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The Benghazi Department of Antiquities is preparing to begin restoration and display work on a whale skeleton belonging to the baleen whale group, previously discovered in the Qasr Al-Sahabi area, approximately 100 kilometres south of Ajdabiya.
The department stated that it has formed a scientific team tasked with cleaning and reinforcing the skeleton to preserve its structure ahead of a scientifically sound and safe relocation to its permanent exhibition site.
Officials noted that the discovery will be a significant addition to the city’s future museum and will help raise environmental and scientific awareness among visitors and enthusiasts.
The fossilized skeleton is estimated to be around five million years old, dating back to the Miocene epoch, making it one of the rarest geological discoveries in the region.
Al-Dahas highlighted the significance of Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
In Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, spiritual significance extends far beyond the Grand Mosque. Scattered throughout the city are historic mosques that witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history.
Yet, amid the dense crowds and the rapid pace of modern development, many pilgrims and Umrah performers remain unaware of these sacred sites, quietly tucked away within the city’s expanding urban landscape.
Fawaz Al-Dahas, professor of history at Umm Al-Qura University, said that Makkah is home to several mosques of profound historical and religious value, yet they remain largely overlooked, receiving neither the media attention nor the organized religious visits they merit.
Al-Dahas highlighted the significance of Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage. He said that this mosque was not merely a physical structure, but a sacred site where the foundational principles of Islam were proclaimed. He also referenced the Bay’ah Mosque in Mina, which commemorates the pivotal moment when the Ansar pledged allegiance to the Prophet, paving the way for the Hijrah and the establishment of the Islamic state.
According to Al-Dahas, the importance of these mosques transcends their geographic locations, reflecting their profound political and religious significance in Islamic history.
Al-Dahas shed light on Al-Rayah Mosque: “Located in the Jarwal neighborhood, where the Prophet’s banner was raised on the day of the Conquest of Makkah, a powerful symbol of victory tempered by forgiveness.”
He also drew attention to Al-Hudaibiya Mosque, situated west of Makkah, where the historic Bay’at Al-Ridwan pledge took place, an event referenced in the Holy Qur’an. He said that while the mosque still stands on the original site of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, it remains largely unknown, with few visitors aware of its exact location.
Mohammed Al-Joud, a Hajj and Umrah specialist, said that these mosques were not merely historical structures, but vital educational landmarks that enrich a pilgrim’s understanding of the deeper spiritual dimensions of Hajj. He pointed to Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina, where the Prophet and prophets before him are believed to have prayed, as a powerful symbol of the continuity of prophethood: “Yet, many pilgrims remain unaware of its significance outside the Hajj season.”
Al-Joud also highlighted Al-Mashar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, which is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, emphasizing that awareness of such sacred sites bridges the rituals of Hajj with their Qur’anic and historical roots, enhancing the spiritual journey.
Al-Joud also drew attention to Al-Kabsh Mosque in Mina, linked to the story of the sacrifice of Ismail. He explained that the mosque symbolizes the values of sacrifice and obedience, yet remains largely overlooked in media coverage and excluded from most pilgrimage programs. He described it as an essential part of a broader, interconnected network of sacred sites that trace the prophetic journey — from revelation to migration, and from peace to conquest.
Al-Dahas underscored the importance of launching awareness initiatives to shed light on these mosques and restore their rightful standing. He said that safeguarding Makkah’s Islamic heritage was not limited to preserving its prominent landmarks, but also required reviving these historically significant mosques, which once stood as pivotal markers along the journey of the prophetic message.
He said that reconnecting pilgrims with these sacred sites revived the educational and historical depth of Hajj, enriching the journey with a more profound, informed, and spiritually immersive experience.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Scattered throughout the city are historic mosques that witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history. (SPA)
On 25 April, Egyptian author Mohamed Samir Nada was awarded the 2025 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) for his novel The Prayer of Anxiety, a darkly allegorical tale set in a secluded village in Upper Egypt.
This marks the third time an Egyptian writer has won the prestigious literary award, following Youssef Zidan’s Azazel in 2009 and Bahaa Taher’s Sunset Oasis in 2008.
Nada’s novel, published by the Tunisian press Masciliana, was chosen from a six-title shortlist.
