Latest news with #AliAlShehabi
Daily Tribune
02-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bookings milestone
Bahrain's main venue for business gatherings has hosted 124 events and drawn over 1.4 million visitors since it opened in late 2022, with new bookings making up nearly three-quarters of those activities. The Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre has also seen a marked jump in use, with a 40 per cent rise in events in 2024 compared to the year before. Tourism Minister, Her Excellency Fatima Al Sairafi, gave the update in a reply to Shura Council member Ali Al Shehabi, who had asked about how often the centre was being used, how it measured up to global standards, and what was being done to attract organisers. In 2024, the venue's halls were in use for 26 per cent of the year. This falls within the standard international range, according to the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Since its launch, the centre has leased out more than 11 million square metres of space. Among the events were two major gatherings being held for the first time in the Middle East. The World Routes air travel forum and the UN's food tourism meet both drew thousands from over 100 countries. The grounds have also been used for month-long public programmes such as the Bahrain Summer Games and Youth City. Sixty-three events are on the books for 2025, with a planned usage rate of 31 per cent. Early-year bookings included the 35th Autumn Fair, which drew over 200,000 people, the GCC Law and Arbitration Week, and the Bahrain International Garden Show. This year is expected to bring large trade shows.
Daily Tribune
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
New legislation to reduce early morning construction noise in residential areas
Responding to growing complaints from families jolted awake by jackhammers at dawn and homes 'shaking like earthquakes,' the Shura Council yesterday backed a law to curb disturbing activities in residential areas. The legislation lays down strict limits on construction, demolition, and excavation times while making exceptions for emergencies like urgent repairs. The proposal, reviewed by the Public Utilities and Environment Committee, amends Article 20 of the 1977 Building Regulation Law. Ali Al Shehabi, the committee's rapporteur, explained that the plan introduces a new clause empowering the minister, in coordination with municipal councils, to decide when construction, demolition, or excavation is off-limits in residential zones. Exceptions It also allows for specific exceptions during restricted hours. The committee recommended modifying the proposal to create a new Article 21 instead of simply adding to Article 20, reflecting feedback from government representatives and ensuring it fits practical and regulatory realities. The plan gives municipalities the authority to decide which activities to limit, focusing on those causing noise and disturbance, such as demolition or excavation. Urban areas It excludes quieter construction work and restricts bans to residential zones, steering clear of uninhabited or newly developed urban areas. Municipalities are also tasked with defining exceptional cases, like emergency pipe or sewer repairs, where immediate action may be required to prevent harm. Addressing the economic impact, Al Shehabi noted that the amended draft balances residents' peace of mind with the realities faced by contractors. Flexibility Municipal councils will have the flexibility to decide restricted hours based on local circumstances, ensuring fair and practical application of the law. Penalties for violations are tied to Article 23 of the Building Regulation Law, ensuring anyone flouting municipal rules will face legal consequences.
