Latest news with #HishambinAbdulrahmanAlKhalifa
Daily Tribune
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
From Passport to Phone: Bahrain Taps Finland's Expertise on e-Travel IDs
TDT | Manama As part of Bahrain's drive to modernize government services and fast-track its digital transformation, a high-level delegation led by His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs, has completed an official visit to Finland – a global trailblazer in digital identity systems. The visit comes under the directives of His Excellency Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and reflects Bahrain's commitment to staying ahead of the curve by aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) vision to digitize travel documents. In a series of high-level meetings with Finnish officials, including Mr. Matti Sarasmaa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, and Mr. Ilkka Koskimäki, National Police Commissioner, both sides explored avenues for collaboration on digital travel identity projects. The talks centered on adopting international and European standards to ensure secure, seamless, and future-ready solutions for travelers. During the visit, Bahrain's delegation gained firsthand insights into Finland's cutting-edge approach to digital travel identity – from system architecture and security protocols to implementation roadmaps and operational benchmarks. These insights are expected to shape the rollout of Bahrain's own digital ID system. Shaikh Hisham praised Finland's innovation and reaffirmed Bahrain's determination to adopt global best practices in passport and identity management. 'This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in our digital transformation journey. By embracing digital travel identities, we aim to deliver smarter, faster, and more convenient services to citizens and residents alike,' he said. Looking ahead, the envisioned system would allow Bahraini citizens to travel using secure digital IDs stored on their smartphones – turning tedious airport procedures into smooth, tech-enabled experiences. The visit not only reflects Bahrain's ambitions to lead in smart governance but also lays the foundation for a digitally connected future – where travel is not only faster but smarter.
Daily Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Consular and welfare services
His Excellency Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, met H.E. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), Ministry of Interior, Bahrain and discussed issues concerning consular and welfare matters of Indian community.
Daily Tribune
11-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Golden Residency Program website and hotline launched
Bahrain yesterday launched a website ( and a hotline (+973 17484000) dedicated to providing information on its Golden Residency Program. The aim of this initiative is to attract exceptionally talented individuals and investment into the Kingdom of Bahrain, and in line with strategic efforts to enhance national competitiveness and support development across various economic, investment, and service sectors. The new services work towards providing a point of reference for interested applicants and beneficiaries. Since the Golden Residency Program was first launched in 2022 as part of the Economic Recovery Plan, the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) has granted permanent residency to investors, expats owning real estate, artists, athletes, talented professionals, and long-serving employees alongside their dependents. Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board said, 'With its strategic location and its business-supportive ecosystem, the Kingdom of Bahrain has always been a hub for both global talent and investment. 'The Golden Residency Program reaffirms our commitment to fostering a dynamic and welcoming environment where individuals and businesses can thrive and become part of Bahrain's growth plans. Bahrain is committed to consistently providing streamlined and advanced services to its citizens, residents, and visitors.' 'The website and hotline going live enable us to provide comprehensive information on the program, which will support in attracting talent and investment, thereby positioning the Kingdom as one of the region's tourism destinations of choice,' she added. Bahrain has cemented itself as the destination of choice for global professionals and investors. With its welcoming community and high quality of life, it offers an attractive home for all. Residents enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle that blends modern island living with rich cultural heritage. As a regional business hub, Bahrain offers 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, a competitive taxation system, and a highly skilled bilingual workforce. Positioned at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, residents will experience strategic access to key markets and a business-friendly regulatory environment that fosters innovation and investment. H.E. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for NPRA, hailed the program.
