Pope Francis will travel to Bahrain on Thursday for the first time ever, to attend a government-sponsored conference on dialogue between East and West and to minister to the tiny local Catholic community

Bahrain is planning a $30 billion increase in infrastructure projects, which include 22 large developments including five artificial islands

Bahrain’s Alba, aluminium smelter, will continue pursuing mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Europe, after its multi-billion-dollar agreement with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Maaden will be officially signed, presumably in the first half of 2025

Illegal fishing and the dumping of harmful wastes could lead to fines up to 100.000 dinars (250 Euros) and longer prison sentences if MPs approve proposal on 31 December; current penalties have been insufficient for deterring those violations

The 20th IISS Manama Dialogue took place on 6–8 December 2024; promoted by the International Institute of Strategic Studies it brings together ministers, policy- and decision-makers to share the most pressing regional security issues and response policies