Gulf in the News – February 27, 2013

Talks under way to set up “Arab Court for Human Rights”

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and Nabil El Araby, Secretary-General of the Arab League, discussed in Manama last night, the King’s initiative on establishing “Arab Court for Human Rights”. King Hamad praised the Arab League’s interest to adopt the initiative that seeks to support human rights, and dignity, affirming the importance of polishing Arab people’s skills and capabilities that are the main pillar for Arab countries’ comprehensive development.

Peninsula Shield forces conclude military drills

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

Joint Gulf forces – the Peninsula Shield – ended yesterday their 17-day war games in Kuwait meant to raise the force’s efficiency and preparedness to protect the Arabian Gulf states. “The joint work and harmony among GCC forces have reached an advanced level,” HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah told reporters following the final stage of the ninth GCC military maneuvers. “The full preparedness and professionalism of Kuwaiti and other GCC forces are a source of pride for GCC people and leaderships.”

 Oman lender BankMuscat faces huge bill on ‘compromised’ expenses

Source: The National (Read full story)

BankMuscat warned this week of a potential hit to profits of 15 million Omani rials (Dh143.1m) after 12 prepaid travel cards were “compromised”. “No customers have suffered any financial loss and no other credit or debit cards issued by Bank Muscat have been affected,” the bank said. “The bank is working with all stakeholders to further investigate and to establish any losses arising from these transactions .”

 Sukuks to make UAE a top-ranked economy

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

A new initiative to transform Dubai into a global hub for sukuks is aimed at positioning the UAE as a top-ranked economy in the world, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists at the launch of a bold initiative ‘Transforming Dubai into a Global Centre for Islamic Bonds’ at the Dubai Financial Market, Shaikh Mohammed said the UAE, under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “seeks to maintain its position as the overall top-ranked economy through such projects and initiatives”.

Bahrain police acquitted in protester death cases

Source: BBC News (Read full story)

A court in Bahrain has acquitted two policemen charged in the shooting death of a protester. The decision on Tuesday came just two days after a court confirmed the acquittal of two other policemen in the deaths of protesters in February 2011. The rulings threaten to fuel more unrest in the kingdom, which is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Anti-government protests erupted across Bahrain two years ago, drawing a crackdown by security forces.