Latest news with #MahirHaneef
Daily Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Scores Big: Signs Historic $17B Deal with the US Covering Tech, Aviation, Cables, and Flights
Mahir Haneef TDT| Manama Bahrain has signed a sweeping set of private-sector deals with American companies totalling approximately USD 17 billion, marking one of the kingdom's most significant economic engagements with the United States in recent years. The announcement came during a high-level reception hosted at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters on Tuesday, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The event brought together leading Bahraini and American business figures and marked the unveiling of transformative partnerships in technology, aviation, infrastructure, and industrial investment. Strategic collaborations The reception featured the signing of landmark agreements, including a digital solutions project for Bahrain's government telecoms network with Cisco and the development of a major undersea fibre-optic cable linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. The cable, stretching 800 kilometres, is being executed in partnership with U.S.-based SubCom. New air connectivity was also unveiled, with plans to launch direct flights between Bahrain and New York. This move is expected to boost business and tourism ties while underscoring Bahrain's ambitions to become a central regional hub for U.S. firms. Aluminium and capital flow In addition to infrastructure deals, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat announced USD 2 billion in strategic cooperation with U.S. firms focused on aluminium-related downstream industries. Meanwhile, Bahrain-based private and financial institutions are investing USD 10.7 billion in various American ventures, reinforcing a two-way channel of economic cooperation. On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, expressed Bahrain's appreciation for the Chamber's hospitality and urged U.S. firms to capitalise on the kingdom's open economy and trade agreements. A legacy of partnership HRH Prince Salman highlighted that the Bahrain-U.S. relationship, rooted in over 130 years of ties, continues to deepen through private-sector engagement. He reaffirmed the kingdom's commitment to building economic bridges through collaborative investments and the exchange of expertise. The event also included the presence of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court, and senior officials from both nations. The deals announced reflect Bahrain's growing role as a regional entry point for American enterprise and digital infrastructure projects. These announcements signal not only Bahrain's economic ambitions but also its strategic positioning in a shifting global investment landscape.
Daily Tribune
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Trump Brokers Ceasefire After Iran's Strike on US Base in Qatar Sparks Regional Alarm
• Ceasefire announced amid rising tensions • Iran missiles hit US base in Qatar • Regional blocs condemn Tehran's actions You Know What: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, targeted in the Iranian strike, hosts over 10,000 US and coalition troops and serves as CENTCOM's forward headquarters in the region. Mahir Haneef TDT | Manama A regional ceasefire between Israel and Iran is set to take effect at 7 a.m. Arabian Standard Time, US President Donald Trump announced yesterday, offering a potential end to a sharp escalation that had rattled capitals across the Middle East. Describing the Iranian retaliation as 'very weak,' Trump revealed that Tehran had warned in advance before launching missiles, signalling a desire to avoid casualties and de-escalate the crisis. 'It's time to make peace,' he said, following the announcement. Qatar Struck Shortly before the ceasefire announcement, Iranian missiles had struck near Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major hub for US and coalition forces. Doha confirmed its air defences intercepted the attack, with explosions heard and projectiles seen streaking across the evening sky. 'The Ministry of Interior confirms that the security situation in the country is stable, and there is no cause for concern,' said a government statement issued last night. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari strongly condemned the missile strike, warning that Qatar 'reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression.' Broad Condemnation The Iranian assault drew immediate condemnation across the region. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait denounced the attack as a 'flagrant violation' of Qatar's sovereignty and pledged support to the country in any steps it takes in response. Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi echoed this stance, calling the incident a threat to collective Gulf security and affirming that 'an attack on one member state is an attack on the entire Council.' The Arab Parliament also condemned the strike as an 'unacceptable violation of international law' and urged all parties to avoid escalation and regional destabilisation. UN Response United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres joined the chorus of condemnation, reiterating his call for restraint and dialogue. 'The Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including today's attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar,' his spokesman said in a statement.
Daily Tribune
19-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
In a First, Bahraini Women Outnumber Men in CBB's Top New Roles
• CBB appoints women to top roles • Key regulatory posts secured • Gender shift at CBB top You Know What: In 2023, only 17.4% of department director positions in Bahrain's financial institutions were held by women, making CBB's latest appointments a significant step forward. Mahir Haneef TDT| Manama As Bahrain's financial regulator embarks on a new era of institutional reform, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has promoted seven Bahraini women to executive roles - surpassing the number of men appointed in the same leadership reshuffle. The move reflects a notable gender shift in one of the Kingdom's most traditionally male-dominated sectors. The 13 executive promotions, effective from July 1st, follow the CBB's adoption of a new organisational structure aimed at enhancing sector governance and operational clarity. In a region where female representation at the top of financial institutions remains limited, the CBB's latest appointments mark a rare instance of women outnumbering men in a high-level leadership round. Critical leadership roles While men will still head the two most senior divisions - Capital Markets & Investment Supervision and Banking & Credit Institutions Supervision - women have secured several of the most strategically significant positions, with direct influence on Bahrain's regulatory, monetary, and fiscal frameworks. Afaf Khalifa Khalfan will oversee the Monetary Operations & Government Debt Management Directorate, a role vital to managing liquidity and sovereign credit. Fatema Hasan Akhtarzada is set to lead Licensing & Regulatory Policy, shaping market-entry norms and institutional compliance. Meanwhile, Sara Khaled Qaed will head the Anti-Financial Crime Directorate, a position at the frontline of Bahrain's AML and global financial integrity efforts. These three designations place women at the helm of functions that are not only revenue-impacting but also central to Bahrain's financial credibility on the world stage. Local talent spotlight His Excellency Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, said the appointments are part of a wider push to empower Bahraini talent and institutional capacity. 'We at the CBB are committed to empowering qualified national talents shaping the future of the financial services sector,' he stated. He added that the promotions support the CBB's new structure and reinforce its goals to strengthen stability and develop strategic capabilities across key areas of the sector. Mohamed A. Karim, Executive Director of Corporate Services at the CBB, noted the strong credentials of the promoted team. 'Through our confidence in their capabilities, we look forward to commencing this next phase of development through their years of leadership and expertise,' he said. Gender representation improves Alongside the three women promoted into critical regulatory roles, four others will take up leadership of directorates such as Human Resources, Communications & International Relations, Capital Markets Inspections, and Retail Banking Supervision. These appointments round out a leadership cohort that reflects both growing inclusivity and strategic focus. The remaining promoted officials include Mohamed Mahmood Shamsi (Consumer Protection), Mohamed Ahmed Al Sulaiti (Cyber-Security), and Nabeel Mohammed Juma (Supervision Technology), among others. With the gender balance tilted for the first time in favour of women - especially in policy-shaping roles - the CBB's move signals not just an internal reshuffle but a broader step towards more inclusive financial governance. The new structure and appointments will take effect from the beginning of July.
