Larnaca And Manama Set To Establish City Partnership

by News Editor

August 12, 2026

Larnaca is set to establish a city-to-city partnership with Bahrain’s capital Manama after the Bahraini cabinet approved the proposal, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras announced on Tuesday.

The agreement would make Larnaca the second Cypriot city to establish a formal partnership with a Gulf city, following Nicosia’s twinning with Doha, Qatar.

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Expanding Larnaca’s International Links

Vyras described the decision as “another important step for our city”, saying it could open new opportunities for cooperation.

The mayor said the initiative is part of Larnaca’s broader strategy to strengthen its international presence, develop new channels of cooperation and reinforce the city’s position in the wider region.

The partnership comes as Cyprus and Bahrain are also expanding bilateral cooperation in defence, shipping, investment, tourism and technology.

Closer Cyprus-Bahrain Cooperation

The proposed city partnership follows broader efforts to deepen ties between Cyprus and Bahrain.

Cyprus Ambassador to Bahrain Andreas Eliades said the two countries were pursuing closer cooperation amid wider regional security developments. He identified maritime security and freedom of navigation as strategic priorities, while highlighting financial services, fintech, technology, logistics and tourism as areas with potential for stronger economic cooperation.

The Larnaca-Manama partnership could provide an additional platform for developing these links at the local level.

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OpenAI Executive Brad Lightcap Leaves Company To Launch New Venture

by News Editor

August 12, 2026

Brad Lightcap, one of OpenAI’s longest-serving executives, is leaving the AI company to pursue a new venture after more than eight years with the organisation.

Lightcap announced his departure in a message to OpenAI employees on Tuesday, saying he was moving on to “start something new”. He did not provide details about his plans but said he would share more in the future.

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From CFO To Chief Operating Officer

Lightcap joined OpenAI in 2018 and spent four years as chief financial officer before becoming chief operating officer in 2022. In the role, he helped build and oversee teams covering finance, legal, human resources, corporate security, government and business development, as well as partnerships.

Earlier this year, OpenAI reorganised its executive structure and moved Lightcap into a role focused on special projects. Before joining OpenAI, he worked with CEO Sam Altman at venture capital firm Y Combinator.

OpenAI Faces Executive Turnover

Lightcap’s departure comes during a period of significant changes at the top of OpenAI. In July, Fidji Simo, who had served as the company’s No. 2 executive and led its AGI efforts, announced that she would step down from the role.

Several other senior executives have also left the company in recent months, including former Sora chief Bill Peebles and Kevin Weil, who previously led OpenAI’s Science division. The leadership changes come as OpenAI prepares for a potential IPO that could become one of the most significant technology listings in recent years.

Lightcap Hints At What Comes Next

In his departure message, Lightcap said he had spent recent months thinking about “the next horizon” and the challenges that could affect the success of OpenAI’s mission.

He suggested that his next project would address “important new things” the world will need to get right in the coming years, without revealing further details. Lightcap also expressed continued confidence in OpenAI, saying he believes in the company “more than ever” and plans to support its mission from a different position.

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