In a televised interview earlier this year, Nada revealed that he had turned to Masciliana after three Egyptian publishers declined to print the manuscript.
Set in the fictional hamlet of Nag’ Al-Manassi — literally “the village of forgetfulness” — the novel unfolds in a reality suspended in misinformation and fear.
Its inhabitants believe a minefield surrounds them and are still at war with Israel decades after the 1967 conflict.
Their only contact with the outside world is Khalil Al-Khoja, a local authority figure who produces the village newspaper, controls access to goods and maintains the illusion of unending war.
When a mysterious object falls from the sky, triggering an illness among villagers, the local sheikh responds by creating a new ritual prayer—The Prayer of Anxiety.
The plot evolves against the backdrop of national icons, culminating in the 1977 death of Abdel-Halim Hafez, a singer synonymous with the era of Gamal Abdel-Nasser.
Told through eight character “sessions,” each beginning with a nightmare and dreamlike awakening, the novel functions as both a dystopian fable and a meditation on collective delusion.
Nada’s characters offer confessional narratives haunted by guilt and helplessness. The result is a richly layered text that explores how fear and propaganda can distort memory and shape reality.
Mona Baker, chair of this year’s IPAF judging panel, praised the novel for “transforming anxiety into an aesthetic and intellectual experience that resonates with the reader and awakens them to pressing existential questions.”
Yasser Suleiman, Chair of the IPAF Board of Trustees, highlighted the novel’s “gripping poetic language” and its “clever use of symbolism,” calling it a powerful reflection on life under tyranny and the mechanisms that uphold it.
Yet the novel’s success has not gone without controversy.
Some critics have criticized its handling of Egypt’s modern history, especially its allusions to Abdel-Nasser’s legacy.
Literary critic Reda Attiya publicly dismissed The Prayer of Anxiety as “poorly structured” and accused the prize committee of rewarding a novel that “takes aim at Nasser,” calling it a “conspiracy against Egypt.”
Others pushed back. Novelist Mohamed Mawafai likened such attacks to the 1994 stabbing of Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz by a young man who admitted to never reading his work.
“Both are acts of incitement,” Mawafai said. “There is no difference between one and the other.”
Nada’s novel joins a growing wave of dystopian fiction in the Arab world.
In a recent study of the genre, Syrian novelist and critic Shahla Al-Ogaily argued that dystopian literature has gained traction in post-2011 Arab societies to confront painful political and social realities.
“This genre represents the inability to forgive,” she wrote, “and a confrontation with the hallucinations and phobic fears that emerged after the revolutions failed to deliver on their promises.”
Al-Ogaily traced the rise of Arabic dystopian writing to the translation of authors like Franz Kafka and George Orwell, whose works explored the horrors of surveillance, repression, and modernity.
The influence is evident in Nada’s novel — from Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, echoed when a village sheikh wakes up to find his head missing, to Orwell’s 1984, in the depiction of total narrative control and a fearful, manipulated public.
At its heart, The Prayer of Anxiety critiques political, religious, and media-driven systems that manufacture obedience and stifle thought.
Through poetic language and surreal events, Nada lays bare the quiet complicity that enables authoritarianism.
One of the novel’s characters voices the core dilemma:
“How many shooting stars must fall before we gain a new memory? How many men must die in war for old women to tell a different story?”
Despite occasional tonal inconsistencies—particularly between the elevated language and the characters’ rural backgrounds—the novel’s literary ambition, conceptual depth, and striking imagery have resonated widely.
The IPAF, launched in 2007 with support from the Emirates Foundation, awards $50,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each shortlisted author. This year’s judges included Said Bengrad, Maryam Al Hashimi, Bilal Orfali, Sampsa Peltonen, and chair Mona Baker.
With The Prayer of Anxiety, Nada has delivered a novel that provokes, unsettles, and — crucially — invites deeper engagement with the structures of power that shape the Arab world’s past and present.
In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light”.
As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith.
In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light.” At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.
The mountain’s distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.
Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: “There’s something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it’s not just a climb, but it’s a spiritual awakening.”
To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider’s web and a dove’s nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.
Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da’wah and the great spiritual responsibility.
FAST FACTS
• Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.
