AGP Executive Report

Local Education Expansion: Muharraq Municipal Council approved a proposal to set up a University of Bahrain academy in the governorate, aiming to cut travel costs for students and widen higher-education access. Parliament Pushback on Iran Claims: MPs condemned Iran’s Kayhan newspaper for renewed allegations about Bahrain, saying the claims attack the kingdom’s sovereignty and Arab identity. Bahrain Finance & Banking: Standard Chartered said it is exploring a sale of its wealth and retail banking business in Bahrain, while keeping its corporate and investment banking operations. Capital Markets Plan: Bahrain Bourse and the Bahrain Association of Banks held a strategy session on the Capital Market Development Plan 2026–2028 “Elevate.” Digital Banking Upgrade: NBB rolled out a redesigned digital app and launched “Pockets,” a goal-based savings feature. Government Digital Services: iGA launched an official WhatsApp channel to help residents access updates on government e-services. Urban Modernisation: Muharraq plans to replace traditional roadside billboards with digital smart screens, starting with a pilot on Muharraq Ring Road. Regional Tensions & Hormuz: As US-Iran talks continue, Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz won’t return to pre-war conditions and says it will manage the waterway under its own arrangements. Diplomacy in the Gulf: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain to discuss the Iran MoU and secure safe transit through Hormuz. Culture in Mourning: Bahrain mourned poet Ali Abdullah Khalifa, described as a key figure in the kingdom’s modern cultural renaissance.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Vice President JD Vance says talks in Switzerland laid a “good foundation” for a final deal within 60 days, with a roadmap covering safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz and steps toward nuclear inspections, as the US lifts a 60-day sanctions waiver on Iranian oil exports. Gulf Focus: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain (June 23-25) to discuss the Iran MoU, Strait of Hormuz transit and regional security, including a meeting with the GCC in Bahrain. Bahrain Digital Services: Bahrain’s iGA launched its official WhatsApp channel to share updates on eServices and government announcements, with users joining via a QR code on iGA’s platforms. Local Culture: Bahraini poet Ali Abdullah Khalifa, a cultural pioneer who shaped modern Gulf poetry and folklore, has died aged 82. Business & Economy: Bahrain’s Central Bank governor highlighted the sector’s resilience and Bahrain–France cooperation on digital transformation at the French-Gulf Strategic Summit. Sports: The Bahrain International Trophy was upgraded to Group One status, boosting Bahrain’s global horseracing profile.

Education & Youth Entrepreneurship: INJAZ Bahrain wrapped up its 18th Young Entrepreneurs Competition, with students crediting the “Company Programme 2026” for turning ideas into real ventures focused on sustainability, tech and community impact. Religious & Community Life: Shaikh Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed bin Futais Al Hajri honoured winners of Bahrain’s fifth Quran Interpretation Competition, aimed at deepening understanding of the Holy Quran. Culture & Diplomacy: “Voices of Europe: A Dialogue for Peace & Resilience” brought diplomats and artists together at Isa Cultural Hall for music and poetry celebrating coexistence. Health & Social Support: A specialised sickle cell transition clinic has opened at Salmaniya Medical Complex for patients aged 14 to 20, easing the shift from paediatric to adult care. Business & Consumer: Mazad opened bidding on signed World Cup jerseys from Iker Casillas, Rivaldo, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Scholes, running until June 30. Sports & Local Interest: Seef were knocked out of the Lion City Challenger 2026 after a 21–14 quarter-final loss to Japan’s Shibuya. Regulation & Courts: New rules under Resolution No 49 of 2026 tighten how debtor property seizures and auctions are run, requiring clear public steps and court-supervised procedures. Public Health Policy: Bahrain’s Shura Council approved proposals in principle including a draft law on health tourism and updates to child and medical-profession regulations.

Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Minister of Culture met the chair of the Shaikh Ebrahim Center to discuss preserving cultural heritage and reviving historic buildings. Public Health & Sports: Bahrain will host the second Bahrain Diabetes and Obesity Conference on Oct 1-2, 2026 under HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad’s patronage. Central Banking: The Central Bank of Bahrain reviewed 2026 priorities and reported money supply up to BD18.1bn, with deposits and lending rising as the banking system balance sheet reached USD254bn by end-April. Municipal Regulation: Food truck operators get a six-month grace period (June 21-Dec 21) to regularise licensing and meet health and safety requirements. Business & Investment: Bahrain’s foreign direct investment rose 81% over a decade to BD17.733bn by end-2025, while Hilton Bahrain’s GM Tamer Farouk won GM of the Year Bahrain. Culture & Arts: Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa’s “The Crate Maze” is showcased at Art Basel, spotlighting the Kingdom’s trading legacy.

