Latest news with #Gulf-wide
Gulf Insider
6 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain, Qatar Discuss Fast-Tracking 40KM Causeway
His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to strengthening its historic ties and strategic developmental partnership with the State of Qatar. The focus is on enhancing cooperation in land, sea, and air connectivity, as well as logistics services, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. This came during an official meeting at the Ministry headquarters with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar's Minister of Transport, and his accompanying delegation. The visit aimed to explore avenues for economic and investment collaboration and to exchange technical and operational expertise in areas such as land transport, railways, maritime navigation, and civil aviation. Dr. Al Khalifa emphasized Bahrain's pride in its growing partnership with Qatar under the royal vision and the government's guidance, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted the importance of strengthening regional integration in infrastructure and transportation, safeguarding maritime and air navigation, and supporting joint economic ventures within the GCC framework. Key developmental and strategic projects were discussed, including the 40-kilometer Bahrain- Qatar Causeway for land connectivity and a proposed joint maritime link. These initiatives aim to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and vehicles, promote trade and tourism exchange, boost supply chain efficiency, and attract investments in logistics, tourism, and industry. The projects are also expected to create new job opportunities and reinforce the socio-economic and cultural bonds between the two nations. The ministers also reviewed practical steps to accelerate the implementation of these connectivity projects, improve related infrastructure and logistics services, and establish joint working teams to ensure progress aligns with global best practices. They expressed hope that these strategic projects would contribute significantly to GCC economic integration, complementing the ongoing GCC railway project expected to be completed by 2030. Dr. Al Khalifa reaffirmed Bahrain's readiness to provide the necessary infrastructure for the success of land and maritime links and to further develop logistics services in alignment with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving shared development goals. Qatar's Minister of Transport, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, expressed his country's pride in the strong fraternal ties with Bahrain and its keenness to expand cooperation in transportation, ports, logistics, and digital innovation. He underscored the importance of implementing joint development projects to support sustainable growth and Gulf-wide economic integration for the benefit of all regional peoples. At the end of the visit, both ministers toured maritime landmarks, including a boat trip to Bu Maher Fort and a visit to the Manama Post Museum, which showcases the evolution of postal and communication services in Bahrain and their role in regional and international exchange. Also read: Bahrain Space Agency Launches First AI Powered Satellite Payload
Daily Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain, Qatar Discuss Fast-Tracking 40KM Causeway
His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to strengthening its historic ties and strategic developmental partnership with the State of Qatar. The focus is on enhancing cooperation in land, sea, and air connectivity, as well as logistics services, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. This came during an official meeting at the Ministry headquarters with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar's Minister of Transport, and his accompanying delegation. The visit aimed to explore avenues for economic and investment collaboration and to exchange technical and operational expertise in areas such as land transport, railways, maritime navigation, and civil aviation. Dr. Al Khalifa emphasized Bahrain's pride in its growing partnership with Qatar under the royal vision and the government's guidance, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted the importance of strengthening regional integration in infrastructure and transportation, safeguarding maritime and air navigation, and supporting joint economic ventures within the GCC framework. Key developmental and strategic projects were discussed, including the 40-kilometer Bahrain-Qatar Causeway for land connectivity and a proposed joint maritime link. These initiatives aim to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and vehicles, promote trade and tourism exchange, boost supply chain efficiency, and attract investments in logistics, tourism, and industry. The projects are also expected to create new job opportunities and reinforce the socio-economic and cultural bonds between the two nations. The ministers also reviewed practical steps to accelerate the implementation of these connectivity projects, improve related infrastructure and logistics services, and establish joint working teams to ensure progress aligns with global best practices. They expressed hope that these strategic projects would contribute significantly to GCC economic integration, complementing the ongoing GCC railway project expected to be completed by 2030. Dr. Al Khalifa reaffirmed Bahrain's readiness to provide the necessary infrastructure for the success of land and maritime links and to further develop logistics services in alignment with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving shared development goals. Qatar's Minister of Transport, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, expressed his country's pride in the strong fraternal ties with Bahrain and its keenness to expand cooperation in transportation, ports, logistics, and digital innovation. He underscored the importance of implementing joint development projects to support sustainable growth and Gulf-wide economic integration for the benefit of all regional peoples. At the end of the visit, both ministers toured maritime landmarks, including a boat trip to Bu Maher Fort and a visit to the Manama Post Museum, which showcases the evolution of postal and communication services in Bahrain and their role in regional and international exchange.
