عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs

Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs
TT
TT

Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs

Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs

A senior delegation from Bahrain led by the Capital Governor Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) concluded its visit to Shenzhen, China, by signing eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The Bahraini delegation met with Vice Mayor of Shenzhen, Ai Xuefeng, and a number of local government officials and business leaders at the Bahrain – Shenzhen Business Forum and the China High-Tech Fair.

An MOU between EDB and the artificial intelligence (AI) firm, Intellifusion Technologies was signed to advance AI dynamic portrait recognition that can benefit China, Bahrain, and the Middle East.

EDB partnered with Shenzhen FinTech company to establish a full mobile payment gateway in Bahrain and explore opportunities in crypto-currency, in addition to the possibility of initiating FinTech Funds.

An MOU between EDB and Shenzhen Outbound Alliance aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, information exchange, and establishing a regular communication channel for business information, and investment opportunities.

In addition, the delegation signed a memorandum with Softbank China Capital – Wonder News aiming to encourage Softbank China Capital and their investment portfolio companies to establish a presence in Bahrain and use it as a regional hub to cover the Middle East.

EDB and 4PX signed an MOU exploring the possibility of 4PX initiating and establishing funds together with Bahraini companies in order to invest in entrepreneurship in both countries.

EDB and Shenzhen Cool-hi Network Culture Technology partnered to promote the development of E-sports between the Middle East and China including hosting E-sports events.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) signed an MOU with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen Branch (CCPITSZ) to harness and enhance collaborative initiatives to promote trade and investments between the two countries.

After that, EDB also established an MOU with CCPITSZ to enhance collaborative initiatives between Bahrain and Shenzhen, strengthening information exchange and cooperation in economic and business activities.

Al Khalifa explained that the partnership with Shenzhen was built on common heritage as open and innovative business hubs with shared economic interests.

“We are very pleased to see our ties with this vibrant city continue to strengthen and believe these agreements will help us move towards a new era of collaboration,” he asserted.

Chief Executive of EDB Khalid al-Rumaihi also commented on the matter saying that Shenzhen is the first city with which Bahrain established a friendship city agreement in China.

He indicated that there are numerous opportunities for Chinese companies in the region, especially as the GCC markets continue to transform their economies.

“Bahrain’s location as the Gateway to the Gulf, and given the fact that it is one of the key countries along the new Belt and Road route, along with our open and liberal lifestyle, competitive business landscape, and world-class regulation makes the Kingdom the ideal location from which Chinese companies can access this $1.5 trillion GCC market,” concluded Rumaihi.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

Saudia to Launch Riyadh-Kozhikode Flights in February

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
TT
TT

Saudia to Launch Riyadh-Kozhikode Flights in February

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo

Saudia Airlines has added Kozhikode, India, to its network of scheduled international destinations, marking its seventh destination in the country alongside Bangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow, as part of the airline’s strategy to reach new international markets, connect the Kingdom to the world through its modern fleet, and strengthen its global competitive position, SPA reported.

Flights to Kozhikode will begin on February 1, 2026, with four weekly departures from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Reservations are available through the airline’s website and mobile applications.

The addition of Kozhikode further expands Saudia's growing operational network, which now covers over 100 destinations across four continents and operates more than 550 domestic and international flights daily.

Business

Egypt Signs Renewable Energy Deals Worth $1.8 Billion

The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
TT
TT

Egypt Signs Renewable Energy Deals Worth $1.8 Billion

The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egypt has signed renewable energy deals worth a combined $1.8 billion, state TV reported on Sunday.

Among the deals were contracts with Norwegian renewable energy developer Scatec and China's Sungrow.

Egypt hopes to have renewable energy reach 42% of its electricity generation mix by 2030, but officials say the goal will be ⁠at risk without more international support.

The first project will be the construction by Scatec of a solar energy plant to generate electricity and energy storage stations in Upper Egypt's Minya, ⁠an Egyptian cabinet statement said.

