Latest news with #TransportationandTelecommunications
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Joins Digital Superhighway : Seef Becomes Tech Gateway
TDT | Manama • Cable lands near Seef • Connectivity capacity boosted tenfold • Supports Economic Vision 2030 Bahrain has officially joined the world's elite digital infrastructure network following the landing of the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable system near Seef District on June 4, marking a transformative leap in global connectivity and digital capacity for the Kingdom. Global Gateway With an investment of US$205 million, the arrival of the world's longest submarine cable places Bahrain at the centre of a digital superhighway stretching 45,000 kilometres. The cable's high-speed data capacity is set to reinforce Bahrain's position as a digital hub and significantly boost its potential to attract tech-driven investment, innovation, and high-skilled jobs. The cable landing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, and Khalid Al Osaimi, Chief Executive Officer of stc Bahrain. Officials confirmed the ground connection process was completed in record time. Strategic Synergy Dr. Shaikh Abdullah highlighted the move as a key milestone in achieving Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, describing the collaboration with stc Bahrain as a model for how national goals can be accelerated through joint ventures. 'This project marks a qualitative leap that strengthens Bahrain's global connectivity and supports its ambitions in the digital economy,' he said. Al Osaimi noted that the new system would multiply the country's existing connectivity by ten times. He said the move supports the Kingdom's economic diversification agenda and elevates its status as a regional leader in the ICT sector. Future-Proof Infrastructure The 2Africa Pearls cable system is designed to support a massive 180 terabits per second, making it the only submarine cable in the GCC capable of meeting surging demand from data-heavy platforms like cloud computing, online gaming, and content streaming. Its low latency and high bandwidth are also expected to accelerate the growth of emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT), while delivering more reliable internet performance to consumers and businesses alike. With this digital milestone, Bahrain is now positioned to serve as a crucial node in the global data exchange map.
Daily Tribune
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain ‘model of religious freedom and coexistence'
Bahrain is a pioneering model for promoting religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, and national unity in the region. This was emphasised by His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance. He attributed this achievement to the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. 'Bahrain has long stood as a beacon of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, offering a civilisational model worthy of emulation,' Dr. Shaikh Abdullah said. 'The Ashura commemoration this year was a clear reflection of our deeply rooted values of tolerance and compassion under the guidance of His Majesty the King and the diligent efforts of the government led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.' The Minister commended the successful and well-coordinated organisation of the Ashura season, noting that it represented Bahrain's genuine commitment to religious and cultural pluralism. He acknowledged the exemplary coordination among relevant government entities — particularly the Ministry of Interior and the governorates — under the leadership and direct supervision of H.E. Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah also praised the collaboration with the Jaffari Endowments Council, religious scholars, community leaders, mourning center coordinators, and volunteer teams, which together ensured the smooth and respectful observance of religious rituals. 'These collective efforts have portrayed an honorable and civilised image of Bahraini society — one that values law, embraces responsibility, and fosters community partnership,' he noted. Public awareness Dr. Shaikh Abdullah emphasised that the public's awareness and respect for the moral and spiritual significance of religious occasions serve as a pillar of Bahrain's unified national identity. He added that the country's values are deeply rooted in Islamic principles, cultural richness, and a steadfast commitment to moderation, tolerance, and the rejection of extremism and hatred.
Daily Tribune
30-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Transportation Minister attends Huawei Bahrain 2024 ICT Talent Achievement Closing Ceremony
Investing in national human capital is a strategic pillar of Bahrain's digital transformation and its shift toward a knowledge-based economy. This was emphasised by His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, as he attended the Huawei Bahrain 2024 ICT Talent Achievement Closing Ceremony. The event was attended by H.E. Ni Ruchi, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Bahrain. In his keynote address, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed underscored the importance of high-impact educational initiatives that help identify and develop young Bahraini talent, equipping them with digital skills to compete on regional and international levels. Strategic programmes He commended Huawei's ongoing efforts in supporting education and skill-building through strategic programmes such as the ICT Competition, describing it as a vital platform for fostering innovation and preparing youth to meet future technological challenges. The Transportation Minister noted that such initiatives play a key role in shaping a digitally advanced society and enhancing the Kingdom's position in the global technology landscape. He also underlined the importance of public-private partnerships in aligning academic outcomes with labour market demands, especially as the ICT sector continues to evolve rapidly. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed reiterated the ministry's commitment to enabling innovation by maintaining a supportive regulatory framework, ensuring secure digital infrastructure, and encouraging investment in emerging technologies, all aligned with the goals of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. During the event, students, faculty, and mentors were honoured across various categories for their achievements.
