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Tabreed Bahrain to Expand Cooling Network Along Manama Seafront

PowerUpAdmin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:22:56 +0000

Tabreed Bahrain is expanding its district cooling network along the northern seafront of Manama. The company has appointed Arabian International Company WLL as the EPC contractor for the project.

Operations are scheduled to begin in summer 2027.

The expansion will add 12,000 Refrigeration Tonnes (RT) of connected cooling capacity to Tabreed’s existing network. It forms part of the company’s medium-term cooling plan, built around the pace of new development along the seafront.

District cooling moves chilled water through a shared network instead of having each building run its own chillers. The model uses less electricity and takes pressure off the national grid during peak summer months. In a country where cooling accounts for a large share of electricity demand, that distinction matters.

The project ties into Bahrain’s net-zero targets and the wider effort to reduce emissions in the building sector.

“District cooling plays a critical role in reducing electricity consumption and improving system efficiency,” said Ali AlRumaihi, Country Manager at Tabreed Bahrain. He framed the project as a response to rising demand in the seafront area.

Rajan Sharma, Managing Director of Arabian International, said the team would deliver the project to standards expected on major infrastructure work in the Kingdom. The Bahrain-based firm has previously worked on utility and infrastructure projects across the public and private sectors.

Manama’s northern seafront is one of the more active development corridors in the city. As residential and commercial space continues to come online, the cooling load grows with it.

How that demand is met — building by building, or through shared infrastructure — shapes how much energy the city uses, and how cleanly it grows.

April in Bahrain unfolded differently this year

PowerUpAdmin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:07:28 +0000

A gradual return, shaped by smaller moments across the city

Less scale, more consistency , a different kind of momentum

April, at a different rhythm

April in Bahrain unfolded differently this year, not defined by a single headline event but by a quieter, more measured rhythm that reflected how the city is gradually finding its way back into motion. In a month that typically centres around large-scale international activity, the pace shifted noticeably, creating a different kind of energy across the island — one that felt less concentrated, but still present.

When the usual anchor was missing

The cancellation of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 marked a significant change to the city’s usual calendar, removing what is often considered the anchor of the month. The event typically drives a surge in tourism, hospitality, and city-wide activations, setting the tone for April. Its absence reshaped the landscape, leaving fewer large-scale experiences and shifting the focus away from global attention toward a more localised pace. The decision, influenced by wider regional considerations, didn’t stop activity altogether — but it did change how the city moved.

Where activity found its scale

Despite the shift, Bahrain remained active throughout the month, just at a different scale. At the Bahrain International Endurance Village, the Al Fursan sports programme continued to host endurance-based events, including a duathlon on April 25 that brought together runners and cyclists. Across the city, particularly in areas such as Bahrain Bay, smaller running events and informal fitness gatherings continued to take place, maintaining steady participation even without major headline attractions. The activity was less about spectacle and more about consistency, showing that movement within the city doesn’t rely on a single event.

The calendar didn’t stop, it adjusted

Bahrain’s broader sporting calendar also maintained its rhythm. The Bahrain Turf Club continued its racing season through April, with regular race days offering continuity despite the quieter month. At the same time, Bahrain International Circuit shifted toward smaller-scale, public-facing experiences, including track sessions and community-focused activities rather than hosting large international crowds. The infrastructure remained active, reinforcing that while the scale had changed, the system behind it had not.

A quieter continuity across culture

Beyond sport, elements of the cultural and exhibition calendar continued to hold their place. The Bahrain International Garden Show, held in early April, went ahead as planned, bringing together exhibitors and visitors around sustainability and environmental themes. While not a large entertainment event, it reflected a steady layer of activity that continued to support the city’s broader cultural landscape.

A city redistributing its energy

Taken together, April reflects a broader shift in how Bahrain is currently operating. The change is not simply about fewer events, but about how activity is distributed. Large-scale gatherings were limited, while smaller, local events became more visible, spreading across different parts of the city rather than being concentrated in a single moment. The energy feels different — more measured, but still active.