It would have a generation capacity of 1.7 gigawatts supported by battery storage systems with total capacity of 4 gigawatt hours.

A second project will be a Sungrow factory to manufacture energy storage batteries at the Suez Canal Economic Zone. A share of the factory's output ⁠would be supplied to the first project, the cabinet said.

The deals also include power purchase agreements, with Scatec signing a deal for total capacity of 1.95 gigawatts and 3.9 gigawatt hours of battery storage systems, the Norwegian company said in a statement.

Business

Iraq Says Gas Flaring to Reach Zero by End-2028

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference
TT
TT

Iraq Says Gas Flaring to Reach Zero by End-2028

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Saturday that the government is moving forward with the development of clean and renewable energy sectors.

Speaking at the opening of the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference, al-Sudani said Iraq has made significant progress in capturing associated gas, with the rate of flaring reduced by more than 72%.

He said flaring will be fully eliminated by the end of 2028.

“We have infrastructure projects at the level of the Ministry of Oil that ensure export capacity and the diversification of export outlets,” al-Sudani said, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

He added that Iraq is holding talks with international companies to invest in associated gas and free gas in oil fields and exploration blocks, expressing hope that the conference would help reinforce this direction. He said the government has also moved toward establishing a permanent platform to secure Iraq’s gas needs through imports or future exports.

Al-Sudani stated that the Ministry of Electricity is working to increase power generation under an ambitious plan that exceeds 57,000 megawatts through the Siemens and GE project.

He added that the ministry is also advancing renewable energy projects, both large and small, with a plan at the district and subdistrict levels in Baghdad and other provinces to transition to renewable energy, which is expected to be implemented by next summer.

He said the government is placing strong emphasis on both conventional and renewable energy in a way that ensures sustainable development.

Al-Sudani stated that the exhibition showcases Iraq’s position as a promising market with significant opportunities in the energy sector, through various projects, partnerships, and investment opportunities.

He said the government has made significant progress in boosting energy production through major oil projects in partnership with global companies, including TotalEnergies and BP, adding that talks are ongoing with ExxonMobil, Chevron, and other international firms.

Talks with Chevron

Iraq’s Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said talks are underway with Chevron regarding the West Qurna 2 oil field, which is operated by Lukoil and represents the company’s largest foreign asset.

Chevron and Exxon Mobil are among the potential bidders for Lukoil’s overseas assets following the imposition of US sanctions on the Russian oil producer.

Speaking to reporters after the opening of the energy exhibition and conference, Abdul Ghani stated that negotiations with Chevron over the West Qurna 2 field in Basra province are ongoing.

He added that Basra Oil Company, the second partner in the field, has not yet taken over operations following Lukoil’s withdrawal.

Al-Sudani opened the 11th edition of the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference in Baghdad on Saturday, with the participation of more than 450 local, Arab, and international companies specializing in energy and investment.

The event runs for three days.

The Iraqi Company for Exhibitions and Commercial Services said the conference, held at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds from Jan. 10 to 12, will feature panel discussions, specialized workshops, and meetings aimed at supporting the energy sector and expanding partnership and investment opportunities, with participation from more than 450 companies.

Iranian gas

Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity said there are no indications that Iranian gas supplies will resume soon.

A ministry spokesperson stated that media outlets were notified via a message from Iran on Telegram, which indicated that gas supplies had been halted due to low temperatures and Tehran’s domestic gas needs.

Iraq announced in December that Iranian gas supplies had ceased, resulting in the shutdown of some power generation units and load reductions at others. The Ministry of Electricity said the grid lost between 4,000 and 4,500 megawatts as a result.

Iran supplies between 30% and 40% of Iraq’s gas and electricity needs.

Electricity ministry officials previously stated that peak winter demand in Iraq reaches approximately 48,000 megawatts, while domestic production stands at around 27,000 megawatts, forcing the country to rely on imports to bridge the gap.