importantly, community empowerment. We are committed to delivering exceptional services to our customers while enriching the lives of individuals, businesses, and society throughout the Kingdom. None of these achievements would be possible without our people, as their commitment is the driving force behind Zain Bahrain’s success.”
Royal support reflects unlimited commitment to sports 13 Oct 2:16 AM (9 days ago)
MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Olympic Counci of Asia for the Third Asian Youth Games and Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, emphasized that the Kingdom is step closer of hosting a unique Asian sports event. With few days remaining until the opening of the Games, set to take place in Bahrain from October 22 to 31, 2025, the event will be held under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
His Highness said that the royal patronage of the Games reflects the unwavering commitment His Majesty has towards the sports movement in the Kingdom. It serves as a fundamental pillar for the event’s success and a significant motivation for all involved to work with determination and enthusiasm to present the event in the best possible light, under the keen keenness and supervision of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, President of the Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
Shaikh Isa bin Ali expressed his confidence in the capabilities of Bahraini talents, he adds in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia, they will achieve an unprecedented organizational success for this edition of the Games.
“Bahrain has repeatedly proven to be a model for hosting and organizing continental and international events. We possess the advanced infrastructure and organizational expertise necessary to provide an exceptional experience for athletes and delegations from across the Asian continent.”
His Highness pointed out that the organizational aspect is just as crucial as the competitive side, expressing his high hopes and confidence in the “Team Bahrain” of young athletes to achieve accomplishments across various sports.
“Our youth represent the future of Bahraini sports, and they have worked diligently and passionately in preparation for this event. We expect them to give their best, embodying the fighting spirit and high will that characterize our athletes, and to raise the Bahraini flag high on the podiums.”
Shaikh Isa bin Ali highlighted the significance of the Asian Youth Games, considering it a true gateway that paves the way for young athletes toward major global competitions such as the Olympics and the Asian Games.
Over 4,300 athletes are set to compete at Asian Youth Games 13 Oct 1:51 AM (9 days ago)
MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Executive Committee of the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), set to take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 22 to 31, 2025, has successfully completed the registration process for participating delegations. This prestigious event, held under the Royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, marks the first time Bahrain will host the Games.
Yusuf Duaij, Chairman of the Executive Committee, said that approximately 8,400 athletes were initially registered in the preliminary lists. However, the final count of athletes participating stands at over 4,300.
“This figure reflects the hard work of the organizing committee, as over 5,000 individuals will participate, including officials, administrators, technical staff, media and medical teams, representing 45 National Olympic Committees along with the Olympic Council of Asia and various Asian sports federations,” he said.
Duaij expressed his satisfaction with the significant number of participants, highlighting the confidence placed in Bahrain to host the event at the highest standards. He commended the efforts of all standing committees, including the accreditation committee.
He further noted that National Olympic Committees will receive their accreditation cards during the Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) on October 13. Four main centers for issuing accreditation cards have been established: The Art Hotel & Resort, Exhibition World Bahrain, and Gulf Hotel, as well as Isa Sports City.
All is set for coverage of historic Asian Games by Bahrain Sports Channel 13 Oct 1:33 AM (9 days ago)
MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: As the Kingdom of Bahrain gears up to host the Asian Youth Games from October 22 to 31, 2025, Ali Hussain, Director of Sports Media, has reaffirmed that Bahrain Sports Channel will broadcasting Asian Games, the largest sporting event in the history of Bahrain. He emphasized that the coverage will be comprehensive and unprecedented in both scale and content.
Hussain stated that television broadcasting will be the backbone of the media coverage, explaining, “Both Bahrain Sports Channel One and Two will broadcast the events live every day. We have allocated seven live broadcasts daily to cover 26 sports throughout the competition, featuring both men’s and women’s categories.”
