Day: April 2, 2023

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is the only event in the UAE that allows its visitors to buy hunting and shooting weapons whose manufacturers, experts and designers compete to offer the best products to hunters and shooters.

In each new edition, remarkable and rare innovations emerge in the world of hunting and shooting, due to the art, quality, durability, and safety they offer.

The previous edition of ADIHEX achieved a high record of total direct onsite sales. Over 900 companies and brands from 58 countries participated in the “Hunting and Shooting Sports Guns and Equipment” sector.

Moreover, 47 regional and international companies and 110 international brands sold over 3400 weapons to hunting professionals and enthusiasts.

Additionally, partnerships and deals were struck as hunting weapons’ manufacturers registered a high turnout exceeding 100,000 visitors.

The 20th edition of ADIHEX will be held on August 23 – 29 August, sponsored by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) where the event will take place.

The industry partners, include Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, and Game Fair – France.

ADIHEX attracts annually major hunting manufacturers as this sector is considered one of the most prominent events that fans of the exhibition await every year.

The allowed hunting weapons include hunting rifles and pistols, heritage swords and daggers, hunting knives, wooden and plastic archery units, and airguns within specific criteria.

The exhibiting companies participating in the ” Hunting and Shooting Sports Guns and Equipment ” sector were able to significantly increase their sales at ADIHEX over its previous editions.

This is due to the interest of hunting enthusiasts in buying everything they need, meeting major buyers, industry leaders and marketing experts, and concluding deals and partnerships with the most prominent local agents and distributors to market their products.

The ADIHEX Higher Organizing Committee has launched the guideline for buying and selling hunting weapons on the event’s website, as sales are subject to many terms, conditions and procedures that are clearly presented to the relevant exhibitors to ensure compliance with them.

Local and international companies and institutions wishing to participate in the “Hunting and Shooting Equipment” sector are required to obtain a participation permit from the Weapons and Hazardous Substances Office and the UAE Ministry of Interior to complete their bookings at ADIHEX

The permit must include a copy of the company’s license issued from the competent licensing authorities, whether in the UAE or other countries.

Displaying the hunting weapons at ADIHEX is subject to several rules and regulations.

No loose weapons should be left on the stands or counters and all weapons must be permanently tethered, no live ammunition or explosives will be exhibited on the stands except models, dummy, inert or live cutaways in order to explain the innovative details of the manufacturing process.

The UAE Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters have developed online programs for licensing the acquisition of hunting weapons, expediting the procedures for obtaining them, and coordinating with licensing authorities in the GCC and other countries.

Each UAE citizen over the age of 21 years is granted the opportunity to acquire a maximum of three weapons. In addition, other nationalities from all countries are allowed to purchase hunting weapons, as long as a no-objection letter is issued from the competent authority in their country, in which the number and types of weapons allowed are clarified, provided that the registration and application for a purchase permit and a weapon license is completed.

Weapons permitted to be purchased at ADIHEX include hunting rifles, pistols up to 9mm, heritage swords and daggers, hunting knives, wooden and plastic archery units, and air guns of less than 8 joules that do not require a license. Those who are under the legal age may purchase weapons but subject to the consent of the parent or guardian.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The executive and legislative branches held their first joint meeting to discuss a draft law approving the state’s budget for the fiscal years 2023-2024.

The draft law was attached to Decree 34/2023, which was referred to the Shura and representatives’ councils in accordance with the constitutional and legal frameworks, following the approval of the cabinet.

The meeting was chaired by Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Speaker of the Shura Council, and Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

The Speaker affirmed the continuation of implementing the economic recovery plans and the financial balance program and directing all these results and their positive impact on the living standards of the Bahraini family, as they constitute a guiding light for national action.

Al Musallam expressed deep thanks and gratitude for the efforts of the government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in preparing the state’s budget for the fiscal years 2023-2024, in which included financial stability and positive economic growth, and the creation of opportunities promising citizens, working to develop financial and economic support programs, and achieving a financial balance program.

He affirmed the keenness and readiness of the legislative branch to discuss and prepare a draft law approving the state’s budget for the two fiscal years 2023-2024, to achieve the royal directives to reduce the economic burdens on citizens, and subject all programs to further development, in a way that meets the basic needs of citizens and provides them with a decent life.

Shura chairman affirmed that the consultative meetings and bilateral meetings between the legislative and executive branches will contribute to formulating a consensual vision on the state’s budget for the fiscal years 2023-2024.

Al Saleh noted that it will achieve the lofty aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and what His Majesty affirms, that the citizen is the pillar and foundation of development.

He praised the keenness of the government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to exchange views and ideas that lead to the optimal investment of financial resources, and ensure efficiency and ability to implement the initiatives and projects included in the government program.

The chairman indicated the importance of concerted efforts and work to enhance the economic growth of Bahrain, praising the emphasis of the cabinet on taking into account the development of financial and economic support programs and directing support to those who deserve it to meet the needs of citizens.

The deputy prime minister affirmed that a draft law approving the state’s budget which was referred by the cabinet to the legislative branch, embodies a priority of joint national action.

He highlighhted the positive effects of this project that support the continuation of achieving the goals of the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Shaikh Khalid pointed out to the government’s keenness to be fully and permanently ready to cooperate with the legislative branch; with the aim of reaching consensuses that contribute to achieving the good and development of the country and the citizen.

