Bahrain, Qatar to Reconsider Maritime Bridge Project

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
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Bahrain, Qatar to Reconsider Maritime Bridge Project

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)
Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (BNA)

Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, engaged in a phone call conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Friday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was received by King Hamad on the same day.

Concurrently, Bahrain announced that Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa discussed the ambitious Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project in his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman.

This visionary project, conceived since 2009, spans approximately 40 kilometers, connecting the Bahraini island to the Qatari peninsula.

According to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Crown Prince Salman and Sheikh Mohammed “discussed the project and directed the relevant authorities of both countries to finalize plans and commence project implementation.”

On March 13, Bahrain and Qatar decided to resume diplomatic relations after a two-year reconciliation period in the Gulf.

The decision to reestablish diplomatic ties was made during a meeting of the bilateral follow-up committee at the headquarters of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh.

Both countries expressed that this step was taken “with the mutual desire to develop bilateral relations, enhance integration, and strengthen Gulf unity.”

During the phone call between Bahrain’s monarch and the Emir of Qatar on Friday, the leaders addressed “the fraternal relations between the two sisterly countries and ways to enhance and strengthen them in various fields, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection and brotherhood shared between the two nations.”

They also affirmed “determination to move forward in developing aspects of bilateral cooperation that meet the aspirations of both peoples.”

BNA also reported that King Hamad highlighted, during his phone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, the visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman.

He also emphasized the fruitful discussions between Bahrain’s Crown Prince and the Qatari Prime Minister, aiming to propel further collaborative efforts between the two nations across all domains.

The monarch expressed optimism about broadening the scope of interconnection and cooperation, foreseeing mutual prosperity and growth for both countries and their people.
 



Saudi FM, Lebanese Speaker Discuss Efforts Aimed at Stopping Israeli Attacks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi FM, Lebanese Speaker Discuss Efforts Aimed at Stopping Israeli Attacks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held on Thursday a telephone call with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

During the call, Prince Faisal and Berri discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities and an end to Israeli attacks.

The Saudi FM reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the stability of Lebanon and to strengthening its state institutions.

Berri praised the Kingdom’s role and its continuous efforts in supporting Lebanon’s security and the broader stability of the region.

He also stressed Lebanon’s commitment to the Taif Agreement and its rejection of any actions that threaten Saudi Arabia’s security.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call Thursday from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, SPA reported.

During the call, they reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, in addition to discussing a number of topics and mutual interest.


Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia has secured top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, reflecting a highly competitive environment and reinforcing its position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurship.

The Kingdom led all high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, highlighting the efficiency of its financing tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), cementing its status as an elite destination for entrepreneurial investment and growth, SPA reported.

Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) has seen rapid expansion, jumping from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025. Similarly, entrepreneurial intentions nearly doubled, rising from 26.8% to 48.5% over the same period.

This growth is mirrored in the academic sector, where the Kingdom climbed from 53rd to seventh place globally in university-based entrepreneurship.

These milestones result from integrated efforts between government entities like the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at), the private sector, and academic institutions.