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Daily Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Model of productivity
Ninety-seven per cent of legislative items referred to the Council of Representatives' Financial Committee were completed last session, making it the most productive committee, its chairman Ahmed Al Salloom told The Daily Tribune. The committee cleared 133 out of 137 files during the third session of the sixth term. The figure was disclosed during a joint press conference yesterday hosted by the Council's secretariat, where all five standing committees presented their work. In total, 396 items were completed across the Council's committee system. Al Salloom said the financial committee dealt with a wide mix of subjects, including 33 draft laws, five royal decrees, 16 law proposals and 25 motions. Reports It also reviewed two reports on sovereign funds, the state's final account and 51 requests for opinion. The committee issued 79 reports, held 43 meetings and sent out 574 official letters. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Al Salloom said one of the proposals now under review is to divert a share of revenue from taxes on multinational firms into the pension fund. 'The idea is to restore balance after pensioners lost their annual three per cent rise a few years ago,' he said. Shortfalls The committee has proposed this as a way to reduce shortfalls and help finance the return of that increase. Other major topics handled by the committee included a proposed income tax on foreign investments and the public debt law, which now includes a fixed deadline for repayment. He added that the secured transactions bill, which would allow troubled businesses to pledge movable assets, is expected to progress in the next session. The lawmaker also confirmed that a final account for the Unemployment Insurance Fund had been submitted for the first time. Economic agreements Al Salloom also commented on Bahrain's recent economic agreements. 'They're there to build strong ties with nearby countries and attract more investment. The point is to draw in reliable capital, improve the economy and increase jobs for Bahrainis,' he said. MP Mahmoud Fardan, chairman of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, said his committee examined 58 matters, including four royal decrees, 23 draft laws, eight proposals, 21 motions, one Shura Council decision and a request to lift parliamentary immunity. A further 155 topics were passed on for notice only. He said the committee completed 40 of its core items, giving it a 91 per cent finish rate. Meetings The committee held 27 meetings and sent out 337 letters. It produced 31 reports. One of the lengthier files, Fardan said, was the draft law on the legal profession, which was referred late in the session. 'We sent 33 questions to the Ministry of Justice over three stages and looked at similar laws in the Gulf and Egypt,' he said. 'This version brings in new lawyer lists, clearer fees, and a different structure.'
Gulf Insider
14-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Holiday Scam Hits Bahrain
What began as a clever way to beat summer's soaring flight prices has now left hundreds of Bahrain residents with nothing but broken holiday dreams and empty wallets. As social media buzzed with travellers boasting of cheaper fares by stopping over in Asian or European cities before heading home, a Gudaibiya-based travel firm saw an opportunity. Its representatives began approaching visitors at busy malls across the Kingdom, offering lucky draws for a chance to win a 'mini-vacation' stopover package this summer. Old scam, new twist While baiting shoppers with lucky draws and free crockery giveaways to push overpriced travel deals is an old scam, this version was far more convincing. It tapped into the trending 'travel hack' for avoiding summer peak fares – and it worked. Anil Thomas (name changed), one of many victims, said he lost nearly BD500. 'We thought it was a genuine offer. They promised flight tickets with stopovers in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or even Maldives, combined with stays in luxury hotels, at a fraction of the peak season rates,' he told The Daily Tribune. Anil, who has since lodged complaints with the police, Tawasul and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, added, 'They even offered flexible packages – travel any time within three years. People with families were their main targets, charging different rates for different destinations.' Vanished without a trace Anil's own booking – a supposed Singapore-Malaysia-India trip, later changed to Maldives due to a claimed 'visa issue' – was due to begin this week. Instead, the family of four was left packed and ready, but no tickets ever arrived. Calls went unanswered and the Gudaibiya office was shuttered. 'The company's commercial registration is about to expire in June. I believe they've scammed hundreds and fled the country,' Anil alleged. 'When I spoke to hotel staff, they told me that the travel company had booked the conference hall for every day of the week for the past year. They were running this operation for a full year, continuously duping people. What has come out now is only the tip of the iceberg.' According to him, the scam operated on an industrial scale. 'They hired conference halls at hotels in Seef, where families were brought in droves after being told they had won a lucky draw at a mall. The halls were packed every day of the week. EMI payment options made it easy for people to fall for the deal,' he said. Anil has since begun contacting other victims through social media. 'Many people are ashamed to come forward. But silence only encourages more scams,' he warned. Company silent When The Daily Tribune contacted the travel company for a response, the company did not reply by the time of publication. Also read: Bahrain Ranks First In MENA & GCC Regions In The Global Network Excellence Index