He explained that the referral of the draft law approving the state’s budget to the legislative branch, marking the start of a new budget cycle, comes in light of the national economy’s ability to achieve unprecedented positive results that are the highest in the history of Bahrain, in terms of the non-oil sector’s superiority in contributing effectively to the economy of Gross domestic product at constant prices increased by 83.1%, which reflects the efforts exerted to expand the scope of partnership between the public and private sectors to develop non-oil economic sectors, and as one of the results of work in accordance with the initiatives of the Fiscal Balance Program.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah explained that it was taken into account, when preparing the state’s budget draft law the maintenance of financial stability and positive economic growth, creation of promising opportunities for citizens, development of financial and economic support programs to raise the efficiency of directing support to eligible citizens, adhere to the financial balance program, and continue working to develop performance and quality of government service and its sustainability.

Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa presented the objectives of achieving financial sustainability, the results of implementing the fiscal balance program, the main axes for preparing the general budget and the basis for its estimation, and a summary of the most important projects that will be implemented during the next budget cycle.

He affirmed that the interest of the country and the citizen is a permanent priority in the various paths of development, and for this reason efforts continue to achieve the set goals through the implementation of plans and programs to reach the desired aspirations, and the adoption of more initiatives aimed at achieving financial sustainability.

Shaikh Salman stressed that “optimism” is the title of the next stage, despite the global challenges facing everyone, which Bahrain will be able to overcome by working in one team spirit, including enhancing prospects for cooperation between the executive and legislative branches.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced that preparations are underway for the second edition of the Manama Gold Festival 2023.

The festival will kick off from April 13 until May 27, with participation of more than 300 gold shops in Souq Al Manama.

The Manama Gold Festival aims to promote Souq Al Manama as a desirable tourist destination by regionally publicizing the event and attracting more visitors and tourists. This chapter highlights the Kingdom’s long history in the gold industry from Souq Al Manama, as well as the fact that Bahrain was the first in the region to establish clear regulations for the gold industry, organize production, and adopt exporting practices.

The festival’s activations will include weekly, instant, and grand prizes, as well as informative and artistic installations about Bahraini gold history by Bahraini artists and designers, hanging festive elements between gold shops, organizing a gold museum, a pop-up market, and live music shows.

“We are pleased to announce the full lineup of Manama Gold Festival 2023 events, which will be held under the theme “Bahraini Gold, Unlike Any Other,” reflecting Bahrain’s regional and global uniqueness in the gold industry,” Dr. Nasser Qaedi, BTEA CEO said.

“The second edition of this festival builds on the success of the first edition, which had positive statistics in terms of shoppers and sales numbers in 2022. We intend to double the number of shoppers and gold purchases, particularly from GCC countries.”

“We hope to improve the shopping experience in one of the oldest markets in the GCC and Middle East regions through a blend of modernization and heritage, accompanied by a slew of promotions and valuable prizes to delight all visitors and families. This festival will undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to BTEA’s events calendar, which focuses on the diversity of tourism products and the revitalization of Souq Al Manama.” he added.

The first edition of the Manama Gold Festival attracted 1,549 shoppers from 12 nationalities, with purchases totaling 1.25 million BD.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) announced the launch of the third edition of the Health Regulatory Conference and Exhibition.

the conference will be held under the patronage of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) President Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

NHRA CEO Dr. Mariam Athbi Al Jalahma said that the conference aims to enhance communication between all medical and health cadres along with health care institutions and pharmaceutical industries, trainers and health institutional accreditation experts and to exchange ideas on the implementation and management of medical and health regulations to maintain quality of health services provided.

She stressed that the development achieved by medical facilities in Bahrain whether governmental or private and them keeping pace with the best international standards and practices that focus on patient safety and the high level of medical competencies based on these facilities contributed to enhancing the competitiveness of the health system in Bahrain as a leading destination in the field of education research and medical innovation.

Dr. Al Jalahma explained that the conference works to attract senior healthcare professionals from Bahrain and the GCC and to attracts health providers and pharmaceutical products and to review the challenges facing the medical field and to discover various health investment opportunities and cooperation between Bahrain and other countries in the health and medical care sector.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister, Wael bin Nasser Al-Mubarak received a delegation from the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), led by the Head of UN-Habitat’s Country Programme in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, and in the presence of a number of international experts in the field of afforestation to discuss cooperation in areas of common interest.

The minister commended the tireless efforts made by UN-Habitat, to support the goals and efforts of Bahrain in the field of sustainable development, leading to many important results in terms of developing cities and caring for heritage and historical sites.

He asserted that the kingdom pays special attention to the principle of sustainable development, as it is one of the most important pillars of comprehensive development in Bahrain.

He reviewed the Municipalities Ministry’s plans and projects in the field of sustainable development. He also discussed the ongoing cooperation with the UN-Habitat and FAO, noting that the Ministry seeks to take advantage of international expertise in the implementation of its afforestation plans in the kingdom.

During the meeting, UN-Habitat presented an integrated vision on afforestation in the kingdom, unveiling plans to hold training sessions and workshops for the Ministry’s competencies in the field of afforestation.

Members of the delegation expressed their admiration for the kingdom’s achievements in the field of afforestation and plans to double the number of trees, which are in line with the objectives of the UN-Habitat in the field of environment and combating climate change.

Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni lauded the remarkable progress made by the kingdom at the level of sustainable development, affirming the UN-Habitat’s keenness to continue cooperating with the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry across various fields and programmes.

Source: Bahrain News Agency