Daily Tribune
10-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Distracted Driving Crisis: Court Links Phone Use to Fatal Accident, Orders Compensation
• Victim was crossing road • Driver distracted by phone • Court orders compensation for family You Know What: In Bahrain, using a mobile phone while driving is punishable by fines or suspension under Article 39 of the Traffic Law, but enforcement is limited and violations remain common, especially in residential zones. Mahir Haneef TDT | Manama An Indian expatriate who was struck and killed while crossing a street in Nuwaidrat has become a painful reminder of Bahrain's ongoing struggle with distracted driving. A court in Bahrain has confirmed that the driver who caused the fatal accident was using his mobile phone at the time of the collision. The incident took place on October 2, 2023. Mani V.V., 50, was crossing Road 4303 near an intersection when he was hit by a vehicle driven by a Bahraini national. He died three days later, on October 5 th, from head injuries. His family, including mother Santha V.V. and siblings Sasi, Ramesan, and Mini, filed a civil case seeking compensation. Driver distracted According to the cour'ts ruling, the driver had been using his phone while approaching the intersection and failed to notice the pedestrian in time. The court found him guilty of negligence and confirmed that his actions had directly caused Mani's death. The court cited the criminal case in relation to the incident, in which the driver was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison with licence suspension. He was later granted a pardon but the civil case proceeded independently. Despite the driver's release, the court held both him and his insurance company jointly liable for damages. Public concern Mani's death and the court's findings have stirred renewed concern about the widespread use of mobile phones by drivers in Bahrain. Although Article 39 of the Traffic Law bans hand-held phone use while driving, violations are common. On most days, drivers can be seen texting or taking calls even near schools, roundabouts, and residential zones, with little to no visible deterrent. The pattern of distracted driving has become a routine part of road behaviour, often overlooked unless it leads to a tragedy. This case stands out as one of the few where the courts have clearly linked such behaviour to a fatal outcome. Compensation ordered The court awarded BD 4,000 to Mani's mother and BD 500 each to his three siblings, acknowledging the emotional and moral damage caused by the loss. Although the family could not prove continuous financial support, the ruling recognised their grief and the lost hope of future care. In a letter shared with Indian authorities, the family expressed gratitude to lawyer Bushra Mayoof and the Pravasi Legal Cell for reviving a case that was initially dismissed. They also thanked the Indian Embassy and Kerala's Chief Minister for diplomatic and moral support during the ordeal. Systemic issue The case is significant not only for its compensation ruling but also for its documentation of distracted driving as the confirmed cause of death, which is rare in Bahrain's courts. Legal observers say this highlights how casual recklessness on the roads, especially involving mobile phone use, continues to pose risks to pedestrian safety and public life. It also signals a slow but steady move towards greater legal accountability.
Daily Tribune
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Learning Is National Investment: HH Shaikh Mohammed
• Investment in education stressed • Bayan School history preserved • Private sector role praised You Know What: Established in 1982, Bahrain Bayan School is the Kingdom's first national, non-profit, bilingual private school. Mahir Haneef TDT| Manama His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has stressed that education must remain a top priority for national investment and innovation, calling it vital to building a brighter and more prosperous future. HH made the remarks on Wednesday while inaugurating the 'Nassiyat Al Elm' project at Bahrain Bayan School, a new initiative under his patronage that seeks to document and preserve the Kingdom's private education heritage. Legacy meets vision HH Shaikh Mohammed said Bahrain's leadership, under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, places education at the centre of national development. HH highlighted the role of innovation and empowerment in equipping Bahrainis for success and praised the national workforce and private schools for their contribution to advancing the sector and shaping future generations. Bayan School honoured Founded in 1982, Bahrain Bayan School stands as a pioneering national, non-profit bilingual institution. The new project, launched on its campus, features an archive of historical documents and photographs chronicling the evolution of private education in Bahrain. HH Shaikh Mohammed toured the exhibition and commended its role in preserving the Kingdom's academic legacy for future generations. HH also praised Her Excellency Dr Shaikha May bint Sulaiman Al-Otaibi, the school's Founder and Executive Chairperson, for her leadership in raising educational standards. Support recognised HE Dr Al-Otaibi described the archive as an essential academic and cultural reference, enabling students and researchers to engage with the story of Bahrain's educational development. She thanked HH Shaikh Mohammed for his patronage and acknowledged the sponsors - National Bank of Bahrain, Al Salam Bank, GFH Financial Group, and Khaleeji Commercial Bank -for their critical support. The archive will be accessible to the public and is expected to enhance the national education landscape as a valuable long-term resource.
