Latest news with #AlMaawda
Daily Tribune
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Arab Council urges all parties to exercise restraint
The Arab Parliament has warned that the fragile Iran-Israel ceasefire may be at risk of collapse, urging all parties to exercise restraint and uphold international law, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. His Excellency Dr. Adel Abdulrahman Al Maawda, Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee of Bahrain's Shura Council, delivered a strong message of caution while participating in the Arab Parliament's committee meetings in Cairo, held from Tuesday to Friday. Call for Stability Dr. Al Maawda reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to collaborative Arab parliamentary efforts aimed at preserving state sovereignty and regional security. The meetings, part of the Arab Parliament's fourth legislative term, focused heavily on the deteriorating security landscape following recent missile exchanges between Iran and Israel. The Arab Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Political Affairs and National Security Committee warned that continued military escalation could undermine the ceasefire and trigger humanitarian disasters across the region. Delegates called on all involved states to prioritise diplomacy over confrontation. Qatar Airspace Breach In a sharply worded statement, the committee condemned the recent breach of the sisterly State of Qatar's airspace, labelling it a violation of sovereignty and a breach of international law. The condemnation aligns with growing concern among Gulf nations about unchecked military manoeuvres in the region's skies. The committee reiterated its long-standing position advocating for a Middle East free from all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms. It emphasised that the ban must be universal and non-discriminatory to ensure peace and security across Arab states. Focus on Palestine and Sudan In parallel discussions, the committee reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue, calling for an end to the continued violations against the Palestinian people. It also addressed the worsening conflict in Sudan, urging all parties to cease hostilities and resume dialogue to preserve national unity. Dr. Al Maawda's participation in these discussions highlighted Bahrain's active role in shaping Arab consensus during a time of heightened volatility in the Middle East.
Daily Tribune
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Lower costs, more first-time pilgrims
Justice Minister, His Excellency Nawaf Al Maawda, defended the new electronic Hajj registration system, saying it had lowered pilgrimage costs and allowed more firsttime pilgrims to participate, even as campaign operators criticised its rollout. 'The new registration system reduced pilgrimage expenses by between 400 and 1,000 dinars, enabling many Bahrainis who have waited years to perform Hajj for the first time,' said Al Maawda. Issues He acknowledged initial technical issues, explaining, 'We experienced heavy demand — 6,000 registrations within the first three hours alone — which temporarily overwhelmed the system. Our teams quickly resolved these issues, extending the registration until a total of 14,000 Bahrainis were accommodated.' However, some Hajj campaign operators argued the system was implemented without adequate consultation. They claimed critical issues emerged immediately, including the unexpected disabling of the essential e-key on the launch day and sudden technical crashes.' Demand The Minister acknowledged these initial technical problems but insisted they arose due to overwhelming demand rather than poor planning. He added, 'Our priority remains the pilgrims themselves, not the commercial interests of the campaigns. Each year some operators will succeed while others may struggle; this is the nature of competition.' MP Mohammed Al Ahmed supported the government's reforms, describing the initiative as 'positive' for promoting competition and driving down costs. Improvements In contrast, MP Hanan Fardan emphasised that further improvements were needed. 'Prices remain burdensome for many citizens,' she said. 'We must introduce targeted financial support and ensure the registration process becomes simpler and more accessible.' Al Maawda reassured MPs that the registration process would be continuously reviewed and adjusted each year, reiterating the government's intention to ensure affordability and ease for Bahraini pilgrims.
Daily Tribune
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
No Pending Applications for Religious Land Allocations, Says Justice Minister
Justice Minister Nawaf Al Maawda has confirmed that there are no pending applications for land allocations to build mosques or other religious sites in Bahrain. In a letter to Parliament, Al Maawda explained that the Ministry of Justice, in coordination with the Sunni and Jaafari Waqf directorates and other relevant government agencies, follows a structured process to assess and approve such applications. MP Basma Mubarak had raised questions regarding the land allocation process for religious purposes, including the approval timeline and coordination with ministries such as the Ministry of Housing and the Urban Planning and Development Authority. In his response, Al Maawda clarified that land within housing projects is designated for places of worship based on local needs and population size. For Waqf properties, the ministry assists owners through legal procedures to register land for religious use. "The process begins with a request from the landowner, who must obtain a deed from the Sharia courts," Al Maawda explained. "Ownership is verified, legal obstacles are checked, and the land's suitability for religious use is ensured under planning regulations." He also mentioned that the approval time can vary depending on the type of property and required permits, with multiple agencies involved to ensure compliance with all legal and zoning requirements. Al Maawda concluded by expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Waqf directorates in managing places of worship and maintaining smooth coordination throughout the process.
