Latest news with #BahrainNewsAgency
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- General
- Gulf Insider
Education Ministry Releases Final Results For Grades 1 - 8 Via Official Platforms
The Ministry of Education has announced the release of final results for students in grades 1 to 8 for the 2024 – 2025 academic year. Students and parents can access the results through the Education Portal, the student mobile app ( and the student website ( The ministry also opened the window for submitting grade review requests for central final exams of the second semester. This applies to students in grades 3 and 6 of primary school, and grades 1 and 2 of intermediate school. Requests may be submitted at the student's registered school during official working hours, starting Sunday, June 1, 2025, until 12:00 P.M. on Monday, June 2, 2025, in accordance with approved procedures. Source Bahrain News Agency
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bahrain reaffirms support for GCC-Malaysia trade pact in meeting with Malaysian King
KUALA LUMPUR: Bahrain has reaffirmed its support for joint efforts between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Malaysia to establish a free trade agreement, describing it as a strategic milestone to boost economic ties and promote long-term growth. According to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa conveyed the message during a meeting with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, held on the sidelines of his official visit to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Prince Salman said the proposed agreement would enhance trade relations and support sustainable economic development between the GCC bloc and Malaysia. He also highlighted the strong and longstanding ties between Bahrain and Malaysia, stressing the importance of further expanding bilateral cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. The Crown Prince said the growing partnership reflects the continued support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim. During the meeting, Prince Salman conveyed greetings from King Hamad to Sultan Ibrahim, along with his wishes for Malaysia's continued progress and prosperity. Sultan Ibrahim, in turn, extended his greetings to King Hamad. Also present at the meeting were Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and the Private Secretary to the Crown Prince, Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa. Sultan Ibrahim hosted a Royal Luncheon at Istana Negara on Tuesday in honour of visiting dignitaries attending the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits. Key highlights of the day include the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, both held to deepen strategic dialogue and economic collaboration.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain's budget focuses on economic development
Bahrain's 2025-26 budget strategically balances fiscal discipline with a strong commitment to economic growth driven by its thriving non-oil sectors, according to a new report. In its latest GCC Budget Update analysis, Kuwait-based Kamco Invest notes that the kingdom's forward-looking budget follows a robust 2.6 per cent real GDP growth in 2024, reaching BD15.13 billion, propelled by a significant 3.8pc expansion in non-oil activities. The Finance and National Economy Ministry projects this positive momentum to continue, with real GDP expected to grow by 2.7pc in 2025, underpinned by a healthy 3.4pc growth in non-oil activities. While the budget projects a deficit of BD1.5 billion ($3.9bn) in 2025, with expenditures rising to BD4.4bn and revenues at BD2.9bn, the government has reached an eight-point agreement that includes maintaining VAT rates while adjusting selective taxes on certain items. The 2026 outlook projects a reduced deficit of BD1.1bn, with expenditures at BD4.5bn and revenues at BD3.5bn, including BD1.8bn from non-oil revenues. The budget underscores a strong focus on social welfare and development. It ensures the continuation of cost-of-living allowances for pensioners and allocates an unprecedented BD800 million for housing projects, marking the largest investment in this sector in the country's history, according to the Bahrain News Agency. Furthermore, BD688m are earmarked for healthcare investment. Significant expenditures for 2025 include BD91.7m for General Public Services, BD81.1m for Housing and Community Amenities, and BD70.6m for Economic Affairs and Infrastructure. Education reforms, infrastructure development including new schools and road upgrades, and improvements to sewage systems are also key components, all while the budget outlines measures to reduce the fiscal deficit, fostering financial stability alongside economic expansion and social well-being. Zooming out, the report underlines that GCC governments anticipate a tightening fiscal outlook for 2025, with aggregate budgeted expenditure estimated at $545.3bn, down from $554.9bn last year. Budgeted revenues are projected to decline by 3.1pc to $488.4bn from $504.1bn in 2024, primarily due to oil output cuts by Opec producers within the GCC. The projected aggregate fiscal deficit for the GCC countries is expected to widen to $56.9bn in 2025, compared to $50.8bn in 2024. Most GCC governments have based their revenue forecasts on a crude oil price of around $60 per barrel, though Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain did not disclose their specific oil price assumptions. The