Latest news with #KingHamad
Zawya
a day ago
- General
- Zawya
American School of Bahrain celebrates second graduation ceremony
Bahrain - The American School of Bahrain (ASB) recently held the graduation ceremony of its second cohort of students for the 2024-2025 academic year. The event was attended by H.E. Ms. Nawal Ibrahim Al Khater, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education, along with school officials, parents of the graduates, and a host of guests. ASB's Director Dave McMaster, remarked, 'The graduates of this class embody our vision of developing a generation that is aware, skilled, and ready to lead positive change for a better tomorrow. We are proud to be part of the remarkable educational landscape of Bahrain, strengthened by the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the consistent support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This support has allowed us to deliver an education that meets the highest global standards.' Dr. Juan Saavedra, Middle and High School Principal, also shared his pride in the students, saying: 'Today is not just a conclusion; it's the start of a promising future. Our students have shown their strength and talent in all areas, and we are sure they will continue to excel and enrich the world around them. We deeply appreciate the Ministry of Education for its dedicated support of private schools, in line with its commitment to public education.' Established in 2020, ASB offers a comprehensive American and international educational program, alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school emphasizes academic excellence, innovation, global-mindedness, and community leadership. It was recently awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by Bahrain's Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA), the highest rating a school can achieve. Several distinguished students were recognized for their achievements during the ceremony, and the event was filled with an air of pride and happiness as each graduate marked this significant milestone in their journey. About the American School of Bahrain: American School of Bahrain offers a holistic and challenging American and international educational program founded on the pillars of academic excellence, happiness, innovation, international mindedness, balance, community leadership, and cultural respect. ASB was awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by Bahrain's Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA), the highest distinction granted by the national regulator - recognizing the school's distinction in leadership, training and student achievement. With experienced leadership, dedicated and caring educators, and state-of-the-art facilities, ASB inspires students to pursue their passions and become lifelong learners. As an Esol Education school, ASB is part of a family of exceptional international schools around the world in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Cairo, Nicosia, and Lebanon.
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Bid for UN Security Council Seat (2026–2027) Marks Milestone in Global Diplomacy
Bahrain's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term is a powerful reaffirmation of the international community's growing confidence in the Kingdom's foreign policy. This move highlights Bahrain's ongoing commitment to peace, dialogue, and international cooperation, guided by the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Coming at a time of heightened global uncertainty, marked by overlapping security, economic, and humanitarian challenges—especially in the Middle East—Bahrain's nomination gains critical importance. It underscores the need for collective global action and echoes Bahrain's longstanding principles of constructive engagement, peacebuilding, and advocacy for inclusive dialogue. The candidacy is widely regarded as a well-earned diplomatic success, reflecting Bahrain's decades-long efforts to promote values of coexistence, moderation, and tolerance on the global stage. The Kingdom's foreign policy has consistently aligned with its Arab and Islamic identity while remaining firmly committed to the UN Charter and international law, particularly international humanitarian law. His Majesty King Hamad's speech at the 75th UN General Assembly in September 2020 remains a cornerstone of Bahrain's foreign policy vision. He emphasized, 'The success and prosperity of societies are closely linked to the preservation of security and stability. Bahrain has always upheld this approach and continues to support global cooperation under the umbrella of shared objectives for human progress.' Since joining the UN in 1971, Bahrain has been an active and responsible global player, championing peace and sustainable development while firmly opposing terrorism. Its previous tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council from 1998 to 1999 demonstrated Bahrain's constructive role in international diplomacy. