Bahrain Names GCC Chief Country's New Foreign Minister

GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
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Bahrain Names GCC Chief Country's New Foreign Minister

GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC chief Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)

Bahrain has appointed the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council as the country’s next foreign minister, state media reported Thursday.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa named Abdullatif al-Zayani as the foreign minister.

Local media reported al-Zayani will assume the post when his term as secretary general of the GCC ends on March 31.

He will be replacing Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who’s been Bahrain’s foreign minister since 2005.

Sheikh Khalid, who confirmed the news on Twitter and congratulated al-Zayani, will serve as diplomatic adviser to the king.



Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Increases Life Expectancy to 78.8 Years

A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of Riyadh on Nov 15, 2024. (Reuters)

The Health Sector Transformation Program has contributed to an increase in the average lifespan in Saudi Arabia, which rose to 78.8 years in 2024, up from 74 years in 2016.

According to the program, this progress is directly attributed to the implementation of comprehensive health policies, such as reducing harmful ingredients in food products—including hydrogenated oils and excessive salt—as well as enhancing early screening for chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

These initiatives are part of a broader focus on prevention and improving treatment options.

In addition, health authorities in Saudi Arabia have worked to boost the efficiency and quality of services for citizens, residents, and visitors by training healthcare professionals and upgrading diagnostic and treatment services—significantly improving public health indicators and overall quality of life.

This progress aligns with the strategic goal of the health transformation initiative, which aims to raise life expectancy in the Kingdom to 80 years by 2030.