Bahrain | Business Upturn

UAE president meets Bahrain’s King Hamad as ties and regional issues take centre stage

Rashmi Pandey — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:38:44 +0000

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Bahraini monarch King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, in a fresh display of close ties between the two Gulf partners.

The meeting comes as the two countries continue to maintain strong political and strategic coordination on regional developments. The discussion is expected to reflect the longstanding relationship between Abu Dhabi and Manama, which have worked closely on Gulf security, diplomacy and economic cooperation.

King Hamad’s visit to the UAE underscores the regular high-level contact between the two leaderships. Such meetings typically focus on bilateral relations and broader regional matters of interest to the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

The UAE and Bahrain have consistently presented a united front on key regional issues, including security, stability and economic collaboration. The visit also highlights the importance both countries place on maintaining close ties amid continued uncertainty in the wider Middle East.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s meeting with the Bahraini monarch adds to a series of recent diplomatic engagements among Gulf leaders, reflecting continued consultation at the highest level on regional and bilateral priorities.

The talks are also likely to reinforce existing cooperation in political, economic and security fields, areas in which the two countries have long been closely aligned.

Bahrain intercepts 186 missiles and 419 drones from Iran amid escalating conflict

Savita Uppar — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:51:59 +0000

Bahrain’s military announced that its air defense systems have successfully intercepted 186 missiles and 419 drones fired by Iran since the conflict began in the Middle East. In an official statement, the Bahraini military urged the public to stay away from damaged areas and “suspicious objects.” They also warned residents not to take pictures of debris from interception sites.

These figures show a significant increase from earlier counts. Official reports had previously noted 174 missiles and 391 drones intercepted since the war began, which highlights the growing intensity of attacks on the small Gulf kingdom. Iran’s retaliation against Bahrain started on February 28, 2026, after a coordinated missile operation by the United States and Israel struck several targets in Iran. Iranian forces responded with airstrikes across the Persian Gulf, hitting various countries in the region.

Bahrain has faced some of the most aggressive attacks due to its strategic significance. The kingdom hosts the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, and video footage showed that parts of the fleet’s headquarters were hit during the initial Iranian assault. Iranian drones hit Sitra Island, an important industrial area that contains the BAPCO oil refinery, with officials confirming attacks on the Al Maameer oil facility. A separate drone strike on Sitra injured 32 people. In one of the deadliest attacks, a drone struck a residential building in the Al Seef area of Manama, killing a 29-year-old woman and injuring eight others.

Bahrain performed the fewest interceptions among Gulf states in the early days of the conflict and faced damage in Manama, at the airport, and near the US Fifth Fleet facilities. As the toll continues to rise, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant due to the ongoing threat of further strikes.

Mehai Technology receives Rs 84.57 crore order for Bahrain water transmission project

Matrika Shukla — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:08:21 +0000

Mehai Technology Limited has secured an order worth ₹84.57 crore (₹84,57,42,144) from Leapfrog Engineering Services Limited. The contract, which involves the supply and installation work for a Water Transmission Project in Bahrain, marks a significant step in the company’s expansion into international markets.

Key details of the contract:

Entity awarding the contract: Leapfrog Engineering Services Limited
Contract type: Supply and installation for a Water Transmission Project at Bahrain
Size of the contract: ₹84.57 crore (₹84,57,42,144)
Domestic or international: Domestic (awarded by a domestic entity)
Timeframe: As per the Letter of Award (LOA)
Related party transactions: No

Mehai Technology Limited’s latest order underlines its growing presence in international markets and its ability to secure large-scale infrastructure projects. The company has made significant strides in the water transmission sector, focusing on both domestic and international contracts.

U.S. and UK launch airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

Aishi Saha — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 18:01:32 +0000

In a joint effort, the United States (U.S.) and Britain have launched a series of airstrikes targeting more than a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen. This action comes as a response to a recent surge in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on ships traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The coordinated strikes, which mark the fourth such operation by the two allies, aim to deter further attacks by the group, particularly following a recent missile strike that caused a cargo ship to catch fire.

According to U.S. officials, American and British fighter jets carried out the airstrikes, targeting approximately 18 sites across various locations. These targets included missiles, launchers, rockets, drones, and unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. The strikes were launched from the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea, under the directive of U.S. President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the targets beforehand.

Despite these counter-attacks, the Houthi militia has continued its campaign against shipping in the region, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Masirah TV, a prominent news outlet affiliated with the Houthi movement, reported nine airstrikes conducted by U.S. and UK forces in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) participated in the strikes, deploying four Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets supported by two Voyager fuel tankers. These airstrikes targeted long-range drones and their launchers, located northeast of Sanaa, which the Houthis use for reconnaissance and attack missions.

