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Al-Hijri Holds Damascus Responsible for Coastal Events... Rejecting Absolute Powers for One Person
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Sheikh Al-Hijri's condemnation of the bloody events in the Syrian coast reflects a clear position from spiritual leaders against exclusionary practices and sectarian violence, and confirmation of the

Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze Unitarian Muslim community in Syria, revealed his categorical rejection of the Syrian constitutional declaration, demanding its reformulation on participatory democratic foundations that take into account the country's historical and cultural specificity.
In his statement, Sheikh Al-Hijri presented a comprehensive vision for constitutional reform, warning of the dangers of establishing a new dictatorship, and calling for a system that ensures the independence and separation of powers, with expanded authorities for local administrations and limiting presidential powers, in a clear reference to the importance of adopting a decentralized system.
Al-Hijri criticized what he described as "ambiguity, vagueness, and imposition of a one-color reality policy," indicating that the current phase is being managed unilaterally without real participation from various components of the people, which brings to mind previous centralized governance policies that led to the Syrian situation's crisis.
He explained that "the constitutional declaration that was issued came by the hand of a one-color committee, as if it were a continuation of the authoritarian regime, as it grants absolute powers to one person, establishing a new dictatorial authority," confirming that "the solution lies in organizing a participatory democratic constitutional declaration, with the participation of national specialists from all governorates."
Regarding the security events that some Syrian regions have witnessed recently, Sheikh Al-Hijri held the government fully responsible for the coastal events, considering that "what happened in Homs and the Syrian coast of brutal massacres against innocents brings to mind the atrocities of ISIS," adding: "When the question was about responsibility, it was said that they were individual acts, but we confirm that your factions represent you, and therefore you bear full responsibility."
The spiritual leader of the Druze questioned: "Why are strangers involved in our national army, police sectors, and state joints?" in reference to fears of marginalizing local competencies in favor of elements loyal to the central authority, similar to what was happening under the previous regime.
Sheikh Al-Hijri concluded his statement by emphasizing that "the Syrian people will not accept humiliation or underestimation of their will, and they are capable of achieving stability themselves, away from any imposition, monopolization, or masked decisions," in a message confirming the right of Syrians to self-determination and rejection of any attempts to impose a new centralized governance model that does not take into account diversity and local specificities.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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