Bahrain Economy & Investment: Foreign direct investment in Bahrain jumped 81% over the past decade, rising from BD9.797bn at end-2016 to BD17.733bn by end-2025, with the biggest surge coming in 2023. Business & Finance: The National Bureau for Revenue issued Bahrain’s first Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax transfer pricing guide under OECD Pillar Two, outlining Local and Master File expectations for multinationals. Labour & Community: Ethiopia and Bahrain are working on a labour market framework to streamline co-operation and protect rights; officials say more than 35,000 Ethiopians live in Bahrain, mainly as domestic workers. Digital & Society: Parents and experts are pushing for safer online rules for children as Bahrain debates a social media ban for under-15s, with concerns over enforcement and privacy. Sports & Tourism: Bahrain International Circuit appointed Ahmed Sami Altajer as Director of Facilities, while Hilton Bahrain’s GM Tamer Farouk won GM of the Year Bahrain at the Hotelier Middle East awards. Culture: Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa is showcasing “The Crate Maze” at Art Basel in Switzerland, spotlighting Bahrain’s trading heritage. Regional Watch: Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic, citing ceasefire violations, adding uncertainty for Gulf shipping and trade.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Trump doubled down on calling the US-Iran MoU “unconditional surrender,” while US envoys and Iran’s foreign minister were reported heading to Switzerland for talks—though Israel’s strikes in Lebanon have thrown the process into doubt. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s top military command said the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessel traffic, citing ceasefire violations, even as other reports say shipping is starting to resume. Bahrain Digital Services: Bahrain upgraded 83 government services across 17 entities in five months, cutting processing times by at least 25% and reducing documents and steps for users. IsDB Infrastructure Boost: Bahrain signed IsDB financing deals for the King Faisal Highway upgrade and the Salman Industrial City expansion, backing major logistics and industrial growth. Trade and Costs: Economists said reopening Hormuz should gradually ease freight and insurance pressure on Bahrain’s economy, though full normalisation may take months. Local Governance: Muharraq Municipal Council discussed updating public roads rules and urged keeping fees off permits for private shade canopies. Culture and Heritage: Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa brought the kingdom’s trading legacy to Art Basel with “The Crate Maze.” Air Connectivity: Gulf Air marked seasonal flights to El Alamein, strengthening Bahrain-Egypt travel links. Health Support: Bahrain supplied Ribavirin to Kerala within 24 hours during a Nipah medicine shortage, helping treatment efforts.

Air Connectivity: Gulf Air marked the launch of its inaugural seasonal flight to El Alamein, with Bahrain-Egypt ties boosted for summer 2026 alongside routes to Geneva, Malaga and Nice. Port & Trade: Khalifa Port recorded 97,000 containers by May, with 238 ship calls logged between January and May, led by general cargo and container traffic. Development Finance: Bahrain signed two IsDB deals in Baku worth about $180m for the King Faisal Highway upgrade and $330m for expanding Salman Industrial City, targeting logistics and industrial growth. Digital Government: Bahrain rolled out 83 upgraded government services across 17 entities, cutting processing times, reducing steps and documents, and expanding digital access. Economy & Shipping: With Hormuz reopening, analysts say freight and insurance costs should ease, though a full return to normal trade could take months. Local Governance: Muharraq is reviewing public roads rules and pushing for shade canopy permits to stay fee-free. Culture & Education: Foundation stone laid for a new Alliance Française Bahrain building in Adliya, while a Bahraini mum was praised for returning to school after 27 years. Sports: Kemi Adekoya posted a season-best 53.67 in Doha’s Diamond League, and the USA booked World Cup 2026 knockout qualification with a 2-0 win over Australia.

US-Iran De-escalation: Russia lifted its travel advisory for Gulf states, including Bahrain, after the US and Iran signed an interim peace MoU aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Security: Analysts and Gulf allies remain cautious as the MoU reportedly leaves key Iranian power-projection capabilities untouched, while Lebanon-related violence has already delayed planned talks. Shipping and Costs: With the strait reopening, maritime experts warn the return to normal trade could take months, pushing up crew incentives and insurance costs as vessels clear backlogs. Bahrain Transport: Bahrain launched a pilot “Uber Black” premium service under a regulated framework with licensed companies, offering luxury chauffeur-driven rides in selected areas. Local Services: Manama kicked off a major Ashoora cleanliness drive with 300 sanitation workers and dedicated recycling containers, while Muharraq is set to overhaul Shaikh Hamad Avenue to add parking and ease congestion near Old Muharraq Suq. Business and Heritage: Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce plans a new “Old Markets Committee” to support traditional souqs and boost their competitiveness. Public Health Reminder: Health experts in Bahrain urged people not to stop prescribed medication based on diet trends spreading online.

