WhatsApp Tests Transferring, Sharing Files without Internet Connection

WhatsApp is testing a new feature called “People Nearby”, which may enable users to transfer and share files without the need for an Internet connection, which means that users will be able to share documents, photos and other files with their contacts without requiring a direct Internet connection.

According to what was observed in the latest beta version of the application for the Android system, the new feature works similarly to the famous Android feature Nearby Share and the AirDrop feature on Apple devices.

The People Nearby feature in WhatsApp uses Bluetooth technology to transfer files between devices, so the transfer process does not require an Internet connection, and as shown in the published screenshots, there will be a dedicated section in the application settings that reveals people nearby, and through that section it is possible to send and receive files.

Using this feature requires granting the WhatsApp application all the necessary permissions for it to function properly. These permissions
include access to stored files, Bluetooth, and geolocation to find and connect to nearby devices.

To use the feature, users can go to Settings then choose “People Nearby”, this feature will automatically then search for nearby devices. The feature must be turned on in the two connected devices in order for the transmission process to be completed.

The transmission process will be protected by end-to-end encryption technology, and the phone number will remain hidden during the process to maintain privacy.

Source: Qatar News Agency

HH the Amir, Prime Minister of Nepal Hold Official Talks

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE Prime Minister of friendly Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a session of official talks in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

At the outset of the session, HE the Prime Minister of Nepal welcomed HH the Amir and the accompanying delegation, and HH the Amir’s historic visit as the first Arab leader to visit Nepal, which reflects the depth of relations between the two countries; looking forward to working with His Highness to promote the mutual cooperation and elevate the relations to broader horizons.

For his part, HH the Amir extended his deep thanks to HE the Prime Minister of Nepal for the warm reception and hospitality.

HH the Amir affirmed the significance of the visit in light of the distinguished relations between the two countries, looking forward for the outcome of the visit to contribute to consolidating the bilateral cooperation in various fields, for the benefit of the two friendly countries and peoples. HH the Amir praised the Nepalese community in the State
of Qatar and its contribution to various development areas in the State.

During the session, the two sides discussed aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries and ways of promoting and developing them, in addition to the most prominent regional and international issues of common concern.

The session was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and a number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Amir.

On Nepal’s side, the session was attended by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, HE Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, HE Minister Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang, HE Minister of Communications and Information T
echnology Rekha Sharma, HE Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security Dol Prasad Aryal, HE Minister of Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shrestha, HE Minister of Youth and Sports Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and senior officials.

HH the Amir and HE the Prime Minister of Nepal held earlier a bilateral meeting, and discussed a host of issues of common concern.

HE the Prime Minister of Nepal hosted a luncheon banquet in honor of HH the Amir and the accompanying delegation.

Source: Qatar News Agency

HM King’s Media Advisor receives Middle East Operations at Director Gulf Madhyamam


Manama, Nabeel bin Yacoub Al Hamer, Advisor to His Majesty the King for Media Affairs, received Salim Ambalan, Middle East Operations Director at Gulf Madhyamam and Media One Group on the occasion of the newspaper’s silver jubilee in Bahrain and the gulf region.

Al Hamer congratulated the director on the silver jubilee, commending the newspaper’s achievements and contributions in highlighting Bahrain’s achievements, developmental gains and the kingdom’s environment of co-existence.

He also noted the newspaper’s efforts in enhancing cooperation between Bahrain and India and serving the Indian community by publishing updated regional and global news, wishing the newspaper further success.

The director thanked the advisor for his care and support to the national press to further develop.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Finance Minister meets GFH Chairman and Group CEO


Manama, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, received Abdulmohsen Rashed Al Rashed, the Chairman of GFH Financial Group, and Hisham Al Rayes, the Group CEO.