Not a pause, but a transition

Bahrain is not fully back to its usual April intensity, but it is far from inactive. Events are still happening, people are still showing up, and the city continues to move, just at a more controlled pace. What April ultimately shows is not a city defined by what was missing, but one adapting to new conditions. Instead of relying on a single headline event, Bahrain moved through a series of smaller, consistent moments that collectively kept it going. It’s not a pause — it’s a transition, and one that’s steadily building momentum again.

Crown Prince Receives UAE Ambassador at Riffa Palace

PowerUpAdmin — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:52:08 +0000

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister o Bahrain, received the UAE Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Fahad Mohammed Salem Kardous Alameri, at Riffa Palace on Sunday.

The meeting reflected the steady working relationship between the two countries, built over decades of close coordination at the leadership level.

A Continuing Partnership

HRH Prince Salman pointed to the depth of Bahrain-UAE ties, anchored by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

He acknowledged the role of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in supporting Bahrain’s development, describing his contributions as consistent and meaningful to the Kingdom’s progress.

The Crown Prince said the relationship between the two nations rests on shared history and a common outlook on regional growth, calling it a model of cooperation in the Gulf.

Regional Context

The two also discussed current regional and international developments, along with issues of mutual interest.

The Ambassador thanked HRH the Crown Prince for his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, and conveyed his wishes for Bahrain’s continued progress.

Why It Matters

Bahrain and the UAE remain among the closest partners in the Gulf, coordinating regularly on economic, security, and regional policy matters.

Meetings of this kind do not introduce new agreements, but they signal continuity — a reminder that alignment between Manama and Abu Dhabi is treated as routine maintenance, not occasional diplomacy.

In Attendance

Also present at the meeting were HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, and HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy.

April in Bahrain unfolded differently this year

PowerUpAdmin — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:23:54 +0000

A gradual return, shaped by smaller moments across the city

Less scale, more consistency , a different kind of momentum

April, at a different rhythm

When the usual anchor was missing

Where activity found its scale

The calendar didn’t stop, it adjusted

A quieter continuity across culture

A city redistributing its energy

Not a pause, but a transition

Bahrain International Airport Climbs Global Ranks, Owns Service Game

PowerUpAdmin — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:22:36 +0000

Bahrain continues to strengthen its position on the global aviation map, as Bahrain International Airport secures a place among the world’s top-performing airports in the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

The airport has been ranked 20th globally, a notable achievement that reflects consistent operational excellence and a steadily rising international reputation. More significantly, it has been named Best Airport Staff in the Middle East for the fifth consecutive year, reinforcing Bahrain’s commitment to service quality at every touchpoint of the passenger journey.

A Benchmark in Service and Efficiency

This recognition goes beyond rankings. It highlights a system that works from streamlined check-in processes to efficient security procedures and well-managed passenger flow. Travelers passing through Bahrain International Airport continue to experience a level of ease and professionalism that sets it apart in a highly competitive region.

At the core of this achievement is the airport’s workforce. The repeated recognition for staff excellence underscores a culture built on consistency, attentiveness, and operational discipline. In an industry where passenger experience often defines reputation, Bahrain has managed to maintain a standard that resonates globally.

Strengthening Bahrain’s Global Position

The accolade also reinforces Bahrain’s growing role as a regional transit hub. Positioned strategically within the Gulf, the airport serves as a key connector between East and West, with increasing importance for both business and leisure travel.

As neighboring hubs continue to expand aggressively, Bahrain’s approach stands out for its balance combining modern infrastructure with a service-first mindset. Rather than competing purely on scale, the focus remains on quality, efficiency, and human experience.

A Consistent Upward Trajectory

This latest recognition is not an isolated milestone but part of a broader trajectory. Since the airport’s modernization and expansion, Bahrain has steadily improved its global standing, attracting both airlines and passengers seeking a smoother, more refined travel experience.

Five consecutive years of recognition for staff excellence signals more than short-term success it reflects a sustainable standard that has been embedded into daily operations.

The Takeaway

Bahrain International Airport’s performance in the 2026 Skytrax Awards confirms what frequent travelers already know: this is an airport that delivers, consistently.

In a landscape dominated by scale and spectacle, Bahrain is proving that precision, professionalism, and people still define world-class travel.

