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25/12/2025

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24/12/2025

Organisations honoured for supporting social initiatives

The Southern Governorate yesterday honoured entities supporting its 2025 programmes and initiatives in a ceremony held under the patronage of Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa.

It was attended by Deputy Governor Colonel Hamad Al Khayyat, and senior representatives from government bodies, civil society, banks and private institutions, at the Police Officers’ Club.

Shaikh Khalifa said the ceremony was held to honour leading sponsors and contributors whose efforts were key to achievements in the security, development and social domains.

Read: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371734

The Southern Governorate yesterday honoured entities supporting its 2025 programmes and initiatives in a ceremony held under the patronage of Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa. It was attended by Deputy Governor Colonel Hamad Al Khayyat, and senior representatives from government bodies, ci...

24/12/2025

Wordsmith launches debut carol

Indian expatriate and wordsmith Sunil Ranny recently unveiled his debut Christmas carol entitled Sukrutha Jananam (the holy birth).

The Malayalam language song was officially launched by Indian Club president Joseph Joy at the group’s premises in Manama, in the presence of Indian Orthodox Cathedral vicar Father Jacob Karakkal.

“I am so happy to have received a positive response,” the 42-year-old Salmaniya resident told the GDN.

“I recently came out with a travelogue, which spurred me on to venture into carol writing. We sang it during the carol singing sessions that we had through church, which I have been a part of for many years. It was surreal singing my own composition,” added the father-of-twins, who has been living in the kingdom with his family for the last 10 years.

Read: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371739

Indian expatriate and wordsmith Sunil Ranny recently unveiled his debut Christmas carol entitled Sukrutha Jananam (the holy birth). The Malayalam language song was officially launched by Indian Club president Joseph Joy at the group’s premises in Manama, in the presence of Indian Orthodox Cathedra...

24/12/2025

Consortium for Arab research integration

A new consortium aimed at enhancing collaboration among research institutions in Bahrain and other Arab countries was unveiled yesterday during a major conference.

The Arab Think Tanks and Research Centres Network was officially launched by the Saudi-based Gulf Research Centre during the seventh Annual Derasat Forum, that concluded yesterday.

The event was held in co-ordination with the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.

The new think tank – to be based in Alexandria, Egypt – aims to foster integration among research centres in the region, promote collaboration, and bridge diverse perspectives across Arab research institutions.

It will not only promote communication and engagement among researchers and specialists to develop shared solutions to regional challenges, but also provide decision-makers with insights and strategic recommendations to support effective policymaking.

Gulf Research Centre founder and chairman Dr Abdulaziz Bin Saqr said the initiative seeks to advance Arab causes, facilitate knowledge exchange and co-ordinate joint initiatives to boost research in the region.

Read: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371733

A new consortium aimed at enhancing collaboration among research institutions in Bahrain and other Arab countries was unveiled yesterday during a major conference. The Arab Think Tanks and Research Centres Network was officially launched by the Saudi-based Gulf Research Centre during the seventh Ann...

24/12/2025

A heartwarming video of a stranded Great Egret being rescued has captivated audiences across Bahrain, showcasing a remarkable act of compassion.

Sri Lankan expat Priyan Suthakaran, 39, shared the footage on his Instagram account, showing himself wading into thick mud to assist the bird, which was struggling to escape the mire.

Suthakaran told the GDN he spotted the Egret while birdwatching with his friend, Priya Udaykumar, near the Applied Science University in Sitra.

"We felt bad seeing it in that condition and decided to help," Suthakaran shared in his post.

The video shows Suthakaran carefully wrapping the bird in his T-shirt before lifting it to safety. After rinsing the mud from its feathers with water, he set the bird free.

Suthakaran and Udaykumar later revisited the site and were delighted to find the bird had successfully flown away.

"Knowing that it had regained its strength and returned to the sky made the whole moment feel incredibly rewarding," he said.

Great Egrets are a species native to Bahrain, commonly found inhabiting the Kingdom's mangroves and marshlands.

24/12/2025

Splendid poolside New Year’s Eve celebration

Savoy Grande Hotel is set to host an extraordinary poolside New Year’s Eve celebration.

The event will feature vibrant entertainment and refined dining at Bombay Barbeque, promising a distinctive dual-venue experience designed to suit every guest.

The festivities will unfold in a unique combination of open-air poolside and enclosed indoor spaces, offering guests the freedom to enjoy the evening under the stars or within a comfortable, climate-controlled setting. The thoughtfully designed layout ensures uninterrupted celebration, while maintaining an energetic party atmosphere throughout the night.

Headlining the event is an electrifying DJ mashup by DJ Gruv, flying in from Mumbai, promising a dynamic mix of international party anthems and crowd favourites.

