US flag raised at the official ambassadorial residence in Damascus
Embassy remains closed for now, but the move is a sign of warming relations between Washington and the new Syrian government
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Zawya
44 minutes ago
- Zawya
Under the patronage of H.E. Chairman of Shura Council, BTECH hosts Bahrain Digital Content Awards
Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Ali Bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), in strategic collaboration with the World Summit Awards (WSA) will host the prestigious Bahrain Digital Content Award (BDC Award) this June. This landmark initiative highlights the rising strategic significance of the digital content sector and its pivotal contribution to driving sustainable digital transformation across the Kingdom of Bahrain. On this occasion, Mr. Ahmed Ateyatalla Alhujairi, Chairman of the Digital content awards, stated: 'The continuation of the Bahrain Digital Content Award underscores the strategic importance of the digital content sector as a key enabler of innovation, economic growth, and national development. The award serves as a key catalyst for inspiring creative talent to develop impactful digital solutions that drive progress across diverse sectors and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom's socio-economic development and digital prosperity." Mr. Ahmed Ateyatalla Alhujairi further emphasised that fostering a culture of digital entrepreneurship is an essential pillar in advancing the strategic objectives outlined in Bahrain's Vision 2030. Mr. Tareq Fakhroo, Chairman of the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), expressed his heartfelt appreciation and noting that such support plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the Society's efforts to drive digital innovation across the Kingdom, and added, 'The 2025 edition of the Bahrain Digital Content Award seeks to attract distinguished startups, private company, government body, or academic institution and more in the digital content arena. As in previous editions, the award will serve as a strategic platform for participants to showcase their capabilities, forge meaningful partnerships, and expand their footprint across local, regional, and international markets.' It is noteworthy that the previous edition of the Bahrain Digital Content Award achieved significant success, honouring a distinguished group of creators and renowned institutions for their outstanding contributions to the digital landscape. The event served as a testament to Bahrain's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and leadership in the field of digital content. The renewed patronage of His Excellency Ali Bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, for this year's edition further affirms the Kingdom's sustained national focus on advancing this dynamic and strategically vital sector.
Khaleej Times
44 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE to ban single-use plastic products' import, production, trade from 2026
The UAE will implement a comprehensive ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2026, said Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. This comes as part of the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. 'This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems,' Dr Amna said on the occasion of World Environment Day — which is marked on June 5. She called on all community members in the UAE to play their role in eliminating unnecessary plastic. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Each of us, as responsible members of our community, can play a leading role in realising our nation's vision by joining the mission to eliminate unnecessary plastic from our daily lives. Let us become active agents of change, leading a powerful movement towards thriving communities, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Let us protect the land and the sea that are so integral to our lives, for ourselves, our loved ones, and for generations to come,' the minister said. She reiterated that this year's theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution', is a call to action for every member of the community. Dubai and other emirates imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags and implemented 25 fils tariff from January 1, 2024. The ban covered stirrers, Styrofoam food containers, table covers, cotton swabs, straws and single-use Styrofoam cups made of plastic. Starting January 1, 2026, single-use plastic cups and lids, single-use plastic cutlery, plastic food containers and plastic plates will be banned. Plastic in lungs, brains, breast milk The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Thursday warned that plastic pollution is contaminating water supplies, food sources, and the air we breathe. 'As plastics break down, they enter the food chain. Microplastics have been detected in human arteries, lungs, brains, and breast milk,' it said. It said global plastic consumption is projected to reach 516 million tonnes this year, and if current consumption patterns continue, it will rise to over 1.2 billion tonnes annually by 2060. 'We are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level,' said Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak. She stressed that the UAE optimises resource use in critical sectors such as green infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and responsible food production and consumption. 'The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling.' 13 million deaths The UN body said environmental factors contribute to the deaths of about 13 million people worldwide each year. Almost half of these fatalities are attributed to air pollution. The health and economic costs of unhealthy air pollution currently amount to $2.9 trillion. 'We urge communities to advocate for lasting solutions to combat plastic pollution. Historically, recycling has been a key strategy for mitigating plastic waste. However, only nine per cent of plastics produced globally are recycled. It is estimated that just 21 per cent of plastic today is economically recyclable, meaning the value of recycled materials covers the costs of collection, sorting, and processing,' it added.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Hajj 2025: 53 expats arrested for trying to enter Makkah without permit
Hajj security forces have arrested 53 expatriates for violating Hajj regulations and instructions by attempting to enter the city of Makkah and perform Hajj without a permit on Thursday, June 5. As thousands of pilgrims perform Hajj in Makkah, Saudi authorities have put strict penalties in place this year for violating regulations. These measures remain active through the end of the pilgrimage season. On Wednesday, June 4, Hajj security forces apprehended 60 foreign nationals holding visit visas for violating regulations, authorities said. The accused attempted to sneak into Makkah on foot via a desert route, the official Saudi account of Public Security said in a tweet on X. The statement also said that the accused have been referred to the competent authorities for appropriate action and levying penalties. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Hajj penalties The Kingdom's Ministry of Tourism earlier said that anyone caught transporting pilgrims without a valid Haj permit or offering accommodations to these violators in hotels, apartments, etc., will face a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals. This penalty applies to citizens, residents, and visitors. Those who will be caught performing the pilgrimage without a permit or attempting to do so will face a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals. The same penalty applies to visit visa holders who attempt to enter Makkah and stay there from April 29 (Dhul-Qi'dah 1) and until Dhul Hijjah 14. Vehicles used to transport pilgrims illegally will be confiscated by court order. Authorities have also stated that violators will be publicly named, as part of a wider effort to deter others from breaking the law. Fines for violators from UAE A fine of Dh50,000 will be imposed on any UAE citizen arriving in Saudi Arabia without a valid Hajj permit approved by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (GAIAZ). The decision was made to make it a safe Hajj experience for all UAE pilgrims, as performing Hajj is contingent upon receiving an official permit issued by the authority. This is in line with Cabinet decisions under the Hajj and Umrah System, which governs the procedures for the Hajj season. The system ensures fair and transparent distribution of opportunities among applicants through electronic screening programs.
