Bahrain yesterday reiterated commitment to implementing the Value Added Tax (VAT), once it is endorsed by the legislative authority.
Finance Ministry acting under-secretary Yusuf Abdulla Humood said details of the VAT levies would be released once approved. He made the statement in response to reports being circulated on social media websites.
“The step is in compliance with the unified agreement which was signed by the GCC member states, on the implementation of the VAT levies”, he said in a statement posted on the ministry’s website.
A timetable for the implementation of the tax would be announced, along with all technical and procedural details, he added.
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Walkway project to begin
Work on the BD157,000 Qalali Housing Walkway project will begin this month. Tender for the project has been awarded, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf said yesterday.
The scheme follows the ministry’s keenness to set up recreational projects in various governorates, in line with its efforts to boost sustainable urban development and provide sports and leisure spaces.
The walkway will serve Qalali Housing Project’s residents, and those of neighbouring regions, Mr Khalaf said, noting that it will be “an important family entertainment monument.”
Bahrain guest of honour
Bahrain will be the guest of honour at the Seven Hills International Film Festival (SHIFF), due to be held in Hungary.
A ‘Bahrain Day’ will be held during the event which will attract more than 4,000 authors, script writers, directors and filmmakers from all over the world.
Vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees and executive director of the Isa Cultural Centre and Board of Trustees chairman of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence Dr. Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the Isa Cultural Centre is participating in the celebration at the official invitation of the SHIFF management. The event will be held from tomorrow until September 9.
More than 120 photographs and paintings by Bahraini talents, showcasing the kingdom’s landmarks and rich history, will be presented on the sidelines of ‘Bahrain Day’, he said.
Dr Shaikh Khalid pointed out that the event is part of the kingdom’s efforts to spread the values and culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence spearheaded by His Majesty King. Bahraini Maestro Waheed Al-Khan will also perform, Dr Shaikh Khalid added.
2.5 million passengers
Manama: Around 2.5 million passengers travelled via Bahrain International Airport over the first seven months of this year, ending July.
This includes pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia, and passengers who left abroad to spend summer holidays, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Airport Police director Colonel Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al Dosary said an average of 22,000 passengers travelled through the airport every day.
Flyover reports ‘false’
Manama: The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning ministry yesterday dismissed social media reports that the new flyover replacing Alba and Nuwaidrat Roundabout Interchanges has been affected by land subsidence.
“Pictures posted online in this regard are illusory and deceptive. The BD46.8 million project has been designed in accordance with high engineering standards by renowned contracting companies in the Middle East, namely Kuwait’s KCC Engineering and Contracting Company and Nass Contracting Company,” works affairs under-secretary Ahmed Al Khayyat told our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej.
The highest point of the 507 metre-long flyover is 12 metres above ground level, he added.
National Day greetings sent
MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday sent a cable of congratulations to Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on his country’s National Day.
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