British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps underscored the importance of protecting maritime interests and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. He praised the RAF’s involvement in degrading Houthi capabilities and preventing further attacks on commercial shipping. Additionally, Shapps expressed gratitude to the personnel involved in executing the airstrikes.

The U.S. Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J Austin, noted that the joint operation received support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The strikes targeted various Houthi military assets, including underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, and air defence systems.

Despite these efforts, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh acknowledged that the Houthis have maintained their capabilities and continue to receive support from Iran. The recent increase in attacks underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency in Yemen and the broader implications for regional security and stability.

Air India Express to launch daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode

Matrika Shukla — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:03:29 +0000

Air India Express announced its newest addition to its flight routes, with direct daily flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode commencing from February 23rd. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity between these two major cities and cater to the increasing demand for seamless travel options.

Kozhikode serves as the airline’s primary hub for international operations, boasting a robust network of 101 weekly flights. This strategic move underscores Air India Express’s commitment to expanding its presence in key markets and facilitating convenient travel for passengers.

Passengers traveling from Kozhikode can now enjoy direct connectivity to 15 domestic and international destinations, including popular hubs like Bengaluru, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. Additionally, the airline offers convenient one-stop itineraries to 19 destinations, including Ayodhya, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Chennai, further enhancing travel options for passengers.

From Mumbai, Air India Express currently operates 112 weekly flights, connecting major destinations such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Jaipur, Ranchi, Madurai, Lucknow, Srinagar, Dammam, Sharjah, and now Kozhikode. This expansion solidifies the airline’s position as a key player in the aviation sector, offering extensive connectivity across India and beyond.

With a fleet comprising 63 aircraft, including 35 Boeing 737s and 28 Airbus A320s, Air India Express operates over 340 flights daily, linking 31 domestic and 14 international airports. The airline’s continuous efforts to enhance its route network and improve passenger experience reflect its commitment to providing efficient and reliable air travel services.

The introduction of direct daily flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode marks a significant milestone for Air India Express, as it strives to meet the evolving needs of travelers and strengthen its foothold in the competitive aviation market.

Bahrain reports first monkeypox case

United News of India (UNI) — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 03:45:31 +0000

Bahrain’s Health Ministry reported the kingdom’s first monkeypox case.

The patient, a 29-year-old male expatriate, arrived in the kingdom after recent overseas trips, the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

“The patient is exhibiting symptoms and has been isolated while receiving the necessary care based on the adopted protocols,” it added, without elaborating.

The ministry said it was using contact tracing and disease surveillance systems to mitigate the spread of the virus.

In addition to vaccinations, a contingency plan and a reporting mechanism were in place to deal with suspected cases, the ministry said.

Condemnation from Gulf nations continue over Prophet Mohammad remark

United News of India (UNI) — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:07:18 +0000

New Delhi, June 6: More condemnation from the Gulf countries followed over controversial statements on Prophet Mohammad made by some BJP functionaries, with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo issuing statements, a day after Kuwait, Iran and Qatar summoned the respective Indian envoys to hand over protest notes.

The Kingdom of Bahrain in a statement said they welcome the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision to suspend its spokeswoman due to insulting remarks against the Holy Prophet.

The Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of respecting all religious beliefs, symbols, and personalities, and the concerted efforts of the international community to spread the values of moderation, tolerance, and dialogue between religions and civilizations, and to confront extremist ideas that feed sedition and religious, sectarian, or racial hatred, it said.

Saudi Arabia condemned the statements of the spokesperson of the BJP insulting Prophet Muhammad and “reiterated its permanent rejection of any insult to the symbols of the Islamic religion. It also rejected anything that is offensive to all religious figures and symbols”.

While welcoming the measures taken by the BJP to suspend the spokeswoman, the ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom’s position of showing respect to all religions and faiths, it said.

The Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the statements made by the spokesperson of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, insulting Prophet Mohammed.

In a statement, Al-Azhar described such behavior “as a real terrorist action that helps to push the entire world to devastating crises and bloody wars, calling on the world community to firmly ward off such threats”.

Al-Azhar said “the recent resort of some politicians to defame Islam to collect votes of extremists is a blatant call for extremism, spread of hatred and discord among followers of religions”, it said.

Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed strong condemnation and denunciation of the statements made by the spokesperson of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, insulting Prophet Mohammed, and reaffirmed the GCC’s permanent rejection of prejudice against the symbols of the Islamic religion and refusal to prejudice all religious figures and symbols.