• Programs like ‘Hala,’ launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides.
Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay’ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.
Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma’la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet’s beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.
“Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,” Khan added.
Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.
Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: “We’re planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. It’s a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.”
Further west of the Prophet’s Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam’s critical battles.
Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.
Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi’ Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions. Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam’s formative years.
Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet’s leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.
Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: “I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur’anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.”
Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like “Hala,” launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.
Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: “Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.”
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)
Global airlines are projected to record a net profit of $36 billion, with total industry revenue reaching $979 billion
Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to bolster the industry as part of their economic diversification efforts
Middle East airlines are forecast to post the world’s highest net profit margin in 2025 of 8.7 percent, outpacing global peers, according to the latest industry report.
The forecast, released by the International Air Transport Association during its 81st Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, also projects that airlines operating in the Middle East will generate a net profit of $6.2 billion this year — slightly up from $6.1 billion in 2024. The region is also expected to earn $27.20 per passenger.
Globally, airlines are projected to record a net profit of $36 billion, with total industry revenue reaching $979 billion — below IATA’s earlier $1 trillion estimate, due in part to macroeconomic uncertainties and supply constraints.
The growth of the aviation sector in the Middle East reflects broader regional expansion, as countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to bolster the industry as part of their economic diversification efforts.
Ilies is making a name for himself in the football landscape, especially with the Atlas Cubs.
Morocco’s rising star Ilies Belmokhtar has been named the best U17 youth player competing in France at the inaugural Golden Kid Awards.
Le Monde Du Foot reported that Belmokhtar is taking home a well-deserved recognition, rewarding his exceptional 2024-2025 season.
“For this inaugural edition, Ilies Belmokhtar truly shone. Gifted with genuine tactical maturity, he was one of the key architects of AS Monaco’s success in youth competitions this season,” the same source said.
Commenting on his new achievement, Belmokhtar commented that the award is a “great pride.”
“Especially to my parents, I hope they are proud of me,” he said .
The same sports-focused website recalled the triumphs the Atlas Cub has achieved with Morocco , including his U17 Africa Cup of Nations win in April.
The Golden Kid awards seek to recognize the best young developing players in France. The initiative is the fruit of L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi and streamer Isoline Almeida.
In May, Ilies Belmokhtar signed his first professional contract with AS Monaco.
Belmokhtar was born in Ivry-sur-Seine in 2008, and joined the AS Monaco Academy in 2023.
In April, the Atlas Cub was among the five players from the national U-17 team selected for the Best XI of the Under-17 AFCON in its 15th edition.
In addition to Belmokhtar, the players chosen for the Best XI include: goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, right-back Moncef Zekri, central defender Driss Aït Chiekh, and attacking midfielder Abdellah Ouazzane.
Morocco’s AFCON triumph came after a dramatic 0-0 draw against Mali in the final, followed by a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout, securing their spot in football history.
United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, has continued its global track record of accomplishments by securing three new Guinness World Records. This remarkable achievement further strengthens UDC’s position as one of the leading real estate developers in the region.
During an official ceremony, Yasser Salah Al-Jaidah, CEO of United Development Company, received the Guinness World Record certificates in recognition of these milestones, which include the largest outdoor air-conditioned shopping mall, Largest outdoor interactive lighting canopy, located on Gewan Island, and Largest pneumatic waste management network on the Pearl Island.
Largest outdoor air-conditioned mall
The Crystal Walk not only establishes itself as the largest outdoor air-conditioned mall with 7,360 square meters (79222.41 sq ft) but also impresses visitors with its exceptional design and amenities. A standout feature is the breathtaking crystal display, featuring over 10 tons of crystals and a 1000- meter crystal path, the longest in the world, creating a visually stunning environment that enhances the shopping experience.
Thanks to its state-of-the-art cooling technology, The Crystal Walk maintains a comfortable environment by achieving temperatures as low as 21- 23 degrees Celsius during the summer season. This ensures shoppers enjoy a pleasant and refreshing experience, regardless of the outdoor weather. Maintaining a consistently pleasant atmosphere, even during Qatar’s hot summers, is achieved through a cutting-edge district cooling system. This system offers significant advantages over traditional individual air conditioning units, Lower energy consumption directly translates to a smaller carbon footprint. The reduced reliance on individual air conditioning units minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to retail development and Centralized cooling systems offer greater reliability than individual units. A centralized system is easier to monitor, maintain, and repair, leading to fewer disruptions and improved overall efficiency.
