Bahrain Jails 25 Suspects for forming Terrorist Group

A Bahraini forensic police officer inspects the site of a bomb blast in the village of Sitra, south of Manama in 2017. (AFP)
A Bahraini forensic police officer inspects the site of a bomb blast in the village of Sitra, south of Manama in 2017. (AFP)
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Bahrain Jails 25 Suspects for forming Terrorist Group

A Bahraini forensic police officer inspects the site of a bomb blast in the village of Sitra, south of Manama in 2017. (AFP)
A Bahraini forensic police officer inspects the site of a bomb blast in the village of Sitra, south of Manama in 2017. (AFP)

Bahrain on Thursday sentenced 25 citizens to prison for forming a terrorist group.

They have been revoked of their nationality and are also charged with travelling to Iraq and Iran for weapons and explosives training and the attempted murder of police officers.

The High Criminal Court on Wednesday sentenced 10 of the defendants to life in prison, 10 to a decade behind bars and the other four to jail terms ranging from three to five years.

Authorities on Wednesday also referred to trial seven Bahrainis accused of attacking an oil pipeline to Saudi Arabia in November.

That trial is set for May 10.

The blast cut off the pipeline linking Bahrain's Bapco refinery with oil giant Aramco's main pumping station in neighboring Saudi Arabia's Dhahran province.

Manama in February said it had arrested four men suspected of attacking the pipeline, accusing Iran of training and arming two of them.



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.