Observer
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Gulf Film Festival submissions open
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has announced the opening of submissions for the upcoming Gulf Film Festival, scheduled to take place in Muscat from November 16 to 19. The event will be organised in collaboration with the Secretariat-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and aligns with the festival's regulatory framework established by the GCC Secretariat-General, as part of the implementation of the GCC Cultural Strategy 2020-2030. The ministry has extended an invitation to all Omani film-makers to submit their works and compete across the festival's various categories, including feature films, short films and documentaries. Participants will vie for financial awards, with prizes awarded for Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, and Best Documentary, in addition to other awards such as Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Actor and Actress. This event presents a promising opportunity for Omani talent to showcase their creativity on a Gulf-wide platform, reinforcing Oman's presence in the regional cinematic landscape. — ONA
Daily Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
A Model of Brotherhood and Regional Integration
His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, has lauded the deep-rooted historical ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, calling the relationship a shining model of Gulf and Arab unity. He emphasized that the exceptional bilateral bond continues to flourish under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Strengthening Strategic Ties Bahrain's leadership committed to regional growth and prosperity Dr. Al Khalifa reaffirmed Bahrain's dedication—guided by His Majesty the King and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—to strengthening strategic cooperation with the UAE across a wide range of sectors. These include economic development, infrastructure, and digital innovation, aimed at fostering shared prosperity for both nations and their citizens. High-Level Meetings with Key UAE Officials Exploring investment and development across critical sectors During his official visit to the UAE, Dr. Al Khalifa led a Bahraini delegation in a series of high-level meetings focused on expanding bilateral collaboration. The talks placed strong emphasis on joint investments in transportation, telecommunications, logistics, and infrastructure. Advancing Transport and Infrastructure Focus on smart mobility, sustainable development, and port management In a meeting with H.E. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, the two ministers discussed cooperation in smart transportation systems, infrastructure development, and port operations. They also highlighted the importance of sharing expertise to align with sustainable development goals. Driving Digital Transformation Collaboration in telecom, AI, and cybersecurity Dr. Al Khalifa met with H.E. Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, to explore enhanced cooperation in modern communication technologies. Key topics included artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and joint technical training programs—all aimed at fortifying the digital infrastructure of both countries. Strengthening Aviation Partnerships Coordinating regional air policies and improving operational efficiency In discussions with H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, both sides explored closer collaboration in civil aviation. They agreed on the need for coordinated air policies and enhanced Gulf-wide air connectivity, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, and sustainability. Boosting Public-Private Infrastructure Projects Bahrain and Dubai align on smart, sustainable transportation solutions Meeting with H.E. Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, Dr. Al Khalifa discussed joint initiatives in transportation infrastructure, including the promotion of smart mobility and public-private investment in sustainable urban transit systems. Visit to DP World Highlights Logistics Cooperation Expanding collaboration in digital and sustainable logistics The minister's visit to DP World included discussions with H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and H.E. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC. Talks focused on reinforcing cooperation in logistics, digital infrastructure, and the development of sustainable transport solutions. A Vision for Shared Growth Bahrain and UAE chart a collaborative path to regional leadership Dr. Al Khalifa's UAE visit underscored a shared commitment to deepening strategic partnerships, exchanging expertise, and launching joint initiatives that align with both countries' visions for innovation, connectivity, and sustainable development across the Gulf region.
Gulf News
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Is UAE retail giant Lulu's share price making a comeback?
Dubai: Is Lulu's stock price in the mood for a comeback? After dropping 32% this year to Dh1.1, the ADX-listed share of the retail giant is slowly regaining some of the shine. The Lulu Retail stock is now up 16% to Dh1.28. Market watchers reckon that next week's trades will be crucial as the company readies to announce its Q1-2025 results. So far today, Lulu is at Dh1.26, lower by over 1%. But investors reckon there is a real possibility for Lulu's share to bounce back - and most important, hold its ground. The Lulu IPO price was Dh2.04 and resulted in one of the biggest retail subscriptions ever for a UAE enterprise. 'Despite the uncertainty surrounding US tariffs and a slowdown for GCC economies, Lulu Retail's margins and profitability are expected to rise for Q1-25 and going forward,' said Sameer Lakhani, Managing Director at Global Capital Partners. '(The Lulu share price gain) suggests that investors are turning optimistic about the company's performance. 'Of course for value investors, this is an opportunity to accumulate holdings. And this has increasingly been reflected at both the retail and institutional investor level.' Retail investors One of the big takeaways from the Lulu IPO was the presence of retail investors, many of whom had been first-time subscribers to a UAE stock market float. The Dh2.04 was the higher of the price range, and Lulu eventually drew an aggregate demand of Dh135 billion from subscribers. This made it the biggest for non-UAE government entity in 10 years. But once it listed, the stock was pulled lower, and the process accelerated after the company announced its 2024 numbers (even though the financials showed rock-solid growth in regional markets). This is why the Q-2025 results announcement will be crucial in setting the Lulu stock's short-term trajectory. 'We remain focused on strengthening our market position and look forward to the journey ahead with purpose and a shared vision for sustained growth," is what Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Lulu Retail said last week after the company's first AGM since the IPO. Mall of Muscat deal Lulu continues to deepen its Gulf-wide network. In Oman, there was the tie up between Tamani Global and LuLu International Holdings to 'support' the operational development and asset performance of Mall of Muscat. The Oman mall covers 1 million plus square feet of leasable area and hosts more than 170 retail outlets—including the 'Oman Aquarium', the first of its kind in the Sultanate. And this week, in the UAE, it was confirmed that the Ministry of Financeis integrating Lulu's B2B e-commerce platform - LuLuOn - into the UAE federal government's digital procurement system. What this means is that UAE government agencies can now access LuLu's product catalogue directly within the government's e-procurement platform. "Lulu Retail remains operationally strong, and there are still new areas of growth coming through," said a market analyst. "Somehow, so far, Lulu Retail's share price has not been able to catch up.