The celebration will feature an unlimited gala dinner with an extensive festive spread, accompanied by unlimited beverages, available from 8pm until midnight.

The New Year’s eve packages on December 31 are priced at BD25 per person and BD39 per couple, with early bird offers available for a limited period at BD22 per person and BD35 per couple.

For reservations and further information, contact 32388770 or 38201018.

Read: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371732

24/12/2025

Russia plans a nuclear power plant on the moon within a decade

Russia plans to put a nuclear power plant on the moon in the next decade to supply its lunar space programme and a joint Russian-Chinese research station, as major powers rush to explore the earth's only natural satellite.

Ever since Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to go into space in 1961, Russia has prided itself as a leading power in space exploration, but in recent decades it has fallen behind the United States and, increasingly, China.

Russia's ambitions suffered a massive blow in August 2023 when its unmanned Luna-25 mission smashed into the surface of the moon while attempting to land, and Elon Musk has revolutionised the launch of space vehicles - once a Russian speciality.

Read:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371790/Russia-plans-a-nuclear-power-plant-on-the-moon-within-a-decade

24/12/2025

Book fair postponed due to sponsorship challenges

The Bahrain International Book Fair has been postponed due to challenges in securing sponsorship and private sector support, according to Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi.

Responding to a parliamentary question from MP Eman Shuwaiter, the minister emphasised that cultural activity remains central to the mandate of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca).

“Cultural development in Bahrain is a fundamental pillar of the authority’s ongoing work,” Dr Al Nuaimi said, noting that Baca has licensed more than 14 book fairs, in addition to supervising the publication of books documenting Bahraini crafts, history and cultural heritage.

The authority has also been supporting poets, writers, theatre and cinema movements in the kingdom.

He explained that preparations to organise the Bahrain International Book Fair are in place, but the challenge lies in securing a private sector partner.

The minister highlighted the importance of the fair as an event that reflects Bahrain’s intellectual and cultural progress, noting that the kingdom has long been a pioneer in this field regionally.

“The book fair is a major cultural occasion eagerly awaited by many segments of society, including children,” he said. “We are continuing our efforts to secure support for the prestigious event,” he added.

Meanwhile, MP Shuwaiter criticised the continued delays, pointing out that no international book fair has been held since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in 2022.

Read:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371760/Book-fair-postponed-due-to-sponsorship-challenges

The Bahrain International Book Fair has been postponed due to challenges in securing sponsorship and private sector support, according to Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi.Responding to a parliamentary question from MP Eman Shuwaiter, the minister emphasised that cultural activity remains cen...

24/12/2025

Australian woman arrested after biting police officer

An Australian woman has been arrested after allegedly biting a police officer on the leg in Canberra, shortly after signing a formal agreement to “keep the King’s peace.”

Police were initially called to a residence following reports of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers spoke to the couple and had both parties sign an agreement to “keep the King’s peace”—a restorative measure used by Australian police to de-escalate tense situations without immediate arrest.

Read: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371719

An Australian woman has been arrested after allegedly biting a police officer on the leg in Canberra, shortly after signing a formal agreement to “keep the King’s peace.” Police were initially called to a residence following reports of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers spoke to th...

24/12/2025

WEATHER UPDATE: Rain expected in Bahrain this weekend

Meteorologists have predicted a possibility of scattered rainfall across Bahrain on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

During the weekend, minimum temperatures are expected to drop to 14°C. The showers are likely to be accompanied by variable winds ranging between 5 and 17 knots.

24/12/2025

Shaza Hotels has announced the official opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, marking the group’s first branded property in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Designed for families, business travellers, and leisure guests, the contemporary lifestyle Serviced Residence brings a fresh and distinctive hospitality experience to one of Bahrain’s most dynamic districts.

Ideally situated in Juffair, the property has spacious & modern 1-2-3 bedroom suites, with panoramic views over Bahrain Bay, designed to accommodate short stays, long stays, and family retreats.

Tel: +973 17811889 Email: [email protected]

24/12/2025

Dubai: Man acquitted after calling brother's wife a ‘scorpion’

Dubai’s Court of Appeal has overturned the conviction of a man accused of insulting his sister-in-law via WhatsApp.

The man allegedly posted a WhatsApp status during a family dispute, stating: “How beautiful life is without my brother’s wife” and “How beautiful homes are without scorpions.” This prompted his sister-in-law to file a legal complaint.

Read: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1371723

Dubai’s Court of Appeal has overturned the conviction of a man accused of insulting his sister-in-law via WhatsApp. The man allegedly posted a WhatsApp status during a family dispute, stating: “How beautiful life is without my brother’s wife” and “How beautiful homes are without scorpions....