Daily Tribune
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
BisB Honors Local Journalists on Bahraini Press Day for Dedication and Professionalism
TDT | Manama In celebration of Bahraini Press Day, which falls on May 7 each year, Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading provider of Islamic digital banking services in the Kingdom of Bahrain, recently organized a special event to honor a select group of local journalists. The event took place at the Wyndham Grand Manama Hotel. This celebration was organized by the bank to recognize the efforts of local journalists and their valuable contributions in reporting news, covering events, and raising community awareness on economic, banking, and social issues. As part of the event, BisB honored Mr. P. Unnikrishnan, Managing Director of The Daily Tribune, for the continued support and cooperation extended by the publication. Additionally, a Letter of Appreciation was awarded to Mr. Abhitabh Kumar, Head of Sales and Business Division at The Daily Tribune, in recognition of his collaborative efforts and professional excellence. The event was attended by Ms. Fatema AlAlawi, Chief Executive Officer of BisB, along with several bank employees, as well as editors-in-chief of local newspapers, journalists, photographers, and administrative staff working in the press. Ms. Fatema AlAlawi, Chief Executive Officer of BisB, stated: 'We are proud to honor Bahraini journalism, who have played a prominent role in conveying information with transparency and professionalism, and have supported various national sectors, including the banking sector. This recognition stems from our belief in the importance of journalism as a strategic partner in development, and our commitment at BisB to strengthen communication bridges with the national press.' Ms. AlAlawi added: 'We value the efforts of the local journalism in supporting the local media landscape, emphasizing their important and primary role in highlighting the programs, initiatives, and achievements of community institutions. We commend the unlimited support provided by our wise leadership to the press and the freedom of expression enjoyed by local journalists, which provides them with the appropriate journalistic environment for creativity and covering facts, events, and initiatives in a way that contributes to the development of all sectors in society.' Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) is keen on enhancing its relationships with media outlets and continuously supports the vital role played by Bahraini journalism in supporting the development and progress of the Kingdom.
Daily Tribune
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Young chess talents shine at Black & White tournament
Four standout players emerged victorious in their respective categories at the BLACK & WHITE Chess Tournament – Season 1, held at the MC Indeez Auditorium in Mahooz. The two-day event attracted intense competition from local and international players. Ehan Anjam claimed the Under-10 crown after a series of confident performances that showcased his growing skill and composure on the board. In the Under-17 category, Pranav Bobby Sekhar outplayed his peers to secure the title, adding another milestone to his promising chess journey. Among the senior divisions, Ayyad Husain triumphed in the FIDE-rated Rapid event, demonstrating tactical sharpness and consistency throughout. Meanwhile, Mero Aghiad of Syria clinched the Blitz title with 8 points, edging out strong contenders in the fast-paced competition. The tournament, organised by The Daily Tribune in collaboration with Arjun's Chess Academy Bahrain and supported by the Bahrain Chess Federation, brought together players from Bahrain, India, Syria and other countries, marking a major success for the Kingdom's chess calendar.
Daily Tribune
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Blitz and brains
bahrain The Daily Tribune's 'Black and White' two-day chess tournament kicked off yesterday at the MC Indeez Auditorium in Mahooz. Ms. Latha Unnikrishnan, Director of The Daily Tribune, inaugurated the tournament. The opening event featured a FIDE-rated Blitz tournament. Action will continue today, starting at 9 a.m., with a series of rapid tournaments catering to different age groups and skill levels. These include the Kids Rapid (U10), Junior Rapid (U17), and another FIDE-rated Rapid tournament. Participants will be vying for a total prize pool of $1,000 and an impressive 54 prizes. Chess enthusiasts from all walks of life — ranging from seasoned veterans of the local chess scene to eager newcomers — have signed up in large numbers for a weekend filled with strategic battles on the board. Organizers at The Daily Tribune, in collaboration with the Bahrain Chess Federation and Arjun Chess Academy, have expressed their delight at the enthusiastic reception. Anmar Ahmadi, President of Bahrain Chess Federation, attended the event.
