AGP Executive Report

US-Iran Diplomacy & Aviation Safety: EU aviation regulator EASA says airlines should keep avoiding Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace until July 1, warning ceasefire violations could still flare near the Strait of Hormuz and that Lebanon’s airspace remains risky amid a fragile Israel-Hezbollah truce. Ashura Health Services: Bahrain’s Salmaniya Medical Complex will keep Accident & Emergency and its pharmacy open 24/7 during Ashura, with other clinics and OPD services closed on set days and visiting hours set for adult/pediatric patients and ICU. Parliament Pushback on Iran Claims: Bahraini MPs rejected Iran’s Kayhan newspaper claims linking Bahrain historically to Iran, citing the 1970 UN-supervised self-determination process and Bahrain’s Arab identity. Water Safety Checks: The Ministry of Health began testing water samples from Buhair Valley in East Riffa after public concerns about possible contamination. Instalment Sales Bill: A Parliament panel is studying an instalment sales law that would require seller licensing, written contracts, and penalties for unlicensed trade (property sales excluded). Tourism Boost: Bahrain earned $5.4bn from tourism in 2025, up 7%, with visitor nights and spending rising. Entrepreneurship: NBB and INJAZ Bahrain wrapped up Entaliq’s third edition, honouring young entrepreneurs and mentors. Regional Outreach: Two MPs will join Cairo talks ahead of an Arab Parliament conference on sovereignty, the Palestinian issue and digital privacy. Local Community & Culture: Al Hilal Healthcare Group opened its Ashoora Medical Clinic in Manama, and a Bahraini thespian received her British medal at the British Embassy.

US-Iran Diplomacy & Hormuz: Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Abu Dhabi to reassure Gulf allies after a Switzerland framework that aims to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease sanctions, but Gulf capitals remain uneasy over enforcement and Iran’s nuclear and proxy roles; Rubio said the US will not accept tolls on the Strait, while Iran rejected claims it will allow UN nuclear inspectors back to bombed sites. Regional Coordination: Bahrain’s FM Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani chaired an Arab League ministerial session in Amman, urging tighter Arab coordination over missile/drone attacks and Strait-of-Hormuz disruptions. Bahrain Community & Services: Al Hilal Healthcare Group launched its Ashura Medical Clinic in Manama for the 4th year, and the Capital Governor reviewed ma’atams’ Ashura preparations. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Standard Chartered said it will explore selling its Bahrain wealth and retail banking business (CIB unaffected), while two new 220kV/66kV substations were inaugurated in Al Ramli to strengthen the power grid. Youth & Culture: NBB and INJAZ Bahrain wrapped up Entaliq, and Bahrain’s Youth Leadership Programme concluded its 11th edition. Weather Watch: Strong northwesterly winds are expected from June 25, with possible dust and reduced visibility.

Iran-US Diplomacy & Hormuz: The US Treasury temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil until Aug 21 after talks in Switzerland, while Iran signalled it will keep control of the Strait of Hormuz; US officials say transit is “totally open” and Rubio is set to brief Gulf allies on the deal. Rubio’s Gulf Tour: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain officials to address concerns over missile limits, a proposed $300bn reconstruction fund and risks to oil shipping lanes. Bahrain Solidarity: Bahrain expressed condolences and solidarity with Qatar after a Ras Laffan factory explosion killed 13, urging safety and recovery. Local Housing Push: An MP called to raise Bahrain’s housing loan ceiling from BD80,000 to BD120,000, saying prices have outpaced the cap. Court & Crime: A money laundering conviction in a BD143,000 case was overturned and sent for retrial; an armed robbery attempt at a currency exchange was foiled by an alarm. Business & Finance: Bahrain Bourse unveiled its Capital Market Development Plan 2026-2028 (“Elevate”), and NBB launched app “Pockets” for goal-based savings. Sports & Culture: Bahrain’s U12 tennis team heads to Cairo for the Arab Championship; Bahrain mourns poet Ali Abdullah Khalifa, a key figure in the kingdom’s modern cultural renaissance.

US-Iran Diplomacy: US Vice President JD Vance said talks in Switzerland laid a “good foundation” for a final deal, with inspectors and Strait of Hormuz safe transit among the key issues as shipping transits resume and oil prices ease. US-Gulf Outreach: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain from June 23–25, meeting GCC officials in Bahrain to discuss the Iran memorandum of understanding and regional security, including Hormuz navigation. Bahrain Education: Bahrain welcomed the first 400 students into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme after a competitive intake of 3,000 applicants. Justice Sector Training: Bahrain’s Judicial Training Institute reported 77 courses for 1,028 trainees in the first half of 2026, with a push to keep pace with legal and digital developments. Renewables Bid: EWA received two bids for the 100MW BAJ Solar IPP, with Yellow Door Energy submitting the lowest offer. Digital Services: iGA launched an official WhatsApp channel to share eServices updates and government news. Culture & Sports: Bahrain mourned poet Ali Abdullah Khalifa, while Bahrain’s Special Olympics team won gold in Unified Triathlon in Tunisia.

