COVID-19 infections in Africa represent 0.71% of world figure
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: Only two of the 54 countries making up the African continent are virus-free: Comoros and Lesotho. The African countries have so far 11,440 confirmed COVID-19 cases, representing 0.71% of the world figure, 574 deaths (0.59% of the world), and 1,405 recoveries (0.39% of the international figure). South Africa topped in Southern Africa […]
Bahrain using tracker bracelets to geofence self-isolating individuals
By Habib Toumi Manama: Bahrain is leveraging technology to ensure that people under compulsory home quarantines do not move away from the confines of their homes. Electronic tracker wristbands that alert authorities to rogue escapees have been rolled out by the island kingdom as it seeks to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). […]
Inside a Bahrain quarantine center: 5 meals a day, games, buffets and refreshments around the clock
By Habib Toumi Manama: Bahraini citizens have shared their quarantine routines, expressing satisfaction with the possibilities and structures available to maintain their physical and mental health, and debunking allegations that the isolation for 14 days meant the end of the world. “The humanitarian factor by Team Bahrain has been very important in our daily routines […]
AFC President praises health professionals, AFC associations for outstanding responses to COVID-19
By Habib Toumi Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has praised the outstanding contributions of the frontline health professionals, carers and responders for their tremendous endeavors to help and protect communities across Asia and the world. In a statement posted by AFC, Shaikh Salman also praised the work […]
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia enjoys reading, cooking during self-isolation
By Habib Toumi Riyadh: China’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chen Wei Qing has given an outstanding example of the meaning of self-isolation at home to help in the fight against the spread of coronavirus. Ambassador Chen Wei Qing posted a tweet saying he was staying at home in response to an invitation by Saudi Arabia’s […]
Bahrain says it is committed to safe, exciting Formula One Grand Prix
By Habib Toumi Manama: Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), “the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, said that it was committed to holding a safe and exciting Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix for local and international fans. “We are working closely with all relevant government departments, including the Ministry of Health and Ministry […]
World’s tallest building in Dubai lights up in support for Wuhan, Chinese communities
Dubai: Burj Khalifa, the world tallest building at 828 meters, and other iconic landmarks across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were lit up in the colors of the Chinese national flag in solidarity with the Beijing over the outbreak of the new coronavirus. The initiative is part of the strong solidarity shown by the […]
Sultan Qaboos, the ruler of Oman, dies at 79
By Habib Toumi Muscat: Sultan Qaboos bin Said, a ruler who embodied Oman as he led its transformation from a sleepy enclave into a modern state, was laid to rest on Saturday. Qaboos, 79, ruled for almost five decades, having replaced his father as the Sultan of the country on the on the southeastern coast […]
Bahrain to name GCC chief as its Foreign Minister
By Habib Toumi Manama: Abdul Lateef Rashid Al Zayani, the current secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will become Bahrain’s foreign ministry when his term ends on March 31. Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa today told Al Zayani that King Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa is to appoint him the kingdom’s […]
As we bid 2019 adieu, thoughts about the year that was
By Habib Toumi Manama: Any year is a good year to be a journalist. Especially when you are privileged to have an extensive network of fellow journalist friends from various countries. We at the Asia Journalists Association (AJA) are among these lucky journalists. We come from countries that are vastly different in areas and in […]
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Trump, Kim, and the Three P’s of Summit Diplomacy: 
