King of Bahrain: No Fee Hike Until Reaching Consensus on Subsidy Restructuring

King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa. BNA
King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa. BNA
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King of Bahrain: No Fee Hike Until Reaching Consensus on Subsidy Restructuring

King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa. BNA
King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa. BNA

King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa of Bahrain issued Sunday directives stating that there will be no fee hike until the joint executive-legislative committee completes studying the subsidy file.

The King stressed that Bahrain is moving forward to adopt development initiatives and employ all potentials to meet the aspirations of citizens and achieve further national achievements.

HM highlighted the importance of reaching consensus between the executive and the legislative authorities to achieve more development and progress for the country and its people in terms of development and prosperity.

He gave priority to restructuring the subsidy to ensure that government subsidies benefit the citizens who are affected by fee increase, affirming that there will be no fee hike until the joint executive-legislative committee completes its work and until the National Audit Office makes sure that the process is in line with the laws and criteria adopted and implemented by the Kingdom.

This came during the King’s reception of Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at al-Sakhir Palace on Sunday.

King Hamad also received Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulmalik Al Sheikh, who handed over to HM a written letter from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inviting HM to attend the closing ceremony of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which is set to be held in Riyadh next month.

For his part, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives Ali al-Aradi said: “We are talking about fees.”

"The committee has a set of files that are related to the subsidy and redirecting it to those who deserve it,” Chairman of the legislative committee, which is considering reorienting government subsidy with the government’s executive committee.

“The King has issued earlier directives to form a committee composed of the legislative and executive authorities to restructure the subsidy and give it to those who need it.”

“The file related to redirecting subsidy is very important and is being discussed between the executive and legislative authorities at the highest levels, and there will be no increase in fees before reaching consensus between the two sides,” Aradi stressed.



UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
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UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Saudi-drafted resolution aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital realm, a move rooted in a global initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, seeks to advance the goals of the Kingdom’s “Child Protection in Cyberspace” initiative.

It aims to translate the initiative’s vision into concrete action through enhanced technical cooperation and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, presented the draft during the Council’s 59th session under Agenda Item 10, which focuses on technical assistance and capacity development.

The proposal received broad support and was adopted by consensus, with co-sponsorship from Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Council, Khothaila stressed that the digital space has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering immense opportunities for learning and connection, while also exposing them to growing risks.

He underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, national capacity building, and technical support to reinforce national frameworks aimed at child protection.

The resolution reflects the core objectives of the Crown Prince’s initiative, including fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to ensure a safer digital environment for children.

It also highlights the importance of tailoring technical assistance to the specific needs and priorities of each country, with the aim of building sustainable national capacities and enhancing communities’ ability to respond to digital threats facing children.

The resolution underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global cooperation for a secure and inclusive digital space for children worldwide, in line with its leadership role and pioneering efforts in cybersecurity and child protection.