On Sunday, Qatar, Iran and Kuwait summoned the respective Indian ambassadors resident in their capitals. To protest the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad.

The Pakistan Foreign Office too condemned the remarks.

Even as Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu is visiting Qatar. The Qatari Foreign Ministry summoned Indian envoy Deepak Mittal to protest the remarks.

The Indian ambassador conveyed that the tweets by the now-suspended BJP functionary. “Do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India, and these are the views of fringe elements.”

The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Director General for South Asia summoned the Indian ambassador Gaddam Dharmendra to protest “an insult by a TV program in India to the Prophet Muhammad”.

The Kuwait Foreign Ministry in a statement said that it summoned the Indian Ambassador Sibi George. Where he met the Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs. Who handed him “an official protest note expressing the State of Kuwait’s categorical rejection. And denunciation of the offensive statements of the Holy Prophet, and Islam and Muslims. Which were issued by Officials in the ruling party”.

Kuwait said that while it welcomes the statement issued by the BJP. Announcing the suspension of the BJP officials, it demanded “a public apology for those hostile statements”.

Qatar too said that it welcomes the statement by India’s ruling party announcing suspension of the functionary. But added that it “is expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the Government of India”.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP media cell head Naveen Kumar Jindal’s tweet. Against Prophet Mohammed caused wide discontent in the Arab world with hashtags calling for. Boycott of India products trending on Twitter.

Twitters users across Gulf reacted with anger causing Jindal to delete the tweet and state that his remarks were not aimed at hurting the religious sentiments of any community.

Jindal tweeted in Hindi that his intent was not to demean any faith. “We respect the faith of all religions. But the question was only for those mindsets that spread hatred. By using indecent comments about our deities. I just asked them a question. It does not mean that we are against any religion.”

One of the top trending hashtags on Twitter in Middle Eastern countries. Such as Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt referred to the matter. The hashtag was widely shared along with calls for boycotting India and Indian products.

On Twitter many people denounced the escalation of hatred against Islam and Muslims in India. Saying that it is following in the footsteps of France and China in promoting Islamophobia and hostility.

Delhi BJP unit president Adesh Gupta expelled Jindal for allegedly expressing views on social media that vitiate communal harmony.

Gupta added that Jindal’s primary membership from the party was terminated with immediate effect.

The BJP also suspended spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her controversial remarks made during a TV debate.

The Pakistan Foreign Office in a statement. “Strongly condemned and rejected the totally unacceptable derogatory remarks. By BJP officials about Holy Prophet Muhammad. This has deeply hurt sentiments of Muslims in Pakistan, India & across the world.”

It said “BJP’s attempted clarification and belated and perfunctory disciplinary action. Against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world.”

Bahrain now grants permission to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

Shalmali Bhagwat — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 07:21:06 +0000

According to Associated Press, Bahrain has become the second nation in the world to permit emergency-use authorization for the Coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech. The state-run Bahrain News Agency announced this on Friday night, after an earlier announcement by the United Kingdom on Wednesday, making Britain the first in the world.

Bahrain made no comments with regards to how may vaccines it has purchased, nor when vaccinations would commence. It did not respond to questions from the Associated Press. The Pfizer shots, a so-called mRNA vaccine, consists of a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to detect the spiked protein on the surface of the virus.

Pfizer later told the AP, the details of its sales agreement with Bahrain, including the “timing of delivery and the volume of doses,” were not be disclosed and also declined to comment. “We have developed detailed logistical plans and tools to facilitate effective vaccine transport, storage and continuous temperature monitoring,” Pfizer said. “Our distribution is built on a flexible just in time system which will ship the frozen vials to the point of vaccination.”

The main hurdle for Bahrain would be the conditions in which the vaccine must be kept. It must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit). Bahrain is a Middle East nation that regularly witnesses temperatures in the summer of around 40 C (104 Fahrenheit) with high humidity. Bahrain operates a state-owned carrier, Gulf Air, that could be used to transport the vaccine.

Bahrain had already granted emergency-use authorization for a Chinese vaccine made by Sinopharm and has inoculated some 6,000 people with it. That vaccine, an “inactivated” shot made by cultivating and growing the whole virus in a lab and then killing it, also is in use in the UAE. Pfizer’s vaccine does not contain the Coronavirus itself.

With a population of 1.6 million, it has reported more than 87,000 cases and 341 deaths, according to the government. Over 85,000 people have recovered from the COVID-19 illness that is caused by the virus. “The approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will add a further important layer to the kingdom’s national COVID-19 response, which has strongly prioritized protecting the health of all citizens and residents during the pandemic,” said Dr Mariam al-Jalahma, the CEO of Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority.