AGP Executive Report

Gulf Unity Under Strain: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are reportedly pulling in different directions as the US-Israel-Iran war deepens, with fresh attention on the UAE’s ties to Israel and allegations of regional meddling—raising fears the GCC’s cohesion is being tested. Aid Flotilla Fallout: Israel intercepted the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla, detaining activists including a South Korean campaigner and Irish citizens; protests erupted across Europe as leaders condemned the move. Drone Tensions: Kuwait and the GCC condemned a drone attack on Saudi Arabia launched from Iraqi airspace, with Bahrain calling it a dangerous escalation. Bahrain in the Crosswinds: Bahrain also appears in the wider regional picture—from rights concerns amid crackdown claims to stable fuel supplies and ongoing travel recovery. Business & Money: GymNation secured a $100m credit facility from HPS/BlackRock to expand across the GCC, while Gulf markets dipped on renewed conflict worries. Pakistan-Gulf Link: Pakistan’s parliament heard claims of 164,788 deportations from Gulf states in five years.

Gulf Security Shock: Kuwait condemned a drone attack launched from Iraqi airspace that targeted Saudi Arabia, after Riyadh said it destroyed three drones entering from Iraq; Bahrain called it a “heinous” escalation and urged Iraq to stop hostile use of its territory, while the UAE and Qatar also backed Saudi Arabia and the GCC said Saudi security is integral to Gulf security. Regional Markets: The flare-up dragged Gulf bourses lower, with Dubai falling for a seventh straight session as investors weighed conflict risks. Bahrain Aviation Recovery: Gulf Air says it has restored 75% of its global network, with more routes and frequencies returning and full restoration targeted for June 1. Local Governance & Rights: Bahrain’s crackdown on Shias drew fresh criticism from a human rights lawyer, while Bahrain also moved on health-sector rules with new screening for doctors seeking residency and fellowships. Sports & Community: The Gulf Cup “Khaleeji 27” draw is set for Tuesday in Jeddah, and Bahrain Charity Society plans Eid Al Adha meat distribution for hundreds of low-income families.

Gulf Cup Draw in Jeddah: The official draw for “Khaleeji 27” is set for Tuesday at 4pm at the Culture Square Arts Centre in Jeddah, ahead of the tournament from September 23 to October 6, with Saudi Arabia and UAE set to lead Groups A and B and matches at King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. Bahrain Education Pathways: The American University of Bahrain signed an agreement with American University in Washington DC to expand graduate routes for AUBH MBA students, including dual-degree options in sustainability management and business analytics/AI. Banking Support for Firms: Al Salam Bank Group launched a Recovery and Growth Programme for corporates and SMEs, combining banking, takaful and advisory support. Cyber Security Boost: Bahrain’s National Cyber Security Center CEO praised CTM360’s landmark inclusion in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for cyber threat intelligence. Energy Tensions: Oil prices climbed as Trump warned Iran the “clock is ticking” amid stalled talks, keeping Strait of Hormuz disruption fears in focus. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain Olympic Committee won SPIA awards for social media and athlete support tied to last year’s Asian Youth Games. Investcorp Deal: Investcorp Capital bought a $200m+ US industrial real estate portfolio, about 97% occupied, spanning major logistics hubs.

Gulf Tensions Spike: The US struck two Iranian oil tankers near its blockade in the Gulf of Oman, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on a US base—just as Bahrain said it arrested dozens it alleged were linked to the Guard. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Trump again warned Iran the “clock is ticking” as deal talks stall over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and rolling back Tehran’s nuclear programme. Bahrain Security Focus: Reports say Bahrain’s crackdown has intensified, with arrests and summonses of clerics and community figures, and detainee numbers said to exceed 280. Local Governance & Economy: Bahrain’s municipal cooperation committee reviewed youth, health, utilities and infrastructure projects, while private-sector expat hiring inched up 0.6% and Bahrainisation rules keep tightening. Culture & Community: Bahrain marked International Museum Day with a week-long programme, and an artist unveiled a Bahrain-inspired installation at Venice’s Biennale.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that any attack on its tankers or commercial ships would trigger a “heavy assault” on a U.S. base, after the U.S. struck two Iranian-flagged oil tankers trying to breach its blockade—while Iran’s first vice president said “enemy” military equipment will no longer be allowed through the strait. UN Diplomacy Clash: China’s UN envoy Fu Cong criticised a U.S.-Bahrain draft resolution as “untimely,” saying it won’t help and urging talks instead, as Bahrain and the U.S. seek support for a vote. Bahrain-US Security: Bahrain said it arrested dozens over alleged links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, with the kingdom hosting the U.S. Navy’s regional headquarters. Defence Upgrade for the Gulf: Britain rushed a low-cost anti-drone missile system into service on RAF Typhoons in the Middle East. Local Economy & Society: Bahrain reaffirmed mandatory nationalisation across sectors, and labour data showed Bahraini private-sector jobs rising faster than expat hiring. Court Update: Eight people face trial over a BD800,000 gold and luxury theft case in Juffair.

Gulf Security Shock: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that any attack on its oil tankers or commercial ships would trigger a “heavy assault” on a U.S. base, after the U.S. struck two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to breach its blockade—while Bahrain said it arrested dozens it alleged had links to the Guard. UN Diplomacy Clash: China’s UN envoy Fu Cong criticised a U.S.-Bahraini draft on the Strait of Hormuz as “untimely,” saying it won’t help and hinting at veto risks. Bahrain Crackdown: Imprisoned scholars urged an end to pressure on Shiites, including claims of citizenship revocations and detentions without fair trials. Local Governance: Bahrain reaffirmed mandatory nationalisation across all sectors, with penalties for firms missing quotas. Business & Travel: VFS Global opened a new Turkey visa centre in Bahrain, aiming to streamline applications for GCC travellers. Sports: Bahrain’s Afonso Eulalio kept the Giro d’Italia pink jersey after Stage 8.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US says it struck two Iranian oil tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any attack on its vessels will trigger “heavy assault” on US bases—just as a fragile ceasefire is tested. UN Showdown: China’s UN ambassador criticised a US-Bahrain draft resolution on Hormuz, saying the timing and wording are wrong and warning it won’t help, while Iran’s mission says Washington is using co-sponsors to claim broad support. Bahrain Security: Bahrain says it arrested dozens it alleges had links to the IRGC, as the region stays on edge. Diplomacy Elsewhere: Lebanon extended its Israel ceasefire for 45 days and Iran signalled readiness for fresh US talks. Local Spotlight: Bahrain marks International Museum Day with a week of events across major museums, plus new art and heritage exhibitions. Sports: Bahrain’s Jayden Price wins Asian U17 boxing gold in Tashkent.

Gulf Flashpoints: The US says it enforced a blockade against two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to reach an Iranian port, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on US bases—raising fresh doubts about a fragile ceasefire. Regional Diplomacy: Washington is still waiting on Iran’s response to a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and roll back Tehran’s nuclear programme, while Russia keeps its uranium-exchange idea on the table. Bahrain Security: Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s regional headquarters, says it arrested dozens over alleged IRGC links. Energy Pressure: The UAE is fast-tracking a West-East pipeline to double exports via Fujairah by 2027, aiming to reduce reliance on Hormuz as shipping disruptions bite. Markets & Life: GFH Bank reported 16.5% Q1 profit growth, while the Philippines said 9,500 workers have been repatriated from the Gulf since the Iran conflict escalated.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: The UAE says it will fast-track a new West-East oil pipeline to boost exports via Fujairah by 2027, aiming to better bypass Hormuz as the region stays tense. Bahrain-US Iran Fallout: Bahrain welcomed a Yemen detainee exchange deal brokered in Jordan, while the wider Gulf security picture remains dominated by Iran-linked naval and blockade warnings. Bahrain Banking Roundup: Al Baraka Islamic Bank reported a turnaround to Q1 net income of BD12,000; BBK posted a record Q1 net profit of BD26.1m (+23.7%); NBB said Q1 shareholder profit fell 27% to BD20.6m; BDB reported Q1 profit of BD305,000. Fintech Investment: SBI and Investcorp backed Fasset’s $51m Series B to expand stablecoin banking and payments across multiple corridors. Tourism Push: Bahrain launched a GCC-focused summer tourism campaign, betting on events, family activities and short-break travel.

Hormuz Tensions: The US struck two Iranian oil tankers and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would be met with a “heavy assault” on US bases, as a tenuous ceasefire faces fresh doubt. Bahrain Security Crackdown: Bahrain said it arrested dozens over alleged links to the IRGC, while a prominent Bahraini cleric warned the Al Khalifa dynasty could face “collapse” if detentions and citizenship revocations continue. GCC Emergency Talks: UAE Interior Minister Saif bin Zayed led the UAE delegation at an emergency GCC Interior Ministers’ meeting in Riyadh, stressing Gulf security is indivisible and targeting Iranian “subversive” activity. Scholarships Move Forward: CPISP has begun assessments for 1,360 scholarship applicants, with shortlisted students expected before end-June. Banking Results: National Bank of Bahrain reported Q1 net profit of BD20.6m, while GFH Bank posted US$35.11m, up 16.5%. Environment & Culture: Bahrain’s afforestation plan hit 2.45m planted trees, and Omani artists joined Bahrain’s “Wasl 2” exhibition in Manama.

Gulf Security Tensions: The US says it struck two Iranian-flagged unladen tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its tankers would trigger a “heavy assault” on US bases; Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s regional HQ, meanwhile said it arrested dozens over alleged IRGC links as Washington awaits Iran’s response to a new deal proposal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. UN Diplomacy Over Hormuz: Iran’s UN mission called the US-led push “ridiculous, misleading and deceptive,” as a draft resolution backed by 112 co-sponsoring nations—led by Bahrain and the US—gains momentum. Bahrain Parliament Watch: MPs are scrutinising a corporate tax bill, arguing tax rates and calculations must be written in the law, not left to executive rules. Banking & Business: SICO named Yousif Bucheeri as Group Deputy CEO; Al Baraka reported a Q1 turnaround, cutting losses sharply, while Ithmaar posted higher Q1 profits. Local Life & Culture: Bahrain’s tourism push targets GCC families, and a free medical camp is planned for the Kannada community.