Justice Overhaul: Bahrain has overhauled rules on seizing and auctioning debtor-owned properties, boosting transparency and speeding court steps, with Resolution No 49 of 2026 setting tighter controls on public auctions and base pricing. Education Upgrade: Bahrain became the first in the region to introduce the International Baccalaureate in government schools, selecting 400 Grade Eight students for the Middle Years Programme ahead of a first graduation in 2031. National Resilience Record: A new Royal Order No 20 of 2026 created a National Resilience Documentation Committee to preserve Bahrain’s response to recent Iranian attacks. Energy Projects: EWA opened bids for the Sitra IWPP and Bilaj Al Jazayer BAJ Solar IPP, with ACWA and Taqa/other bidders in the race as Bahrain targets stronger power and water security. Banking Watch: Bahrain’s banking balance sheet rose to $254bn, with CBB highlighting liquidity support and loan deferral programmes. Business Offers: NBB is offering Thara’a Prize Account customers triple chances to win the December Grand Prize, while Al Salam Bank and talabat Bahrain run World Cup discounts up to 70%. Sports (AVC): Bahrain begin their AVC Men’s Cup title defence with wins and face India tonight in Ahmedabad. Arts Loss: Bahrain mourns poet Ali Abdullah Khalifa, a key figure in modern Bahraini literature.

Bahrain Courts & Justice: Four people were jailed in a fraud case after expired food products had expiry dates altered to push them back onto the market, with the court ordering confiscation and destruction of the goods and closure of the company for six months. Public Health & Sports: Bahrain will host its second Diabetes and Obesity Conference on Oct 1-2 under HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad’s patronage, bringing together local and international experts on prevention and management. Economy & Banking: The Central Bank of Bahrain reported continued growth in money supply, deposits and lending, and reviewed its AI strategy and a currency swap agreement with the UAE. Industry & Trade: Bahrain hosted the 9th GCC Industry Undersecretaries meeting to boost industrial integration and supply-chain resilience, including proposals on localisation criteria for GCC national products. Municipal Regulation: Food truck operators get a six-month grace period (June 21-Dec 21, 2026) to regularise licensing and meet health and safety requirements. Culture & Heritage: Bahrain’s Culture Minister met the chair of the Shaikh Ebrahim Center to discuss preserving cultural heritage and restoring historic buildings. International & Regional: GCC undersecretaries met in Manama as regional tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East diplomacy.

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 in 2023. GCC Policy & Law: The GCC launched its first unified legislative online portal, with Bahrain and Oman in the first phase and more member states to follow, offering access to 26,000+ legal documents. Digital & Business Regulation: Bahrain’s National Bureau for Revenue published the country’s first Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax transfer pricing guide under OECD Pillar Two, spelling out compliance and documentation expectations for multinationals. Transport & Connectivity: Air India Express will start direct Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi flights on July 15, initially twice weekly then three times weekly from July 29, boosting UAE access for the Mumbai region. Community & Culture: Shura Council Speaker Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh praised the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union’s role on its 52nd anniversary. Public Safety & Health: Parents and experts are pushing for safer child internet use as Bahrain weighs options after a Shura proposal to ban under-15 social media accounts faced concerns over enforcement and privacy. Sports: Bahrain began its AVC Men’s Cup title defence with a 3-1 win over Chinese Taipei.

US-Iran Diplomacy & Hormuz Tensions: Trump told Axios the US-Iran MoU is “unconditional surrender,” while Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessel traffic, as US and Iranian envoys head to Switzerland for talks amid renewed strikes in Lebanon. Regional Solidarity: Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam backed Gulf states and Jordan after attacks he called sovereignty violations; Bahrain’s parliamentary leaders also urged firm Arab action, with the Mediterranean Parliament condemning threats to Gulf stability. Bahrain-US-Gulf Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE next week, including a GCC foreign ministers meeting in Bahrain. Bahrain Economy & Infrastructure: Bahrain and IsDB signed about $510m in financing for the King Faisal Highway and Salman Industrial City expansion; Bahrain Bourse marked Capital Market Day at the London Stock Exchange Group. Local Services & Jobs: Bahrain upgraded 83 government services across 17 entities, and LMRA data showed new work permits fell 10.1% in 2025 as renewals and local transfers rose. Business & Transport: Gulf Air launched seasonal flights to El Alamein; Khalifa Port handled 97,000 containers by May. Community & Culture: Isa Town Commercial Complex is set to open in late 2026 with a BHD 2.4m investment; Bahrain’s Royal Court begins annual Hijri donations.