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad since 1999, Bahrain has expanded its diplomatic outreach, building balanced relationships across regions and international organizations. Its diplomatic approach promotes the values of peace, dialogue, and stability—essential foundations for global prosperity. This vision has materialized through landmark initiatives, notably the Bahrain Declaration for Religious Tolerance, which has gained international recognition, and the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, a pioneering institution fostering interfaith harmony. Bahrain has also hosted major dialogue forums, including the annual Manama Dialogue, and in 2022, the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence, under royal patronage, featuring prominent global religious leaders such as Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Bahrain's collaborative engagement with the UN continues to grow. The Kingdom actively participates in the General Assembly, Human Rights Council, and various specialized committees. It also hosts several UN agency offices, including UNDP, WHO, and UNICEF, and partners with the organization on diverse initiatives—from women's empowerment and education to cybersecurity, food security, and humanitarian relief via the Royal Humanitarian Foundation. Promoting religious freedom and intercultural dialogue is another hallmark of Bahrain's international agenda. Key milestones include the Freedom of Religion and Belief Conference with the European Union in 2022 and the International Congress 'Finding Beauty in Others' in 2024. His Majesty's visit to the Vatican in 2023 further underlined Bahrain's commitment to interfaith cooperation and regional stability. Bahrain's diplomacy continues to champion dialogue over division, prioritizing peace, sustainable development, and human rights. The Kingdom's recent leadership of the 33rd Arab League Summit, hosted in Manama in May 2024, showcased its commitment to resolving regional crises and advancing Arab unity. His Majesty's keynote address proposed several bold initiatives, including an international peace conference for the Middle East, full UN membership for Palestine, improved education and healthcare for conflict-affected populations, and enhanced Arab cooperation in fintech and digital transformation. Additionally, Bahrain has led international calls to criminalize religious, sectarian, and racial hate speech. This was evident in His Majesty's speech during the 146th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly hosted in Bahrain in 2023. Moreover, the Kingdom established the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, which honors individuals and organizations promoting global tolerance and intercultural dialogue.
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.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Kristi Noem mocked as she rides camel in Middle East
By Donald Trump 's Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was trolled after she was spotted riding a camel during her recent trip to the Middle East. She went full-on 'ICE Barbie', decked out in a headscarf and sunglasses, as she rode the large animal while touring the historic Qal'at al-Bahrain Fort on Sunday. Her well-documented trip and photo-op sparked frustration online as users questioned her motives amidst recent backlash for her past trips and 'cosplay' moments. 'And at taxpayer expense, no doubt,' one said of her recent image. 'I feel sorry for the Camel,' another jokingly wrote. 'That's all it is for her- a photo op,' someone else commented. 'Why is @KristiNoem cosplaying with camels! What is her goal in this visit,' another chimed in. Another simply asked: 'Why is the director of Homeland security riding a camel in the Middle East? How does that help America?' A user even brought up her rocky past with animals, referring to Noem openly admitting and defending herself for shooting her 14-month-old puppy Cricket. 'She's going to shoot a camel, isn't she? She already has taken out a puppy, a goat and 3 horses, so why not?,' they said. While she was there Noem also held a meeting with the county's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the Sakhir Royal Palace in Manama. Noem was also pictured driving a boat at Naval Support Activity in Manama, Bahrain and serving meals to sailors and coast guardsmen. She also traveled to Israel, where she met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While in Israel, Noem stopped to place a note and bow her head on the Western Wall - a holy site where Jews go to pray in Jerusalem. Her recent trip comes just days after she told a bunch of illegal migrants they can 'suck it', sparking a liberal meltdown. Noem's comment came after the migrants' lawsuit against the Homeland Security chief was voluntarily dropped. The suit was filed by the ACLU on behalf of ten detained migrants who the Trump administration were preparing to send to the infamous terrorist detention center in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The ACLU dropped the filing because several plaintiffs were already deported while others refused to keep the case going. That's when Noem - who has been dubbed 'ICE Barbie' for her garish wardrobe changes - delivered her savage two-word response. 'Suck it,' Noem posted along with the notice of voluntary dismissal. And just days before her X-rated response, she made an embarrassing mistake at a congressional hearing that quickly went viral. During the hearing, she appeared not to know the meaning of 'habeas corpus' after she gave a completely inaccurate definition for the key constitutional principle. The mistake came after Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) asked Noem to explain habeas corpus, which is the right of a person to challenge their detention in court. It protects individuals from being held in custody without a valid legal reason – even if they are not an American citizen. 