Chinese Special Envoy Meets Bahrain’s Foreign Minister to Discuss Gulf Security

PowerUpAdmin — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:43:13 +0000

Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, received Zhai Jun, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on Middle East Affairs, during an official meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Manama as part of the envoy’s visit to the Kingdom.

The discussions focused on the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between Bahrain and the People’s Republic of China, as well as the latest regional developments affecting the Gulf.

Regional Security and Recent Attacks Discussed

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing regional situation, including the recent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Officials discussed the resulting human and material losses and the broader implications for regional stability, energy security, maritime navigation, and international trade routes.

The talks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where attacks on energy facilities and infrastructure have raised concerns about disruptions to global oil markets and shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors for energy supplies.

Cooperation Through the United Nations

The two sides also explored ways to strengthen cooperation through international institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, where both countries frequently coordinate on key regional and global issues.

Officials emphasized the importance of diplomatic dialogue and multilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges and maintaining stability across the Middle East.

China has increasingly positioned itself as a diplomatic actor in the region in recent years, advocating for peaceful solutions to conflicts and greater international cooperation on security and development issues.

Strong Bahrain–China Relations

Bahrain and China share expanding ties across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and energy cooperation. China is one of Bahrain’s major trading partners and a key participant in projects connected to the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to strengthen economic connectivity across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Over the past decade, cooperation between the two countries has grown in areas such as logistics, financial services, technology, and industrial development, reflecting Bahrain’s strategic role as a regional business and financial hub.

Officials in Attendance

The meeting was attended by several senior officials from Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including:

Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director-General of Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaleq Saeed, Head of the Coordination and Follow-up Sector
Ambassador Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Acting Head of the Asian Affairs Sector

The visit highlights Bahrain’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with global partners as the Kingdom works to promote regional stability and safeguard international economic and trade interests.

More on City News

Gulf Air Launches Limited Flight Operations

PowerUpAdmin — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:26:59 +0000

Gulf Air has announced the launch of limited special flights to and from Bahrain via Dammam, Saudi Arabia, providing an alternative travel route for eligible passengers while the Kingdom’s airspace remains temporarily closed.

The special operations will connect passengers between Bahrain and three major international destinations — Bangkok, London Heathrow, and Mumbai — through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam starting Wednesday, March 11.

The move comes as aviation authorities continue monitoring regional developments that led to the precautionary closure of Bahrain’s airspace earlier this week.

Special Flight Operations Through Saudi Arabia

Under the arrangement, passengers will first travel by road across the King Fahd Causeway from Bahrain to Dammam, where they will board Gulf Air flights to their final destination.

To book and register : https://www.gulfair.com/special-flights

Daily return flights have been scheduled from King Fahd International Airport to:

- London Heathrow

- Mumbai

- Bangkok

Ground transportation between Bahrain and Dammam will be arranged either by passengers themselves or through Gulf Air-provided transport services.

The airline said the initiative aims to help passengers continue essential travel and return to Bahrain despite the current aviation restrictions affecting the region.

Who Is Eligible to Travel

Bookings for the special flights are open to passengers who meet Gulf Air’s eligibility requirements, including:

- Travelers who meet all entry and exit requirements for Bahrain

- Passengers whose journey begins or ends in Bahrain

- Travelers holding valid travel documents for their final destination

- Passengers already holding valid Gulf Air tickets on these routes

Passengers with existing tickets may use their original booking for the special flights, though they must register their interest through Gulf Air’s passenger registration system before travel.

Travel and Booking Conditions

Gulf Air has also outlined several key conditions for the special services:

- Ticket prices include Saudi transit visas and ground transportation between Bahrain and Dammam when using Gulf Air-arranged transport.

- Flights are available for booking up to eight hours before departure.

- Fares are one-way only and non-refundable and non-changeable.

- Frequent flyer privileges such as Falconflyer miles, additional baggage allowance, and lounge access do not apply.

- Baggage allowance is 30kg per passenger, with no excess or oversized baggage permitted.

- There will be no meal differentiation between Falcon Gold and Economy cabins.

- Infants under two years old will be charged 10% of the ticket price.