Bahrain-IsDB Deals: Bahrain signed two financing agreements with the Islamic Development Bank for the King Faisal Highway upgrade (about $180m) and the Salman Industrial City expansion (about $330m), aiming to boost infrastructure, industry and logistics. Digital Government: Bahrain says it has built 83 upgraded government services across 17 entities since mid-January, cutting processing times and documents while expanding digital access. Family Law Update: A lawyer says a divorced mother in Bahrain does not automatically lose custody after remarriage; courts decide based on the child’s welfare, with judges able to seek specialist input. Municipal Moves: The Southern Municipal Council wrapped up its four-year term after 291 decisions, with a six-month extension; Muharraq council also backed updates to public roads rules while urging no fees for private shade canopy permits. Road Works: Zallaq Interchange lane closures are planned over the weekend, with limited access from midnight to 5am Sunday. Stray Dogs Concern: Northern Municipal Council members urged action after residents reported stray dogs gathering near Hamad Town burial mounds, raising fears of attacks. Trade Relief: Economists say Hormuz reopening should gradually ease Bahrain’s shipping and insurance costs, though full recovery may take months. Diplomacy & Culture: Bahrain pledged stronger Euro-Mediterranean ties at a parliamentary forum in Morocco, while France’s Alliance Française laid a foundation stone for a new Bahrain building. Sports: Kemi Adekoya posted a season-best 53.67 to finish third in Doha’s Diamond League 400m hurdles; Bahrain’s Seef set to compete in Singapore’s FIBA 3x3 event.

US-Iran Deal Watch: The US-Iran MoU is signed and hostilities are set to end, but critics say it leaves Tehran’s core missile, drone and militia power-projection largely untouched, while talks in Geneva are delayed amid Lebanon flare-ups. Travel & Safety: Russia lifted its Gulf travel advisory after the MoU, and the UK eased guidance for Bahrain and other Gulf states—though officials still warn conditions can change fast, affecting insurance and flight plans. Bahrain & Region: Bahrain’s Ashura holidays are announced, with major municipal cleanliness and Ashoora operations centres gearing up for the season, plus a Muharraq Suq parking push. Health Aid: Bahrain helped Kerala during the Nipah outbreak by rapidly supplying key antivirals within 24 hours. Transport & Tech: Bahrain launched a trial of Uber Black with licensed partners, while the Coast Guard ran safety awareness for a northern marine survey. Economy & Courts: Bahrain issued 8,000 licences for promotions and draws, and courts upheld jail terms in tobacco smuggling and human trafficking cases. Sports: Kemba Nelson won women’s 100m in Doha on Diamond League debut; Bahrain’s Kemi Adekoya took third in 400m hurdles.

Gold & Cost of Living: Bahrain gold shops report a rebound in trade after prices eased from May highs, with 21-carat gold around BD43–45 per gram as shoppers return for gifts and savings. Transport & Mobility: Bahrain launches a regulated pilot of “Uber Black” with licensed operators, starting in selected areas via the Uber app. Finance & Markets: SICO Capital unveils its GCC Dividends Fund, while Bahrain Bourse marks “Bahrain Capital Market Day 2026” at LSEG to boost investor links. Housing & Safety: A parliamentary committee backs a proposal for a state-and-bank fund to repair unsafe homes, despite Finance Ministry warnings about overlap and costs. Crime & Courts: Bahrain courts hand down jail terms and deportations in human trafficking, drug, and tobacco smuggling cases. Diplomacy: Bahrain and France push deeper parliamentary cooperation as Bahrain’s GCC role is reiterated at the UN. Business Climate: Bahrain breaks into the world’s top 20 in the IMD competitiveness ranking, highlighting strong economic performance and trade. Tech & Growth: Bahrain’s startup ecosystem value jumps 759% to $1.6bn, landing it among the region’s top performers. Regional Travel: UK and other foreign offices ease Gulf travel warnings following the US-Iran MoU, though security remains “unpredictable.”

US-Iran MoU and Gulf travel thaw: Bahrain’s Foreign Office update comes as the UK lifts “all but essential” travel warnings for Gulf destinations after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding, though officials stress the region remains unpredictable and attacks could resume. Diplomacy in focus: Bahrain’s FM Ishaq Dar discussed the Iran-US MoU with his Bahraini counterpart, praising Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks, while Russia’s deputy foreign minister met GCC envoys including Bahrain to press for restored navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Local regulation upgrade: Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority launched “Madar” to register medical devices and “Tataub” to track devices and supplies across the supply chain, aiming to boost safety and efficiency. Municipal preparations for Ashura: The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture minister activated a main cleaning operations centre in Manama and inspected readiness along procession routes and maatams. Workplace and rights: NBB partnered with Hope Talents on an employee loyalty rewards programme; Bahrain’s NIHR chief spoke at a Jordan forum on business and human rights. Sports and culture: Bahrain honoured top social media coverage in the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League awards; Ashura holidays were confirmed for June 25-26.

