AGP Executive Report

Private Education Oversight: In Hidd, MPs and officials backed the Education Ministry’s decision to cancel the licence of American Creativity Academy (ACA Bahrain) and close it before the 2026-27 term, arguing the move protects students after financial trouble and that existing private education rules already give the state the needed powers. Labour Market Enforcement: Bahrain’s Public Security chief met LMRA leadership to push tougher joint inspection campaigns, faster detection of violations, and steps to regularise workers’ status under approved procedures. SME Export Push: Export Bahrain highlighted support for Bahraini SMEs at an Oman forum, outlining export-readiness, market targeting, and access to international buyers. GCC Integration & Cybersecurity: Bahrain chaired the GCC Common Market committee meeting on cross-border services and the Takamul platform, while also hosting the GCC ministerial cybersecurity meeting in Manama to coordinate a unified Gulf cyber defence approach. Foreign Policy: Bahrain reaffirmed support for Yemen’s peace and stability with Yemen’s FM, including cooperation on freedom of navigation amid Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab risks. Local Governance Lawmaking: MPs advanced a Building Regulation Law that would set construction time curbs and allow fines up to BD50,000 for violations, with enforcement powers for the minister. Economy Watch: Bahrain’s non-oil GDP grew 2.2% in Q1 2026, cushioning a sharp oil contraction tied to Hormuz-linked disruptions. Public Safety: Coast Guard confirmed the death of a diver missing in Fasht Al-Adham after search operations.

Bahrain Economy: Bahrain’s non-oil economy kept growing in Q1 2026 even as GDP shrank 3.8% year-on-year, with oil activity down 37.2% amid Strait of Hormuz disruption. Higher Education: The Higher Education Council launched a 2026-2030 strategy to boost higher education quality, scientific research, partnerships, governance and digital transformation. GCC Integration: Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman urged creating opportunities to advance deeper GCC integration, briefing the GCC Secretary-General on progress from April’s summit directives. Digital Infrastructure: Seef Properties signed with Bahrain Network (BNET) to deploy and operate an integrated fibre network across Seef Mall–Seef District as part of smart-retail redevelopment. Business Events: Bahrain opened registration for the “Made in GCC 2026” Forum and Exhibition (Oct 6-8) and also confirmed it will host the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November. Regional Security Context: Iran’s foreign ministry mocked the US “coalition” sanctions push, while reporting also highlighted how Hormuz-linked tensions continue to shape regional trade and military access. Sports: Bahrain’s under-23 women’s 3x3 team finished third in Singapore, and the senior men’s 3x3 team began FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers against Oman in Dubai.

Business & Legal Capacity: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the Judicial Studies and Legal Institute, launched “Protect Your Business and Know Your Rights as a Trader” to boost traders’ legal awareness on contracts, obligations and dispute risk. Foreign Affairs: HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister received Yemen’s FM Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, reaffirming strong Bahrain–Yemen ties and discussing regional developments, while she condemned “hostile Iranian aggression” against Bahrain and GCC states. Regional Security: Reports clash over the Strait of Hormuz mine threat: Trump says mines are cleared, while Iran says the strait remains closed and warns US mine-detection vessels could be targets; Iran and Oman also plan joint mine-clearing. Diplomatic Coordination: Bahrain and Qatar held phone talks focused on de-escalation, maritime navigation and regional stability. Municipal Services: Bahrain’s Municipalities Ministry designated four public customer service centres (Muharraq, A’ali, Hamad Town, Riffa) plus a remote centre, with the Capital Municipality centre shifting from Sept 1. Economic Resilience: Shura Council Second Deputy Chair Dr Jihad Al Fadhel backed expanding Bahrain’s strategic stockpile beyond food to include medicines, medical supplies and key raw materials. Digital & Telecom: Seef Properties signed with BNET to deploy an integrated fibre network across Seef Mall–Seef District, supporting smart retail and digital transformation. Sports: Bahrain’s U23 women’s 3x3 team finished third in the FIBA Youth Nations League Asia West/Pacific conference.

US-Iran Pressure on Hormuz: Trump says the US Navy has cleared/detonated all mines in international waters of the Strait of Hormuz, warning Iran of “zero tolerance” for new mine-laying and claiming Space Force monitoring. Bahrain-US Finance Coordination: Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa spoke with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Iran sanctions, stressing the Strait must not be used for economic pressure and pledging action against sanctions-evasion and illicit finance. Regional Aviation Disruption: Airlines are gradually resuming Middle East flights, but many still keep Dubai suspensions into October or beyond; Dubai International expects a stronger second-half as capacity returns. Bahrain Appointments & Humanitarian Work: DANAT appointed Safa Abdul Khaliq as CEO from Aug 31; Bahrain Red Crescent welcomed new volunteers via an induction workshop. Local Governance & Services: Salman Town tenders a new girls’ secondary school (BD9.235m lowest bid). Sports & Youth: Bahrain youth handball and jiu-jitsu teams were in action/celebrated; Winfred Yavi named to lead Bahrain’s full-strength athletics squad for the Asian Games.