Passengers travelling independently between Bahrain and Dammam are responsible for securing all required visas and travel documents, including permits needed to cross the King Fahd Causeway.

Travelers are also advised to allow extra time for road travel, as border processing and traffic conditions may result in longer journey times than usual.

Airport Authorities Urge Passengers to Confirm Flights First

Bahrain International Airport has urged passengers not to proceed to the airport unless they have received confirmation of their booking from Gulf Air.

Officials say the special flights are intended to provide temporary relief while aviation authorities continue assessing the situation and preparing for the eventual reopening of Bahrain’s airspace.

Once clearance is granted by the Civil Aviation Affairs, airlines are expected to gradually restore normal flight schedules in coordination with airport authorities.

www.gulfair.com

Bapco Energies Activates Contingency Plans After Refinery Attack

PowerUpAdmin — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:45:11 +0000

Bapco Energies, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s integrated energy company, has declared a force majeure on parts of its group operations following the recent attack on its refinery complex amid the ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East.

The announcement comes after the refinery facilities were impacted during the escalation, prompting the company to activate emergency response and contingency measures to protect operations and ensure supply continuity.

Despite the disruption, Bapco Energies confirmed that fuel and energy supplies for Bahrain’s domestic market remain fully secure, thanks to proactive planning and strategic reserves designed to safeguard the Kingdom’s energy needs during unforeseen circumstances.

According to the company, the contingency plans already in place have ensured that local demand continues to be met without interruption, allowing essential services, industries, and transportation networks across Bahrain to operate normally.

Bapco Energies emphasized that the declaration of force majeure is a standard contractual measure used during extraordinary events that may temporarily affect operational obligations. The move allows the company to manage supply commitments while addressing operational challenges caused by the regional situation.

As Bahrain’s national energy company, Bapco Energies plays a critical role in managing the Kingdom’s refining, energy transition initiatives, and fuel supply infrastructure. The company operates one of the region’s most strategic refinery complexes in Sitra and continues to lead several modernization and sustainability projects within Bahrain’s energy sector.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong relationships with its partners, customers, and stakeholders during this period.

Bapco Energies stated it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available, while working to maintain operational resilience and energy security across the Kingdom.

King Fahd Causeway Remains Open

PowerUpAdmin — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 07:34:04 +0000

If you’re planning to travel between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, here’s the good news: the King Fahd Causeway is fully open and operating normally.

Despite recent regional tensions and temporary changes to airspace across the Gulf, traffic across the Bahrain–Saudi bridge continues without disruption. Travelers moving in either direction are being processed smoothly at border checkpoints, and authorities say the route is functioning at full capacity.

For many residents, the causeway has become the most reliable way to travel between the two countries right now, especially as some flights across the region face delays or cancellations.

The 25-kilometre King Fahd Causeway, which connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, has been the main land link between the two countries since opening in 1986 and remains one of the busiest cross-border routes in the GCC.

What this means for travelers

Cross-border travel between Bahrain and Saudi is continuing as normal
Border processing and vehicle movement are running smoothly
The causeway remains a key alternative route while regional aviation adjusts

GCC Diplomats Meet UN Chief as Gulf Tensions Rise

PowerUpAdmin — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 06:46:47 +0000

New York – 8 March

Diplomats from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries gathered at the United Nations in New York this week for an important discussion with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, focusing on the latest security developments affecting the Gulf region.

The meeting brought together the permanent representatives of GCC member states, led by Bahrain’s Ambassador to the UN, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, as Bahrain currently chairs the 46th session of the GCC.

During the conversation, GCC representatives shared updates on recent incidents linked to Iranian aggression that have targeted civilian areas and key infrastructure across the region. According to the diplomats, several sites have been affected, including energy facilities, transport hubs, airports, and seaports.

They stressed that attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure raise serious concerns and stand in violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The meeting also served as an opportunity for GCC countries to outline the scale of the incidents and reaffirm their preparedness to respond to threats. Officials highlighted that the region’s air defence systems remain fully operational and ready to protect vital infrastructure.

As tensions continue to shape conversations around regional stability, discussions like these at the United Nations play a key role in keeping the international community informed and engaged with developments in the Gulf.