Northern Governorate Development: Bahrain’s Northern Governorate is set to see 18 municipal projects worth about BD1m, including park upgrades, road works, playgrounds and solar-powered facilities, with implementation pending budget approvals. Chery Bahrain Expansion: Chery Bahrain (under Bahraini Asian Motors) opened a new Arad service and genuine spare parts centre, adding four service bays and aiming to cut turnaround times. Scrapyards Relocation: Authorities are in the final phase of moving nearly 100 scrapyards to Hafeera, with operators given until July 31 and safety oversight due to hazardous materials. Capital Markets Push: Bahrain Bourse marked “Bahrain Capital Market Day 2026” at the London Stock Exchange Group to boost international investor engagement and highlight its Elevate roadmap. Travel Advisory Shift: Australia eased travel advice for Bahrain and other Gulf states after a US-Iran interim deal, moving from “do not travel” to “reconsider your need to travel.” Ashoora Rules: Jaafari Affairs issued Ashoora regulations on approved ma’atams, procession timing (midnight, with Manama until 2am) and traffic-flow requirements. Gulf Air & Sickle Cell: Gulf Air renewed support for the Royal Bahrain Concours, while two Bahraini sickle cell “heroes” were honoured after gene-editing treatment. Regional Transport: GCC ministers pledged to complete the strategic rail network by December 2030. Drugs Sentences: Six people received life terms and fines for importing drugs for supply, with permanent deportation after jail.

Bahrain Economy & Finance: The Central Bank of Bahrain kept the overnight deposit interest rate unchanged at 4.25%, citing ongoing monitoring of monetary and financial conditions. Air & Travel: Gulf Air welcomed a new Airbus A321neo to expand its fleet to 46 aircraft, boosting efficiency and passenger comfort. Education: Education Minister Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma congratulated families of the first cohort selected for Bahrain’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), with the programme set to start from Grade 8 next academic year. Labour Services: LMRA upgraded the domestic worker permit correction service after an employer’s death, cutting processing time from 10 working days to one day. Environment & Climate: Bahrain and UNDP discussed expanding environmental cooperation on protection and sustainable development. Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Speaker met a French Senate delegation to advance Bahrain-France relations. Sports & Culture: Bahrain’s senior men’s volleyball team departed for India to defend the AVC Men’s Cup; Alba women won the 2026 Takafo’a league title; Ashura holidays were announced for June 25-26. Regional Watch: Australia eased travel advice for Bahrain and other Gulf states after the US-Iran interim deal.

Maritime & Trade Planning: Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications opened bids for a consultancy to study the economic feasibility of deepening and standardising the Bahrain Main Approach Channel, with seven firms submitting offers and Moffatt & Nichol Engineering Consultancy the lowest accepted bid. Security & Community Tensions: Bahraini security forces raided a mourning ceremony near Manama for Imam Hussein, with reports of tear gas as youths resisted; meanwhile, Bahrain’s courts sentenced 12 people to 10 years in prison over alleged support for Iran-linked attacks. Travel Advisory Shift: Australia downgraded travel warnings for Bahrain (and Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE) from “do not travel” to “reconsider your need to travel,” while urging Australians to avoid non-essential trips. Business & Investment: Investcorp acquired a stake in UAE-based IT distributor Metra, and Seef Properties appointed Mohammed Jalal Contracting for main works on the Seef Mall redevelopment. Sports & Culture: Gulf Air renewed its partnership with the Royal Bahrain Concours (Nov 6–7, 2026), and Bahrain’s Ritz-Carlton opened a World Cup fanzone with live match screens. Health & Training: UoB’s Advanced Clinical Simulation Centre was inaugurated to boost healthcare education and training.

Strait of Hormuz & US-Iran talks: Trump says he’ll discuss demining the Strait of Hormuz at the G7, while Iran and the US keep trading claims as the ceasefire framework nears signing; shipping and insurers are still cautious, and Maersk says Gulf restrictions remain in place. Bahrain diplomacy: Bahrain joined a UN Human Rights Council statement with GCC and Jordan condemning Iran’s attacks and their impact on civilian infrastructure, and Bahrain’s foreign minister also spoke by phone with Saudi Arabia’s counterpart on regional stability. Local education: The University of Bahrain launched an instant digital service to cancel academic transfer requests via its Student Information System, while MPs called for a review of rising University of Bahrain fees. Business & consumer: NBB kicked off a Summer Cashback Campaign offering up to 3.5% (up to 5% for some) on overseas spending plus travel voucher raffles. Sports & community: A new indoor cricket academy in Salmabad brings year-round training; in regional handball, Burgan reached the Asian final against Al-Khaleej. Security cooperation: Bahrain and Canada discussed emergency and crisis management coordination.