UAE is expected to balance its budget, while other GCC nations anticipate deficits. However, the actual deficit in 2025 could be significantly lower than budgeted due to conservative oil price estimates. Despite the tighter fiscal environment, GCC governments plan expansionary budgets, prioritising investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, alongside substantial funding for large-scale construction projects. A key focus remains on realigning and boosting the contribution of non-oil sectors to their economies. Saudi Arabia is set to dominate the region's finances, accounting for approximately 65.5pc of aggregate budgeted revenues and 63.6pc of aggregate expenditure in the GCC for the year. The regional project market remains robust, with the overall GCC project market index for upcoming contracts reaching $1.54 trillion as of April 2025, according to MEED Projects. Saudi Arabia leads this pipeline with $801.2bn (52.1pc), followed by the UAE at $312.3bn and Oman at an estimated $169.9bn. Crude oil prices, a major revenue driver, began the year above $80 per barrel but have since trended downwards, falling below $60/b in April 2025 following new US tariffs on China and other trading partners. While crude oil has averaged around $71 per barrel so far this year, forecasts for the remainder of 2025 suggest a full-year average of about $69.6 per barrel. Both Opec and the IEA have reduced their 2025 oil demand growth forecasts, reflecting escalating trade tensions and a deteriorating global economic outlook. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Insider
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Insider
2025 International Para BMT Tournament Opens In Bahrain
The 2025 Paralympic Badminton tournament opened in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and will run from May 13-18. The event features 90 athletes from 16 countries, reflecting international confidence in Bahrain's ability to host major sporting competitions. The opening ceremony included a flag parade in a festive atmosphere celebrating the determination of participating athletes. The organising committee welcomed the visiting delegations and wished them a comfortable stay and a rewarding sporting and cultural experience. Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, emphasised the significance of hosting this major sporting event. He noted that it reflects Bahrain's commitment to supporting determined athletes and providing an inclusive sporting environment. He added that the championship helps raise awareness of the importance of Paralympic sports and their role in inclusion and empowerment, while promoting sportsmanship and social cohesion. He noted that the tournament motivates athletes to achieve greater success for their countries and enhances Bahrain's position on the global sports map. He also highlighted its economic benefits, particularly in tourism, hospitality and transport. Source Bahrain News Agency
Bahrain News Gazette
13-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Bahrain's Leadership Engages in Diplomatic and Strategic Initiatives
Manama: Bahraini daily newspapers today focused on events that happened over the past 24 hours. According to Bahrain News Agency, HM King received HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as the Saudi Minister of Education, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagements. In legislative developments, HM King ratified and issued Law (22) of 2025 and Law (23) of 2025. These new laws indicate the country's commitment to updating its legal framework in alignment with its strategic objectives. In terms of international cooperation, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister met with the Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia, as well as the 26th intake of the Crown Prince's International Scholarship Program (CPISP). These meetings underscore Bahrain's focus on educational partnerships and talent development. Sports and cultural diplomacy were also on the agenda, with HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad leading the Bahrain delegation to the 37th GCC Olympic meeting. He also met with the President of the International Olymp ic Committee to discuss future cooperation and attended the Arab Handball Cup final. On the ministerial front, the Royal Court Minister issued Decision (1) of 2025, while the Foreign Minister received the EU Ambassador to Bahrain, reinforcing Bahrain's international diplomatic relations. The Information Minister took part in a panel discussion during the 20th edition of the Arab Media Forum, showcasing Bahrain's active role in regional media discourse. Further bilateral discussions were held between the Education Minister and his Saudi counterpart, focusing on educational cooperation. Meanwhile, the Social Development Minister participated in Egypt's 'Takaful and Karama' anniversary event and discussed inclusive employment support with the CEO of Tamkeen. Additionally, the Tourism Minister met with an IMF official, and the Municipalities Minister inspected the Southern Governorate urban development project. The Legal Affairs Minister engaged with the RHF Secretary General, and a Bahrain parliamentary deleg ation visited the Indonesian Parliament. In a move to enhance digital services, the Social Insurance Organization (SIO) and Beyon Connect signed an eKey 2.0 agreement. This development aims to boost Bahrain's digital infrastructure and service delivery.
