Latest news with #Khalaf
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Syrian airline Fly Sham launches 1st commercial flights from Damascus to UAE
DAMASCUS, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Syria's newly established airline Fly Sham launched its inaugural commercial flight Wednesday from Damascus International Airport to Abu Dhabi, marking the first phase of what officials describe as a major expansion in air travel connectivity, according to the state news agency SANA. Fly Sham, a Syrian-registered carrier backed by Emirati investment, currently operates four aircraft, with plans to grow its fleet to 15 by the end of the year, according to the airline's commercial director, Hamdi Khalaf. "This is the first Emirati investment to move from planning to actual implementation in Syria," SANA quoted Khalaf as saying. "We're a supportive partner to the national airline and aim to provide a reliable alternative." In addition to Abu Dhabi, the airline also launched a flight to Sharjah on its first day of operations. Khalaf said plans are underway to expand routes to Saudi Arabian and European cities in the near future. The launch of the commercial flights comes amid growing demand for air travel to and from Syria, officials say.
Daily Tribune
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Expands Midday Work Ban to Three Months
Bahrain has extended its annual midday work ban to three months, effective from June 15 to September 15. The move, announced by His Excellency Mr. Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour, underscores the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to occupational safety and public health. Under the updated Ministerial Order No. (3) of 2013—recently amended by Order No. (11) of 2025—the regulation prohibits all outdoor work between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m., during which temperatures and humidity levels typically peak. 'The extension from two to three months is more than just a regulatory adjustment—it is a proactive measure to safeguard the health of workers exposed to the elements,' said Minister Khalaf. 'By reducing heat exposure during the most intense hours of the day, we are minimizing the risk of heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses.' The Minister added that the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to modernize labor laws, reduce workplace injuries, and improve overall working conditions, especially during Bahrain's searing summer months. Enforcement of the regulation will be strict, with legal repercussions for non-compliance. In accordance with Article 192 of Law No. (36) of 2012, employers found in violation may face penalties including up to three months' imprisonment, fines ranging from BHD 500 to BHD 1,000, or both. This strengthened policy reinforces Bahrain's role as a regional leader in labor rights, reflecting the nation's broader vision of sustainable development rooted in the dignity and safety of its workforce.
Daily Tribune
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
H.E. Minister tells ILO Bahrain sees labour rights as economic lever
TDT | Manama Bahrain is positioning labour rights not just as a social necessity but as a driver of economic progress, according to His Excellency Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour. Addressing the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, H.E. Minister Khalaf said the Kingdom was committed to aligning employment policies with legal protections and social justice, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. 'Safeguarding workers' rights and promoting decent jobs are not just values, they are engines of development,' H.E. the minister said, reflecting on the conference theme, 'Forging the Link Between Jobs, Rights, and Economic Growth.' Integrated reforms H.E. the minister outlined a series of reforms and legal initiatives underway in Bahrain to protect trade union freedoms, support social dialogue, and strengthen workplace safety. The Minister drew attention to Bahrain's Tier 1 status in the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report for the seventh consecutive year, calling it an international recognition of the Kingdom's effective and proactive efforts to combat exploitation. His Excellency Khalaf also noted the complete absence of child labour in the Kingdom, the country's anti-discrimination protections, and the rollout of updated occupational health and safety standards. Youth and women H.E. Also stressed that Bahrain's labour vision also prioritises inclusion, with programmes aimed at increasing youth participation in the labour market and promoting the advancement of women in the workforce. Khalaf praised the report by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and echoed its call to see workers' rights as integral to economic resilience.
Shafaq News
31-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Crippling local economy: Strategic Iraq-Syria border crossing remains shut
Shafaq News/ The strategic al-Qaim border crossing between Iraq and Syria remains closed, dealing a heavy blow to the economy of Iraq's western border province of al-Anbar, according to local officials who are pressing Baghdad to intervene. Al-Qaim's district administrator, Turki Muhammad Khalaf, told Shafaq News that the crossing is 'completely shut down at the moment, except for trucks carrying wheat as humanitarian aid to Syria.' He warned that 'this ongoing closure has deeply hurt the district's economy, which depends almost entirely on trade through this vital lifeline.' Khalaf said that the final decision to reopen the crossing rests with the Prime Minister's Office, urging the federal government to act quickly and restore trade flows. 'Reopening al-Qaim is crucial to bringing life back to the local economy, which is facing a clear downturn because of the stalled trade with Syria,' he added. The crossing's prolonged closure follows the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government last December and the subsequent withdrawal of Syrian forces from al-Bukamal, the town opposite al-Qaim on the Syrian side. Only Iraqis returning from Syria have been allowed to cross since. For Iraq, the stakes are high. Al-Qaim crossing has long been a key trade hub, with bilateral commerce exceeding $1B in 2024, according to the Iraqi-Syrian Business Council. Last month, Syria's port and land border authority confirmed that talks to reopen both al-Bukamal and al-Qaim crossings are in advanced stages.
Iraqi News
29-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq to use artificial intelligence to develop energy infrastructure
Baghdad ( – Iraq continues to boost its energy infrastructure through deals with multinational corporations as part of the government's efforts to develop the energy sector's capabilities, which will later provide significant returns supporting the country's economy. Baghdad inked a deal on Wednesday with the top Emirati investment organization, Ziad Khalaf Holding Group, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA). Iraq intends to strengthen and grow its energy industry through the deal inked between the holding group and Esyasoft, a subsidiary of the International Holding Company (IHC) that specializes in smart technologies and energy driven by artificial intelligence. The agreement aims to enhance the energy sector's infrastructure by exploring partnership opportunities in innovative and sustainable projects. The group's chairman, Ziad Khalaf, described the new agreement as an essential strategic move toward developing the energy industry, notably in Baghdad, through the group's sister firms. Khalaf reaffirmed his company's commitment to helping Iraq achieve its goal of becoming a more sustainable and innovative economy. Khalaf noted that Baghdad is steadily progressing toward comprehensive economic growth and increasing its capacities to the point where it can attract more foreign investment and contribute to a brighter future. The new partnership aims to combine the group's expertise with Esyasoft's advanced technology to improve Iraq's energy infrastructure. The agreement also intends to improve technical capabilities and promote long-term economic growth by attracting investment and creating new employment opportunities. It will also create the groundwork for transforming the country's energy infrastructure through new solar energy solutions. The deal also involves the development of smart grid and energy storage solutions based on artificial intelligence and innovative technologies to accelerate the country's sustainable energy transformation, accelerating economic development and transforming Baghdad into a major sustainable energy hub.