Daily Tribune
11-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Launches Informational Website and Hotline for the Golden Residency to Attract Global Professionals and Investors
With the aim of attracting exceptionally talented individuals and investment into the Kingdom of Bahrain, in line with strategic efforts to enhance national competitiveness and support development across various economic, investment, and service sectors, Bahrain today launched a website ( and a hotline (+973 17484000) dedicated to providing information on its Golden Residency Program. The new services work towards providing a point of reference for interested applicants and beneficiaries. Since the Golden Residency Program was first launched in 2022 as part of the Economic Recovery Plan, the Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs has granted permanent residency to investors, expats owning real estate, artists, athletes, talented professionals, and long-serving employees alongside their dependents. H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board said, 'With its strategic location and its business-supportive ecosystem, the Kingdom of Bahrain has always been a hub for both global talent and investment. The Golden Residency Program reaffirms our commitment to fostering a dynamic and welcoming environment where individuals and businesses can thrive and become part of Bahrain's growth plans. Bahrain is committed to consistently providing streamlined and advanced services to its citizens, residents, and visitors.' 'The website and hotline going live enable us to provide comprehensive information on the program, which will support in attracting talent and investment, thereby positioning the Kingdom as one of the region's tourism destinations of choice," added H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif. Bahrain has cemented itself as the destination of choice for global professionals and investors. With its welcoming community and high quality of life, it offers an attractive home for all. Residents enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle that blends modern island living with rich cultural heritage. As a regional business hub, Bahrain offers 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, a competitive taxation system, and a highly skilled bilingual workforce. Positioned at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, residents will experience strategic access to key markets and a business-friendly regulatory environment that fosters innovation and investment. H.E. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) said: "Through the Golden Residency Program, we aim to attract global talent and investors to contribute to Bahrain's development plans. The program represents a qualitative leap towards enhancing the efficiency of services provided to residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which will enhance Bahrain's international standing as a leading business and lifestyle destination." The Golden Residency Program enables holders and their families to live and work in Bahrain, and is available to individuals who meet the following eligibility criteria: Employees: Professionals who have worked in Bahrain for at least five years with a minimum monthly salary of BHD 2,000 (equivalent to USD 5,306) over the past five years. Property Owners: Investors who own real estate in Bahrain valued at BHD 200,000 (equivalent to USD 530,555) or more at the time of purchase. Retirees: Individuals who have worked in Bahrain for at least 15 years and have an average monthly pension of BHD 2,000 (equivalent to USD 5,306) or more during the last five years of residency. Non-residents with an average monthly pension of over BHD 4,000 (equivalent to USD 10,624) are also eligible. Talented Individuals: Entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and individuals who contribute significantly to Bahrain's economy or society. Eligible individuals can apply to the Program through Bahrain's eGovernment portal which provides a fast and efficient application process. A dedicated team is also available to assist Golden Residency applicants and holders, ensuring they have access to ongoing support in the Kingdom.
Gulf Insider
11-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Airport Passport Services Win Global Award Again
Bahrain has once again shone on the global stage, with Bahrain International Airport's passport services ranking third worldwide in the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. This achievement, which places the airport among the top airports globally, was awarded in the 'Best Airport Passport Services' category for the second consecutive year. This remarkable accomplishment is the result of rigorous standards, including efficient and swift procedures, seamless navigation within the airport, and the professionalism of passport control staff in welcoming visitors. Additionally, the satisfaction levels of travelers with the services provided played a significant role in this achievement. His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports, and Residency Affairs, expressed his pride in this international recognition. He emphasized that the success was made possible due to the continuous attention and support of His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, who is dedicated to offering the best services at Bahrain's entry points. He also commended the efforts of the Bahrain International Airport passport staff in achieving this distinction. Shaikh Hisham highlighted that this accolade serves as a global testimony to the high-quality services provided by the Ministry of Interior's Nationality, Passport, and Residency Affairs, underlining their ongoing commitment to enhancing the traveler experience at BahrainInternational Airport. This achievement further solidifies Bahrain's position as a premier regional hub in the aviation sector. Bahrain's passport services were ranked behind Hong Kong and Singapore's Changi Airport, underscoring the intense competition faced by Bahrain among the world's most renowned airports. The Undersecretary affirmed that efforts would continue to advance services that ease travel procedures and enhance efficiency at border crossings. He also praised the productive collaboration with Bahrain Airport Company, which played a pivotal role in the development and integration of services offered to travelers. The Skytrax World Airport Awards, established in 1989 by a leading British consulting firm, are among the most prestigious awards in the aviation industry. The results are based on direct feedback from travelers and on-site evaluations conducted by the company. Also read: MP Proposes Media And Law Classes In Schools