He added that the plan includes live coverage of more than 145 competitions across various media platforms, reflecting the significant efforts made to showcase this continental event in a manner befitting Bahrain’
He also noted that the coverage will not be limited to live broadcasts; it will include both live and recorded programmes to enhance audience engagement. “Daily morning and evening studios will be aired to keep pace with the tournament’s developments, highlighting key results and analyses with contributions from a select group of experts, stars, and sporting champions. Additionally, recorded programmes will showcase behind-the-scenes footage, fan voices, and highlight the most memorable moments from the competitions.”
He confirmed that all finals, along with the opening and closing ceremonies, will be broadcast live across Bahrain Sports Channels.
“The broadcasting plan has been developed according to the highest standards of professional excellence, utilizing all available human and technical resources. Daily reports and highlights will be aired throughout the day to ensure comprehensive coverage of the tournament in every Bahraini home.”
Banking system balance sheet up 1.5per cent to BD246.8billion at end of August: CBB 12 Oct 3:22 AM (10 days ago)
Manama: Mahmod Rafique, Editor: The balance sheet of the Bahrain’s banking system, retail banks and wholesale sector banks, increased to $246.8 billion at the end of August 2025, an increase of 1.5% compared to the end August of 2024.
The Central Bank of Bahrain’s (CBB) Board of Directors held its fourth meeting for the year 2025, chaired by Hassan Khalifa Al Jalahma on Sunday.
The Board reviewed the topics on the agenda, including CBB’s financial performance report as of end of September 2025, in addition to CBB’s activities and developments in the financial sector for the third quarter of 2025. The Board was also presented with developments relating to supervisory initiatives and payment system upgrade. The GP15 Graduate Development Program was also highlighted as one of the important initiatives being undertaken by CBB.
The Board also reviewed key monetary and banking indicators for the period up to August 2025 including the money supply, which decreased by BD 0.1 billion to reach BD 16.3 billion at the end of August 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. As for retail banks, total private deposits increased to reach BD 13.5 billion at the end of August 2025, an increase of 0.3% compared to the end of August 2024. The outstanding balance of total loans and credit facilities extended to resident economic sectors increased to BD 12.6 billion at the end of August 2025, an increase of 4.0% compared August 2024, with the Business Sector accounting for 40.9% and the Personal Sector at 48.8% of total loans and credit facilities.
Point of Sales (POS) data for the period January 2025 to August 2025 totaled 170.4 million transactions (77.6% of which were contactless), an increase of 22.2% compared to the same period in 2024. The total value of POS transactions for the period January 2025 to August 2025 totaled BD 3.4 billion (51.7% of which were contactless), an increase of 13.6% compared to the same period in 2024.
The banking sector’s capital adequacy ratio reached 20.3% in Q2 2025 compared with 20.4% in Q2 2024. The capital adequacy ratio for the various banking sectors was 29.7% for conventional retail banks, 16.2% for conventional wholesale banks, 23.8% for Islamic retail banks, and 20.0% for Islamic wholesale banks in Q2 2025.
The total number of registered Collective Investment Undertakings (CIUs) as of June 2025 stood at 1733 CIUs, compared to 1707 CIUs as of June 2024. The net asset value (NAV) of the CIUs decreased from US $11.178 billion in Q2 2024 to US $10.915 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a decrease of 2.35%. The NAV of Shari’a-compliant CIUs increased from US $1.812 billion in Q2 2024 to US $2.060 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting an increase of 13.69%. The NAV of Bahrain domiciled CIUs decreased from US $4.428 billion in Q2 2024 to US $4.343 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a decrease of 1.92%. Additionally, the NAV of overseas domiciled CIUs decreased from US $6.750 billion in Q2 2024 to US $6.572 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a decrease of 2.64%.
Fintech continues to be a gamechanger of economic landscape in 2025 8 Oct 2:58 AM (14 days ago)
Al Sakhir: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: As the global fintech sector is swiftly embarking on surprising new chapter. Where the focus was on speed, scale and transformation, the year 2025 has ushered in a major shift towards maturity—defined by embedded infrastructure, strategic capital, and policy alignment. The question is no longer how fast fintech can grow, but how well it can integrate—into real economies, regulatory frameworks, and everyday lives.