'Secretary Noem, what is habeas corpus?' Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) asked the DHS Secretary. 'Secretary Noem was right: Presidents have suspended habeas corpus in practice—Lincoln, Grant, FDR, and Bush—all during moments of crisis,' DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin later told the Daily Mail when asked about the interaction. She added: 'Technically, Congress holds that power under the Constitution, but in reality, presidents have acted first, and legal authority followed. The precedent is real.' However, social media critics jumped on the flub.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Kristi Noem is trolled as she rides a camel and goes full 'ICE Barbie' on Mideast trip
Donald Trump 's Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was trolled after she was spotted riding a camel during her recent trip to the Middle East. She went full-on 'ICE Barbie', decked out in a headscarf and sunglasses, as she rode the large animal while touring the historic Qal'at al-Bahrain Fort on Sunday. Her well-documented trip and photo-op sparked frustration online as users questioned her motives amidst recent backlash for her past trips and 'cosplay' moments. 'And at taxpayer expense, no doubt,' one said of her recent image. 'I feel sorry for the Camel,' another jokingly wrote. 'That's all it is for her- a photo op,' someone else commented. 'Why is @KristiNoem cosplaying with camels! What is her goal in this visit,' another chimed in. Another simply asked: 'Why is the director of Homeland security riding a camel in the Middle East? How does that help America?' She went full on 'ICE Barbie', decked out in a headscarf and sunglasses, as she rode the large animal while touring the historic Qal'at al-Bahrain Fort on Sunday A user even brought up her rocky past with animals, referring to Noem openly admitting and defending herself for shooting her 14-month-old puppy Cricket. 'She's going to shoot a camel, isn't she? She already has taken out a puppy, a goat and 3 horses, so why not?,' they said. While she was there Noem also held a meeting with the county's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the Sakhir Royal Palace in Manama. Noem was also pictured driving a boat at Naval Support Activity in Manama, Bahrain and serving meals to sailors and coast guardsmen. She also traveled to Israel, where she met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While in Israel, Noem stopped to place a note and bow her head on the Western Wall - a holy site where Jews go to pray in Jerusalem. Her recent trip comes just days after she told a bunch of illegal migrants they can 'suck it', sparking a liberal meltdown. Noem's comment came after the migrants' lawsuit against the Homeland Security chief was voluntarily dropped. The suit was filed by the ACLU on behalf of ten detained migrants who the Trump administration were preparing to send to the infamous terrorist detention center in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The ACLU dropped the filing because several plaintiffs were already deported while others refused to keep the case going. That's when Noem - who has been dubbed 'ICE Barbie' for her garish wardrobe changes - delivered her savage two-word response. 'Suck it,' Noem posted along with the notice of voluntary dismissal. And just days before her X-rated response, she made an embarrassing mistake at a congressional hearing that quickly went viral. During the hearing, she appeared not to know the meaning of 'habeas corpus' after she gave a completely inaccurate definition for the key constitutional principle. The mistake came after Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) asked Noem to explain habeas corpus, which is the right of a person to challenge their detention in court. It protects individuals from being held in custody without a valid legal reason – even if they are not an American citizen. 'Secretary Noem, what is habeas corpus?' Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) asked the DHS Secretary. 'Well, habeas corpus is a constitutional right that allows the president to remove people from the country, suspend their right to...' Noem began before she was cut off by the Democratic senator. 'Let me stop you, ma'am. Excuse me, that's incorrect.' Noem went on to say she supported habeas corpus but that presidents have the right to suspend it. 'Secretary Noem was right: Presidents have suspended habeas corpus in practice—Lincoln, Grant, FDR, and Bush—all during moments of crisis,' DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin later told the Daily Mail when asked about the interaction. She added: 'Technically, Congress holds that power under the Constitution, but in reality, presidents have acted first, and legal authority followed. The precedent is real.' However, social media critics jumped on the flub. 'Kristi Noem just confused habeas corpus; the right to challenge unlawful detention, with deportation powers,' one wrote. They added: 'This isn't a slip-up. It's a governor who can't define basic constitutional rights. And wants to wield power without understanding it.' And another said that Noem 'has no f****g clue what habeas corpus means.' 'We are living in the dumbest of times,' they posted to X.