Shaikh Salman emphasised the pivotal role of the banking and finance sector in contributing to creating promising investment opportunities and driving economic growth. He highlighted the efforts of the kingdom to support the role of the sector, in line with 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.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Muslim World League’s Supreme Council Holds 46th Session Headed by Saudi Mufti


Makkah: The Supreme Council of the Muslim World League (MWL) has commenced its 46th session, headed by Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of Council of ?Senior ?Scholars Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, also the Head of the General ?Presidency for ?Scholarly ?Research and Ifta and the Head of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, participated in the session along with prominent muftis and scholars.

The participants in the session are representatives of Muslim people in the Muslim world and minority communities regarding religious affairs.

The session discusses seven urgent issues on its agenda, on top of which are the unity of the Islamic Ummah, Palestine and the Gaza war, the disruption of Red Sea navigation, the situation in Sudan, Islamophobia, and the defamation of religious symbols.

During his speech at the session, the Saudi Grand Mufti said the Kingdom, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highne
ss the Crown Prince, takes pride in its elevated status in the world for being the nurturing ground of the Two Holy Mosques and the beloved sanctuary for Muslims.

“The Kingdom has shouldered a great responsibility towards Muslims, being at the forefront of caring for their issues, tending to their affairs, seeking to address their problems, extending a helping hand and providing relief to them.” The Grand Mufti stressed.

“It has become our duty to stand with them Muslim people in their crises and sufferings and to defend them in regional and international forums,” he added.

The Grand Mufti highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to mend rifts and resolve disputes among Muslims while striving to bridge their differences and urging them to come together and achieve consensus and harmony.

” the Kingdom has established several bodies, councils, and institutions concerned with Muslim affairs, supporting their causes and resolving their crises”, he said.

Secretary-General of the MWL, Chairman of the Organization of
Muslim Scholars, and Deputy Head of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa praised the commendable efforts undertaken by the Supreme Council.

These efforts include important decisions taken by the Supreme Council, including updating its bylaws to align with the MWL’s status as an international organization.

President of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, noted that the Supreme Council meeting has reflected the aspirations of the Ummah for peace and harmony to prevail throughout the world.

He emphasized the aspirations of Muslim people to draw inspiration from the principles of their noble religion, which call for unity and solidarity, and grasp the most trustworthy handhold of faith.

Sheikh Al-Sudais also highlighted the need to enhance dialogue among monotheistic religions, civilizations, and cultures to serve the noble message of the true and tolerant Islam.

He commended the Kingdom’s pioneering e
fforts and wise leadership in serving Islam, Muslims, and Islamic and human societies.

He underscored that the Kingdom has spared no effort in advocating for the issues of the Islamic world in all international forums, supporting awareness programs, and promoting the principles of moderation and balance.

Egypt’s Minister of Awqaf and President of the Egyptian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Muhammad Mukhtar Gomaa Mabrouk, praised the role of the MWL and its Secretary-General in their efforts to achieve global and humanitarian peace.

President of Religious Affairs in Trkiye Ali Erbas, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom and its leadership for hosting the meeting and for their service to Islam and Muslims.

The Supreme Council is the highest authority in the MWL and is responsible for approving all the plans adopted by the League’s General Secretariat.

It consists of 65 distinguished Islamic figures representing Muslim peoples and minorities. They are appointed by the Council and convene periodically to
make decisions on the research and issues presented to them.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Shura Council Assistant Speaker Meets with Delegation of Senior Assistants, Advisors to Members of U.S. Congress


Riyadh: Assistant Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Hanan Al-Ahmadi met with a delegation of senior assistants and advisors to members of the U.S. Congress today at the council’s headquarters in Riyadh as part of the delegation’s current visit to the Kingdom.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Al-Ahmadi welcomed the delegation and gave a briefing about the Shura Council, its mechanisms, specialized committees, legislative and oversight roles, and active membership in continental and international unions. Dr. Al-Ahmadi also discussed the efforts of parliamentary friendship committees. Dr. Al-Ahmadi also highlighted the quality leap the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing across all sectors, at the level of laws and regulations, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Talks during the meeting also covered relations between the two countries and several topics of mutual interest, especially at the parliamentary level.

Source: Saudi Press Agency