Iran War Fallout in Bahrain: Bahrain says it has arrested dozens and dismantled an Iranian-directed network, alleging links to the IRGC and warning of “heavy assault” if attacks hit Iranian tankers—while protesters in Diraz denounced the crackdown on Iran sympathisers. GCC Security Push: GCC interior ministers met in Riyadh, chaired by Bahrain’s Interior Minister, to tighten joint security coordination against Iran-linked cells. Hormuz and Global Pressure: As the US awaits Iran’s response to a deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, analysts say oil markets are being “shielded” but supply losses keep mounting. Trump-Xi Watch: Trump’s Beijing summit with Xi is framed as a make-or-break moment for ending the war and stabilising shipping. Bahrain Economy and Business: Alba’s Q1 profit jumped 316% to $200.3m, while Bahrain’s labour regulator reported 29 arrests and 94 deportations in a crackdown on irregular workers. Culture and Society: A Bahrain film project, “The Hakim,” is set to be directed by Alex Proyas, and Manama Souq redevelopment plans advanced under a ministerial committee.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US moved to block two Iranian-flagged oil tankers, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on US bases—raising fresh doubts about a fragile ceasefire. Bahrain Security Crackdown: Bahrain said it arrested dozens linked to the IRGC, and courts handed life sentences to three people for passing information and aiding espionage. Diplomatic Push: A UN Security Council draft backed by Bahrain and the US gained 112 co-sponsors, aiming to protect freedom of navigation through Hormuz. Bahrain Business: Alba surged to a BD75.3m Q1 profit (+316%); Al Salam Bank reported BD23.1m net profit (+24.4%); and Gulf Air launched its first Starlink-equipped flight. Local Development: A public tender is out for the Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Highway upgrade, and Manama Suq revamp progress was reviewed. Sports & Lifestyle: Dividend Gate Capital plans Bahrain’s first indoor ski academy.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: The US Energy Information Administration says the Strait of Hormuz will stay effectively shut through late May, with traffic resuming gradually next month—pushing US retail gasoline prices higher, with a 2026 average forecast of $3.88 a gallon. Bahrain Court Crackdown: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court handed down multiple rulings tied to March violence and alleged IRGC links, including life sentences for collaboration and social-media support for hostile acts. Gulf Diplomacy Under Strain: Russia and China have raised “serious concerns” over a US-backed UN draft resolution on Hormuz, calling it unbalanced and urging renewed talks. Regional Security Signals: Kuwait accused Iran of sending an armed Revolutionary Guard team in a failed infiltration on Bubiyan Island, while the US says it is awaiting Iran’s response to a new proposal. Aviation Safety: EASA extended its conflict-zone advisory affecting airspace including Bahrain, warning airlines to keep monitoring risks as the ceasefire remains uncertain.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of “heavy assault” on U.S. bases and ships if Iranian tankers or commercial vessels are attacked, after the U.S. struck two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to breach its blockade—while Washington waits for Tehran’s response to a new deal proposal to reopen Hormuz and roll back nuclear steps. Bahrain Security Crackdown: Bahrain said it arrested dozens over alleged links to the IRGC, as Majlis and officials praised Interior Ministry action and reaffirmed national unity behind security institutions. Maritime Rules: Shura approved Bahrain joining a global pact to cut ship emissions, bringing the country under Annex VI rules. Business & Finance: Tamkeen’s board backed a grant-and-financing bundle for 7,250 firms, and Bahrain’s Sukuk Al Salam issue was oversubscribed 271%. Digital Payments: BENEFIT launched “Scheduled Transfers” on BenefitPay, while EazyPay fully integrated AI into operations. Markets & Economy: Zain Group reported Q1 revenue up 6% to $1.86bn and net profit at a 15-year high; Bahrain Bourse ended Monday lower.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy warned that any attack on Iranian tankers or commercial ships would be met with a “heavy assault” on a U.S. base, even as a fragile ceasefire is said to be holding—after the U.S. struck two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to breach its blockade. Diplomacy on Ice: Washington says it’s waiting on Iran’s response to a proposal to end the war, reopen Hormuz shipping, and roll back Tehran’s nuclear programme, while Russia’s Putin says his uranium-for-talks plan is still on the table. Bahrain Security: Bahrain said it arrested dozens over alleged IRGC links, and Cabinet praised vigilance after uncovering an IRGC-linked organisation. Energy Moves: Bahrain’s Shura Council approved a $200m gas project concession for Jubah and Pre-Tawil reservoirs, with drilling already under way. Digital Payments: BENEFIT launched “Scheduled Transfers” on BenefitPay, and stc Bahrain partnered with MENA Industrial Bank to build a private-cloud tech backbone.