Daily Tribune
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Pushes Aviation Frontiers at 55th Paris Air Show
AB Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, took part in the opening of the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show (Le Bourget), one of the world's most prestigious aviation events. The event, held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, marked a key step in strengthening Bahrain-France relations in the aviation sector. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah participated in the event at the official invitation of French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. His visit also comes as part of ongoing efforts to prepare for the 8th Bahrain International Airshow, scheduled to take place at Sakhir Air Base from November 18 to 20, 2026, under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King. The event has helped Bahrain gain global recognition as a hub for aviation exhibitions and has attracted major international companies and key industry decision-makers. Promoting Global Collaboration and Innovation On the sidelines of the air show, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah held a series of meetings with representatives from international delegations and major aviation companies. He explored the latest developments in aviation technology, including eco-friendly aircraft, advanced ground handling systems, and modern air navigation tools that are set to enhance the global travel and tourism experience. Key Agreements for Bahrain International Airport During the exhibition, three important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to upgrade Bahrain International Airport and its services. These include: An MoU with French engineering firm Artelia to improve operational readiness and air traffic transition (ORAT). An agreement with Texel Air to expand aircraft maintenance hangars. A partnership with Vallo Aviation to develop facilities for private jets and VIP aircraft services. Strengthening Gulf Cooperation In a significant regional gesture, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah also welcomed Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and the head of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, at Bahrain's official chalet. They discussed ways to deepen aviation cooperation within the Gulf and boost joint initiatives in air transport. Outreach to Global Industry Leaders The minister also met with leaders from major aviation companies including Airbus, Thales, and Safran, to explore collaboration with Gulf Air and to extend invitations to participate in the upcoming Bahrain International Airshow. Additionally, extensive talks were held with representatives from Boeing, GE Aerospace, RTX, Gulfstream, COMAC (China), Embraer (Brazil), and Rolls-Royce, discussing future commercial partnerships and the potential to use Bahrain's airshow as a platform for business growth and regional outreach. About the Paris Air Show The Paris Air Show, held every two years, is among the largest and oldest airshows in the world. This year's edition features more than 1,500 exhibitors, over 400 VIP chalets, and 10+ exhibition halls showcasing cutting-edge aviation and space technologies. With both static and flying displays, the event is a global hotspot for major aerospace deals and innovations. Bahrain's strong presence at the show reflects its growing role as a regional aviation leader and a strategic bridge between East and West.
Biz Bahrain
18-06-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain Airport Company Signs MOU with Artelia Airports Company, at Paris Airshow 2025, to Expand ORAT Services to Regional and International Markets
His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirmed the Kingdom's strong commitment to developing its air traffic system and enhancing operational readiness in line with the highest international standards and best practices in the aviation sector. His Excellency stated that the Ministry is actively working to establish strategic partnerships with specialized global entities to support Bahrain's plans to modernize and advance the aviation sector, ensuring its sustainability and improving its overall efficiency. He added that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Artelia Airports marks a significant step in modernizing the operational infrastructure of Bahrain International Airport (BIA). It reflects the Kingdom's dedication to adopting smart solutions and modern technologies that ensure the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and fluidity in operational processes. This collaboration also underscores Bahrain's vision to position itself as a leading regional hub for aviation and logistics. This important announcement was made on the occasion of the signing of an MoU between Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport, and Artelia Airports. The MoU outlines cooperation in the field of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) and aims to strengthen the consulting capabilities of both parties in the aviation sector. The signing took place during the Paris Air Show 2025, held from June 16 to 22. The MOU was signed in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications. It was signed by Gulf Air Group (GFG) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jeffrey Goh on behalf of BAC and Executive Director of Artelia Airports, Mr. Philippe Martinet. The MOU aims to develop new business opportunities and cooperate in providing specialized consultancy services in the field of ORAT, by integrating the technical and operational expertise of both parties. It focuses on adopting an integrated approach that ensures early stakeholder engagement, risk identification and management, and enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability, thereby ensuring the airport's full readiness before the commencement of operational activities. On this occasion, GFG Chairman, Mr. Khalid Hussain Taqi welcomed the signing of the MOU, which comes within GFG's strategy to enhance its international presence as a leading provider of integrated solutions in the aviation sector. He added that cooperation with Artelia represents a model for the strategic partnerships that the Group is committed to employing to enhance the competitiveness of its companies and support the Kingdom of Bahrain as a regional aviation hub. He also stressed that this cooperation reflects the growing confidence in Bahrain Airport Company's operational capabilities and its potential to provide high-value airport services to global markets, noting that this MOU represents a qualitative step within the Group's efforts to diversify its services, support regional infrastructure, and actively contribute to the future development of airport operations globally. Mr. Jeffrey Goh, GFG Chief Executive Officer, expressed his pride in this cooperation, which comes within the company's vision to expand the provision of consulting services related to Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT). He noted that the partnership with Artelia Airports represents an important intersection between two institutional competencies with extensive experience in airport operation and management at the international level. He added that the MOU will enable the provision of services based on a precise operational approach aimed at improving efficiency levels and enhancing performance reliability, by engaging stakeholders from the early stages, and establishing practical frameworks for identifying and addressing operational risks, ensuring a smooth and safe transition to full operation. He highlighted BIA's experience as a role model in operational readiness and institutional integration, and the company's position as a reliable source of advanced services in the air transport sector. Mr. Philippe Martinet, Executive Director of Artelia Airports, noted that the agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to support the efficiency of airport operations globally, expressing his pride in this cooperation with Bahrain Airport Company due to its distinguished track record and extensive experience in airport operations. He said that this partnership will contribute to providing high-quality services to Artelia's partners in the aviation sector around the world, with a focus on sustainability, risk management, and achieving the highest levels of operational readiness. Mr. Martinet affirmed that this partnership represents the beginning of a strategic relationship with Bahrain Airport Company aimed at providing world-class operational readiness services to the aviation sector, based on decades of operational experience and technical knowledge, and contributing to establishing new foundations for effective airport preparation, ensuring a smooth transition to the operational phase on time and with the highest degree of efficiency.