The two-day Fintech Forward 2025, which opened at Exhibition World Bahrain took off in a style with huge participation of top government officials, leading banks and financial institutions and regulators who shed light on the latest developments in fintech and how the region is embracing this challenge. The interactive sessions designed to move the conversation from “what is next to “what works It is a historic shift from radical transformation to lasting integration.
Around the world, venture capital has cooled, regulatory scrutiny has sharpened, and financial infrastructure has globalized. Embedded finance, AI-powered compliance and novel digital-identity systems are emerging as the sector’s new foundations. Moreover, fintechs are turning into sovereign investors, telecom operators and traditional banks for sustainable growth—embracing bureaucracy, not blitzscaling.
In the Middle East, a parallel but distinct evolution is unfolding. Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are becoming not just fintech adopters, but rule makers—experimenting with regulatory sandboxes, digital currencies and cross-border payment systems. Fintech is increasingly viewed as a nation-building tool, deeply tied to economic diversification, regional integration and talent strategy.
H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, during a debate led by Joshua Roberts, Capital markets editor, The Economist, titled “finance with purpose: diversification and sustainable growth” encompassed in the backdrop of financial services evolve, banks, insurers, asset managers and others face critical choices on how to adapt and innovate. Resilience, trust and long-term impact are now just as critical for growth as size and speed. How can the Gulf’s financial ecosystem offer a model for diverse, innovative-driven financial growth?
How can closer collaboration between the public and private sectors unlock new value chains, increase financial inclusion and build more resilient economies? From Islamic finance to open banking, how are consumer preferences shaping financial services? And what role can fintech play in aligning national development goals with private-sector innovation?
In other session, H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain, titled “finance redefined: regulation in a digital age” as the global financial sector undergoes profound shifts, from the rise of stablecoins and tokenized deposits to geopolitical fractures in cross-border payment systems, central banks find themselves walking a regulatory tightrope: enabling innovation while safeguarding stability.
In this one-on-one conversation, the Central Bank of Bahrain’ governor reflects on the country’s evolving regulatory agenda amid growing interest in digital assets, embedded finance and cross-border interoperability.
Bahrain GDP posts 2.6per cent growth in Q2; non-oil sector remains the top contributor 8 Oct 2:27 AM (14 days ago)
MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Kingdom of Bahrain’s non-oil sector continues to steer the GDP growth in the Q2 with 2.per cent growth in the first half comparing to 2.5 per cent in the same period last year.
“Bahrain’s real GDP rose by 2.6% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, following a 2.5% yearly uptick in Q2, according to preliminary official data showing that non-oil activities continued to be the most important contributor to real GDP over the covered period. First-half performances are in line with S&P Global Market Intelligence estimates and suggest the real economy is on track to meet our full-year forecasts, noting that we expect real GDP growth to somewhat accelerate in 2026 on less unfavorable oil sector contributions, continued non-oil growth and lower borrowing costs,” Jamil Naayem, Principal Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said.
Alba achieves 40million working hours without LTI 6 Oct 10:19 AM (16 days ago)
MANAMA: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has made a history by achieving 40 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI), reached on 06 October 2025, reinforcing its position as a global leader in industrial safety.
“Reaching 40 million safe working hours is more than a milestone, it’s a reflection of our strong safety culture, the commitment of our people, and the strong collaboration between our employees and contractor personnel,” Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali during a celebration attended by senior officials and employees at the Company’s premises, said.
“This success is a direct result of our workers’ dedication, discipline, and resilience. Working safely under the demanding conditions of aluminium smelting requires focus and teamwork and our people have consistently delivered.”
Alba is on track to mark its fourth LTI-free calendar year since 2019, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to safety excellence and the well-being of its workforce.