The 10 Crystal buildings were positioned in an oriented maximizing shading, providing a flow stream of airflow improving cooling while deploying a high-tech energy-efficient cooling system that conserves energy by at least 20% compared with conventional systems and this system mobilized a chilled water district cooling system that future reduce carbon emissions and footprint by at lowest 20 – 50% of the crystal walk.
With over 100 unique retail experiences that cater to a luxurious lifestyle, The Crystal Walk offers a diverse range of brands along with exquisite dining options. This combination of luxury and innovation transforms the mall into a comprehensive lifestyle destination, attracting a distinguished clientele.
Recently, The Crystal Walk has registered for the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) under the Green Ozone Rating for Design (GORD) certification. This commitment to sustainable design and construction is evident in features such as optimized building designs for energy efficiency and the incorporation of native landscaping and tropical landscaping with more than 13,000 tropical plants. This recognition highlights the mall’s dedication to environmental responsibility and efficiency.
The combination of luxurious offerings, innovative cooling solutions, and commitment to sustainability makes The Crystal Walk a pioneering destination for shoppers and a model for future developments in retail architecture.
Largest outdoor interactive lighting canopy
Beyond the cooling system, the Crystal Walk also boasts the world’s largest outdoor interactive lighting canopy, covering an impressive 3,689.55 square meters (39,713.98 square feet).
This architectural marvel seamlessly blends art and technology, providing functional shade during the day and transforming into a mesmerizing light display at night, enhancing the already captivating ambience at night. This record-breaking canopy utilizes state-of-the-art LED lighting technology, offering significant advantages over traditional lighting solutions:
l Energy Efficiency: The LEDs boast an energy savings of 20% – 50% compared to conventional lighting, contributing substantially to the overall sustainability goals of Gewan Island. This reduction in energy consumption translates to lower operating costs and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
l Longevity: LEDs have a much longer lifespan than traditional lighting, minimizing maintenance requirements and reducing waste.
l Versatility and Control: The advanced LED system allows for dynamic and customizable lighting displays, offering unparalleled versatility in creating captivating visual effects.
The lighting canopy is more than just illumination; it’s an interactive spectacle. Over 1000 individual lighting points are meticulously coordinated, creating a mesmerizing array of colors, patterns, and effects. This sophisticated system integrates seamlessly with a state-of-the-art music system, synchronizing the light displays with music to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors. The lighting choreography can be programmed to adapt to different events, moods, and times of day and interact with live music, ensuring a constantly evolving and engaging visual feast.
During the day, the canopy provides much-needed shade, enhancing the comfort of shoppers exploring the Crystal Walk’s unique retail experiences. This thoughtful design maximizes natural light while minimizing direct sunlight exposure. The combination of advanced cooling systems and intelligent shading strategies allows for a pleasant and comfortable outdoor shopping environment regardless of the climate.
This impressive interactive lighting canopy, alongside the other innovative features of the Crystal Walk, showcases UDC’s commitment to creating exceptional spaces where luxury, technology, and sustainability converge. It’s not just a retail destination, but a destination for experiencing technological innovation within a luxurious and environmentally responsible environment.
Largest pneumatic waste management network
Furthermore, the company achieved another global milestone with the largest pneumatic waste management network on The Pearl Island, utilizing an advanced Pneumatic system for efficient and sustainable waste collection. These innovative solutions reflect UDC’s commitment to smart environmental practices and sustainability, this system achieves fully operational 66 kilometers (41.01 miles) and more than 500 chute inlets.
The advanced pneumatic waste management system also brings a number of environmental and community benefits. It reduces vehicular movement, leading to a decrease in direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions in the area. By minimizing traffic congestion around The Pearl Island, the system helps maintain better road service levels. The system is the first of its kind in the country since the island’s inception, with an expanded network and a recent extension to Gewan Island. Moreover, the system promotes a convenient, clean, and sustainable lifestyle, encouraging residents to maintain a clean community.