UK Travel Eases for Gulf: The UK Foreign Office lifted “all but essential” travel warnings for the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait after the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, though it stressed the situation can still change quickly. Local Transport Upgrade: Muharraq is set for a half-kilometre overhaul of Shaikh Hamad Avenue, adding parking, improving junctions and entrances, and upgrading pavement and street landscaping while preserving the area’s heritage feel. Traditional Markets Push: Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce plans a new “Old Markets Committee” to give traditional souqs a stronger voice, support competitiveness and boost tourism. Housing Safety Fund Debate: A parliamentary committee backed a proposal for a state-and-banks fund to repair unsafe homes, despite Finance Ministry concerns about duplication and extra budget costs. Mobility Innovation: Bahrain launched a pilot “Uber Black” service with licensed transport firms under ministry supervision, starting in selected areas. Gold Softens: Bahrain gold shops reported a rebound in buyers after prices dipped, with 21-carat gold around BD43–45 per gram. Startup Spotlight: Bahrain’s startup ecosystem value surged 759% to $1.6bn, ranking among the top performers in a major global report. Health Warning: Experts cautioned against stopping prescribed medication based on diet trends spreading online. Surveillance Export Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch alleged Bulgaria licensed surveillance exports linked to Circles/NSO to repressive regimes, renewing EU control concerns. Energy Watch: Global oil markets reacted to shifting Middle East risk as the Strait of Hormuz situation remains a key driver for prices.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, escalating tensions after U.S. airstrikes and raising fears of major oil disruptions. Bahrain Court Update: Bahrain’s First High Criminal Court of Appeal upheld prison terms for an Asian couple convicted in a newborn death and illegal burial case, with deportation after sentences. Housing Push: Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing received bids for the Madinat Khalifa project, with Naseej submitting the top offer (BD19.36m) ahead of a limited auction. Medical Regulation Upgrade: Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority launched “Madar” for medical device registration and “Tataub” for tracking devices and supplies across the supply chain. Local Governance: Southern Governorate officials discussed tighter rules on shop signage and language use to curb visual clutter. Business & Finance: NBB partnered with Hope Talents for an employee loyalty rewards programme, and also acted as joint lead manager in Bahrain’s $1bn sovereign bond issuance. Travel Relief for Bahrain: The UK Foreign Office lifted “all but essential” travel warnings for Bahrain and other Gulf states after the U.S.-Iran MoU, while stressing the situation remains unpredictable. Startup Spotlight: Bahrain ranked among the top MENA ecosystems in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026, with ecosystem value jumping to $1.6bn.

Gulf Energy & Security: Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, escalating tensions after US airstrikes and raising fears of major global oil disruption. US–Iran Power Struggle: The US House passed a War Powers Resolution urging President Donald Trump to end the Iran war, setting up a showdown with the Senate. Bahrain Business & Services: Gulf Air welcomed a new Airbus A321neo to expand its fleet to 46 aircraft, while Chery Bahrain opened a new Arad service and spare parts centre. Local Governance: Northern Governorate officials lined up about BD1m in municipal projects, and the Northern Municipal Council extended Bahrain Chamber sectoral committee registrations by two weeks to 2 July. Labour & Law: LMRA cut the domestic worker permit correction wait to one day after an employer’s death, and a salon owner was fined BD100 for cameras in women-only areas. Community & Culture: Ashoora season rules were issued, and Bahrain honoured two sickle cell “gene-editing” heroes on World Sickle Cell Day.

