Saudi and Bahraini Naval Forces Launch 'Bridge 25' Joint Exercise

Saudi and Bahraini naval forces Launch 'Bridge 25' joint exercise. (SPA)
Saudi and Bahraini naval forces Launch 'Bridge 25' joint exercise. (SPA)
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Saudi and Bahraini Naval Forces Launch 'Bridge 25' Joint Exercise

Saudi and Bahraini naval forces Launch 'Bridge 25' joint exercise. (SPA)
Saudi and Bahraini naval forces Launch 'Bridge 25' joint exercise. (SPA)

The "Bridge 25" joint naval exercise commenced on Sunday in the Kingdom of Bahrain, bringing together the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), represented by the Eastern Fleet, and the Royal Bahraini Naval Force (RBNF). The event was attended by senior military officials from both nations.
The Exercise Director, Naval Colonel Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, stated that "Bridge 25" is designed to enhance the combat readiness of the participating units, standardize tactical concepts, and facilitate the execution of joint operations, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
He also emphasized that the exercise focuses on implementing naval battle management procedures, refining command and control protocols, and enhancing the efficiency of communication systems.
He highlighted that this exercise is part of the ongoing "Bridge" series of drills between the two countries, aimed at strengthening security cooperation, safeguarding territorial waters, and unifying tactical concepts and joint operational efforts.



Syrian Air Says It Is Resuming Its Direct Flights to UAE on Sunday

 Travellers are welcomed at Damascus's airport. (AFP file)
Travellers are welcomed at Damascus's airport. (AFP file)
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Syrian Air Says It Is Resuming Its Direct Flights to UAE on Sunday

 Travellers are welcomed at Damascus's airport. (AFP file)
Travellers are welcomed at Damascus's airport. (AFP file)

Syria's flag carrier Syrian Air will resume direct flights to Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates starting on Sunday, the airline said in a Facebook post.

All flights between Syria and the UAE had been suspended in January after opposition factions toppled former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

The announcement comes days after the UAE's civil aviation authority announced the resumption of air flights between the Gulf country and Syria. No UAE-based airlines have announced plans to fly to Syria so far.

The resumption of flights between the two countries followed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s first visit to the UAE as leader, where he met UAE's President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.