Bahrain - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Bahrain

City Name

Manama

Bahrain

April 17, 2025

Manama 3:43 am

23°C

UNSC

Bahrain to bid for UN Security Council seat: What to know

If its candidacy is successful, it would allow the Arab world's smallest nation to have a significant say in critical decisions impacting the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

This handout screen grab captured from a video shows Houthi fighters' takeover of the Galaxy Leader Cargo on the Red Sea coast off Hudaydah, Yemen, Nov. 20, 2023.

Analysis

Wary of Houthis, Gulf states fear blowback of US escalation in Yemen

The Houthis' identification with the Gaza conflict has also made it complicated for Gulf states to participate in operations against the group.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

People chant slogans and wave flags in celebration after performing the first Friday prayer since the fall of the Assad regime at the Umayyad Mosque on Dec. 13, 2024 in Damascus, Syria.

Gulf states reach out to new Syrian leaders ahead of Jordan talks: What we know

Bahrain's King Hamad sent a letter to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the UAE has held direct contact with opposition groups. Qatar is set to reopen embassy in Damascus soon.

Latest News

Bahrain announces UK inclusion in key security pact with US

A US Navy Martin UAV drone flies over the Gulf waters as Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) Abdulrahman Al Fadhel takes part in joint naval exercise between US 5th Fleet Command and Bahraini forces, on October 26, 2021. - The US and Bahrain navies conducted a joint exercise at sea, launching a series of drills integrating unmanned systems into regional maritime operations. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP) (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Beyond congratulations, Trump faces changed, eastward-looking Gulf

US President Donald Trump (L) speaks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C) as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2nd R) and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May smile during a family photo session at the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019. (Photo by KIM KYUNG-HOON / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit should read KIM KYUNG-HOON/AFP via Getty Images)

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Analysis

US lawmakers act to boost Israel-Arab military coordination to counter Iran

An exterior view of the US Capitol on September 9, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Megan Mineiro

By Megan Mineiro

In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress

Middle East airlines alter, axe flights following Iran missile attack on Israel

A Middle East Airlines commercial aircraft taking off from Beirut's international airport flies amid smoke billowing above the Lebanese capital's southern suburbs, in the aftermath of overnight Israeli airstrikes, on Sept. 28,2024.

Jennifer Gnana

Gulf Correspondent

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Sebastian Castelier

In Dubai, reporting on regional business

Karen Young

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy

A general view shows the headquarters of Bahrain-domiciled asset manager Investcorp in the capital Manama on April 18, 2022. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP) (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images)

In first, Bahrain asset manager targets up to $550 million in China yuan fund

Gulf buyers have announced 13 acquisitions of public and private Chinese companies so far in 2023, compared to just one in the same period of last year, according to data compiled by LSEG.

US Bahrain

Bahrain inks US deal on heels of prison hunger strike

Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met with senior US officials in Washington following the largest prison protest in Bahrain's history.

Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen (L) attends a press conference with his counterpart from Bahrain Abdul Latif al-Zayani (R), during his visit to the capital Manama on September 4, 2023. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP) (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images)

Hamas, Hezbollah lash out at Bahrain as Israeli FM concludes visit

Hamas criticized the visit as Israel’s relations with the island kingdom continue to improve, despite historically high tensions with the Palestinians.

A physical imitation of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency is seen, Paris, France, April 26, 2021.

Bahraini cryptocurrency firm Rain to operate in UAE

Cryptocurrency is growing in both the UAE and Bahrain amid regulatory challenges and market downturn.

This photo taken on July 10, 2012, in Ankara shows people at a traditional "doner" fast food restaurant. In Turkey 35% of the population has accumulated excess body fat to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. The Turkish health ministry has launched a campaign calling on Turks to be more active. AFP PHOTO/ADEM ALTAN (Photo credit should read ADEM ALTAN/AFP/GettyImages)

Bahrain, Turkey are Middle East's biggest eaters: Oxford rankings

Bahrain and Turkey are listed among the top eaters globally, while daily calorie consumption in war-ridden Yemen stands behind the recommended level.

Yemen water shortage

Entire UAE, Qatar, Bahrain populations vulnerable to extreme heat, study says

The UAE is particularly vulnerable, with more than 80% of its population exposed to extreme heat even after a 1.5 C (34.7 F) rise in global temperatures over pre-industrial levels.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) and Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani (R) in Kyiv on May 5,2023

Bahrain FM Zayani takes shelter during Ukraine visit amid Russia's bombing

A senior diplomatic source told Al-Monitor that Zayani “experienced the shelter life” in Kyiv on Wednesday and Thursday nights, a reference to the bomb shelters used by Ukraine to protect from Russian bombing.

King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa greets Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Abu Dhabi, Jan. 18, 2023.

US welcomes Bahrain, Qatar deal to restore relations

The State Department applauded the "breakthrough" agreement reached between the two US partners in the Middle East.

Workers work on the construction site of the Golden Gate towers at Bahrain Bay in Manama on March 25, 2023. - With a multi-billion dollar economic revamp in full swing, tiny Bahrain is vying to keep pace with its Gulf neighbours after more than a decade beset by political unrest. (Photo by Mazen Mahdi / AFP) (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images)

Bahrain launches 'Golden License' to attract major investment, jobs

Only companies with major investment and project portfolios will be eligible for the license, with either a $50 million value or a plan to create 500 jobs in the country, according to the Bahrain Economic Development Board.

Passengers are seen at Moscow's Domodedovo airport, the day S7 Airlines canceled all its international flights due to sanctions imposed on Russia over the country's invasion of Ukraine, March 5, 2022.

Russia to add Gulf countries to visa-free travel list

Russia stated that it was preparing visa-free travel agreements with a total of 17 countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Syria.

Bahrain hotel to accept cryptocurrency payments

Crypto continues to grow in Bahrain despite the global crash.

An illustration picture taken in London shows a gold plated souvenir cryptocurrency Tether (USDT) coin arranged beside a screen displaying a trading chart, May 8, 2022.

Bahrain’s CoinMENA to facilitate real estate payments via cryptocurrency

The agreement with Carlton Real Estate only applies to certain coins. Cryptocurrency’s utility is increasing in the Gulf.