Bahrain Policy & Services: Bahrain’s LMRA has upgraded its digital service for domestic workers whose employers die, cutting permit-status correction time from 10 working days to one day and reducing documents and approvals. Regional Security & Energy: With a US-Iran ceasefire framework in motion, allies are discussing a demining and escort mission for the Strait of Hormuz to help reopen shipping safely, while airlines and insurers watch for disruption risks. Bahrain Courts & Regional Tensions: Bahrain sentenced 12 people to 10 years for alleged support of Iran-linked attacks, underscoring the kingdom’s hard line on regional security threats. Sports Media: beIN Media Group renewed Wimbledon broadcast rights across MENA until 2030, expanding live and on-demand streaming via TOD and beIN CONNECT. Bahrain Economy & Investment: NBB acted as joint lead manager and bookrunner for Bahrain’s $1bn 10-year international bond issue, priced at a 7.125% yield amid strong demand. Culture & Events: Bahrain will mark Ashura with official closures on June 25-26, with a compensatory holiday on June 28.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority ordered a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, citing retaliation after US airstrikes, as global oil markets brace for major disruption. Bahrain Court Case: Bahrain sentenced 12 people to 10 years in prison for alleged support of Iran-linked attacks, including claims of spreading pro-Iran content and sharing sensitive information on social media. Local Governance: A proposal to set strict shop opening and closing hours hit a roadblock after the Capital Trustees Board opposed it, arguing business owners—not regulators—should decide operating times. EV Mobility: YK Almoayyed & Sons and Electric Vehicle Services (EVS) signed an agreement to launch EVS Bahrain, bringing dedicated EV and NEV servicing to customers. Startup Spotlight: Bahrain ranked among Mena’s top 5 startup ecosystems in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026, with $1.6bn ecosystem value and strong AI and R&D positions. Travel Insurance Push: Emirates launched an industry-first Comprehensive Travel Cover with medical protection for conflict-related incidents plus airline-managed rebooking and accommodation support. Regional Travel Updates: Australia downgraded travel warnings for Bahrain and other Gulf hubs from “do not travel” to “reconsider your need to travel,” easing insurance concerns for transiting Australians. Business & Culture: Gulf Air renewed its partnership with the Royal Bahrain Concours for 2026, while Bahrain’s RCSI Medical University Alumni Awards 2026 honoured nine graduates.

Strait of Hormuz Shockwaves: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping after US airstrikes, raising fears of major global energy disruption. US-Iran Tensions and Politics: The House passed a War Powers Resolution pushing Trump to end the Iran war, while Iran floated a four-stage deal proposal covering ceasefire, Hormuz steps, sanctions relief and a supervisory committee. Oil and Prices: Crude slid below $80 as markets bet on reopening, but analysts warn oil flows could take weeks or months to fully recover. Bahrain and Regional Security: Reports also say US forces have used Iranian-style ship-to-ship transfers to move Gulf oil, and allies are discussing a naval mine-clearing mission to reassure shipping. Bahrain Local Updates: University of Bahrain launched an instant digital service to cancel academic transfer requests; MPs want a review of rising University of Bahrain fees. Community and Business: Bahrain’s new indoor cricket academy opens year-round training in Salmabad, while NBB runs a summer cashback campaign for overseas spending. Events: Registration opened for the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain (2-5 Nov 2026).

Housing Update: Salman Town is set to expand with 432 ownership flats and 137 houses planned under new phases reviewed by the Northern Municipal Council, with pricing aligned to housing finance programmes and delivery targeted for 2027. Court & Cybercrime: A Bahraini man was sentenced to three years in prison and fined BD3,000 for hacking a businessman’s banking app and fraudulently transferring BD2,490 using SIM-swap tactics and verification codes. Security & Justice: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court handed down 12 ten-year sentences over alleged support for Iran-linked attacks, including claims of sharing sensitive site images and spreading online content during heightened regional tensions. Community & Youth: The Prime Minister’s Programme for Government Talent Development held a graduates reunion to strengthen networks and experience-sharing, while Youth City 2030 saw the revamped Lamea Junior programme return for ages 12–14. Sports & Tech: The International Sport and Security Exhibition opened in Bahrain, showcasing AI, drones and smart security systems, alongside Bahrain’s new indoor cricket academy in Salmabad. Regional Watch: The US-Iran MoU framework has raised hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but energy analysts warn oil flows may take weeks or months to fully normalise.

Bahrain Security & Courts: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court has sentenced 12 people to 10 years in prison over alleged support for Iran-linked attacks, with charges including sharing restricted security information, photographing prohibited sites and spreading false or inciting content on social media. Regional Diplomacy & Energy: The US and Iran have finalised an MoU to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, triggering cautious optimism across the region—though shipping and oil flows are expected to take weeks or months to normalise. Local Economy & SMEs: Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed a new ministerial decision updating the classification of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, saying it will sharpen targeting of support and help firms scale with clearer rules. Business Recognition: Forbes Middle East named five Bahrain-based CMOs for their strategic impact, highlighting leadership in banking, telecoms and real estate. Sports & Culture: Bahrain hosted the International Sports and Security Exhibition (ISSE), showcasing technologies for safety and security, while Bahrain Victorious’ Seth Dunwoody narrowly missed a podium finish at the Giro d’Italia Next Gen.