On Gewan Island, the new waste management system takes advantage of the opportunity to segregate waste at disposal sites through a dual chute system. This initiative engages the community in waste segregation and aims to increase participation in recycling efforts. Currently, the recycling rate stands at 36%, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and its ongoing efforts to improve environmental impact.
Commenting on this achievement, Al-Jaidah said, “This accomplishment reflects our ambitious vision and commitment to developing world-class projects that incorporate advanced technologies and sustainability principles. We are incredibly proud to achieve these Guinness World Records and will continue to deliver exceptional developments that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors to The Pearl and Gewan Islands. We look forward to reaching new milestones that strengthen our leadership in the real estate sector.”
This recognition adds to United Development Company’s impressive track record of global achievements, having received numerous prestigious awards and certificates across various fields. Notable among these are the Crystal Residence GSAS 3 stars design and build certification, Green Organization Awards, Best CSR Awards, Golden Globe Tiger Awards, and Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards. These awards highlight the company’s continuous commitment to innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its position as a leader in the real estate development sector.
UDC continues its pursuit of further global achievements by developing integrated real estate projects that adhere to the highest standards of quality and innovation. These projects further cement The Pearl and Gewan Islands as premier destinations in the region, attracting visitors and investors seeking exceptional residential and commercial environments.
Researchers at Washington State University have revived Egyptian blue—the world’s first synthetic pigment.
A team of researchers from Washington State University, in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, has successfully recreated Egyptian blue, the oldest known synthetic pigment in the world. Originally developed over 5,000 years ago, the pigment was commonly used in ancient Egyptian art, tombs, and architecture.
The scientists tested 12 different methods to reproduce the pigment, adjusting materials and heating times to mirror ancient techniques. They discovered that a rich, vivid blue could be achieved even when only half of the mixture’s colour-bearing component was used—challenging previous assumptions about how the pigment was made. Small variations in temperature and ingredients also caused the colour to shift, from pale greens to intense blues and even greys.
Beyond its historic value, Egyptian blue has properties that make it relevant for modern technology. It absorbs visible light and emits infrared radiation, which can be applied in biomedical imaging, telecommunications, and anti-counterfeiting technologies.
The recreated pigment is now on display at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh.
Model & Lifestyle Influencer Nour Arida Joins Serena Williams in Audemars Piguet Campaign.
When Audemars Piguet picked the faces for its 150th anniversary campaign, it chose icons. Nour Arida was the only Arab woman among them.
In the world of luxury watchmaking, Arab women aren’t often on the moodboard. But this year, that changed.
For its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet didn’t just call in the usual faces – it summoned a lineup of global icons. Serena Williams. Winnie Harlow. Tamara Kalinic. And, for the first time ever, an Arab woman: Nour Arida.
Draped in AP’s legacy, the Lebanese model-slash-creative-slash-cultural force owned the frame.
“I always try to push boundaries,” Arida says, in what might be the understatement of the year. “It’s like being part of a real family, being part of the AP family.”
The Kingdom of Bahrain has secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, following a vote at the UN General Assembly in New York, where it received an overwhelming 186 out of 187 votes (99.5%).
Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the people of Bahrain on this achievement. He noted that the near-unanimous support is a testament to the leadership of His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and a clear recognition of global confidence in Bahrain’s foreign policy and its commitment to peace, cooperation, and international stability.
Dr. Al Zayani emphasised Bahrain’s dedication to upholding the UN Charter, promoting multilateralism, and engaging constructively with Security Council members to address global challenges.
He said that Bahrain’s approach during its Security Council term will be guided by its core values of dialogue, coexistence, mutual respect, and consensus building. He added Bahrain’s intention to serve as a voice for diplomacy, a bridge for understanding, and a champion of solutions that reflect the aspirations of peoples for a future of peace, stability, and prosperity.
Dr. Al Zayani also commended the Kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the UN, led by Ambassador Jamal Al Rowaiei, as well as all officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the Mission, for their dedicated work in the spirit of “Team Bahrain.” He commended their tangible efforts and outstanding diplomatic work that contributed to this significant milestone and expressed gratitude to UN member states for their support.
Bahrain’s election was met with congratulations from Arab and international delegates, who extended best wishes for a successful term on the Council.