US Diplomatic Posture Shift: The State Department is preparing to send diplomats back to Middle East embassies partially evacuated during the Iran war, with phased staffing levels—Bahrain among posts expected to reach about 75%—as emergency measures are scaled back despite stalled US-Iran talks. Bahrain Cabinet on Fire Safety: HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman chaired Cabinet discussions on investigating the Al Ramli apartment fire, extending condolences to victims’ families and pushing faster compliance with mandatory building safety procedures. Regional Sports & Governance: Bahrain’s Riffa were drawn into a tough Gulf Club Champions League group with UAE’s Al Nasr, Qatar SC and Iraq’s Al Zawraa, while Bahrain’s handball team heads to Egypt for Asian Games preparations. Bahrain Leadership Change: The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) appointed Safa Abdul Khaliq as CEO from 31 August, aiming to expand global partnerships and certification work. Local Court Update: An Asian woman’s money-laundering appeal is set for judgment on 28 September. Oil & Markets: Global crude prices eased as investors waited for details of US sanctions on Iran, though shipping and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty keeps volatility high.

Court & Justice: Bahrain’s First High Criminal Court of Appeal will issue on September 28 its ruling in an appeal by an Asian woman convicted of laundering BD22,250 linked to an earlier embezzlement case, after she was sentenced to five years and fined BD100,000, with confiscation and victim restitution ordered. Public Order: The Public Prosecution ordered pretrial detention of a suspect over social-media videos allegedly containing sectarian statements insulting religious figures, saying such speech can undermine social peace. Governance & Services: The Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) upgraded its Positioning Reference Network (PRN) digital service, cutting processing to one working day and moving applications to a fully integrated electronic process. Digital Government: The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) signed an HR digital transformation deal with Beyon Solutions to implement Oracle Fusion Cloud for a more integrated government HR system. Finance & Economy: Central Bank of Bahrain Government Treasury Bills were oversubscribed by 121% for a BD70m, 91-day issue, with a weighted average rate of 5.28%. Bahrain-UK Ties: Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman met the UK Chargé d’Affaires, highlighting the strength of Bahrain-UK cooperation under C-SIPA. Sports & Culture: Riffa drew a tough group in the Gulf Club Champions League; Bahrain’s handball team heads to Egypt for an overseas camp ahead of the Asian Games; and Bahrain cricket administrator Mohammad Mansoor was elected to the ACC executive board.

Public Order & Justice: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution ordered pretrial detention of a suspect over social-media videos allegedly containing sectarian statements, saying the content insults religious figures and could inflame tensions. Digital Government: The Civil Service Bureau and Beyon Solutions signed a strategic HR digital transformation deal, adopting Oracle Fusion Cloud and running it through a sovereign hyper-cloud platform. Cabinet Watch: HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad chaired the weekly Cabinet, directing an induction day for parents ahead of the new school year and pushing ministries to complete preparations for academic excellence. Social Development: A Bahrain-Thai Friendship and Business Society was licensed, aiming to expand trade, tourism, culture and sport links while staying barred from politics and financial speculation. Animal Welfare: A stable worker was remanded over alleged mistreatment of two horses in Karzakan after CCTV footage showed knife attacks and stone-throwing. Performance & Services: A Shura Council member urged Bahrain to treat staff performance scores as a starting point for better public services, not just targets. Regional Security: US-Iran Strait of Hormuz tensions continued to drive shipping disruption and new sanctions talk, with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir in Tehran to revive stalled talks.

Bahrain–Pakistan Security Ties: Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met Pakistan’s ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik at Riffa Palace, with both sides stressing deeper coordination and highlighting Pakistan’s “critical role” in regional security. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan’s army chief Gen Asim Munir is set to travel to Tehran with Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi to discuss bilateral ties and regional peace amid US-Iran tensions. Gulf Energy Pressure: Shipping data says fewer than 20 commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend as US and Iranian blockades suppress traffic. Labour Enforcement: Bahrain’s labour market law allows employers to settle hiring foreign workers without permits for BD500 (BD1,000 for repeat breaches), targeting irregular labour and sham establishments. Public Health/Justice: Bahrain courts fined and jailed people involved in selling expired or adulterated food by repackaging it, with deportation for the expat defendants. Digital & Governance: TRA data shows fixed fibre and mobile growth drove Q1 telecom traffic to 673 PB, while Bahrain also continues digital initiatives via the Prime Minister’s Fellowship Programme. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain named squads for FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers in Dubai, while Bahrain’s jiu-jitsu duo won multiple medals at world events in Croatia.

Royal Engagements: HRH Crown Prince Salman met Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik at Riffa Palace, reaffirming Bahrain–Pakistan ties and discussing regional security. He also visited the Bahrain Defence Force General Command, praising readiness and briefing on plans to upgrade BDF weapons and units. Legal & Justice: Two doctors were sentenced to six months in prison each after a medical error contributed to a foreign woman’s death, with the court citing failures to properly assess and diagnose underlying diabetes. Education Oversight: An MP urged authorities to check education institutes’ licences, fee collection practices, and who actually runs commercial registrations, including cases in Arad and Muharraq. Women & Development: Bahrain marked the Supreme Council for Women’s 25th anniversary as a milestone for women’s role in sustainable development, while iGA statistics leadership highlighted women’s leadership in statistical decision-making. Health & Tech: Royal Medical Services reported about 180 robotic surgeries since introducing the Hugo system in 2024. Sports & Youth: Bahrain secured a youth handball quarter-final spot after beating Uzbekistan 36-28, and Bahrain Parliament joined an international debate on victims’ rights in the fight against terrorism. Regional Security: Iran warned Gulf states against joining the US “economic war,” with Bahrain cited among countries affected by regional tensions.

Parliament & Social Policy: A bill to give housewives a right to social welfare payments is set to return to Bahrain’s MPs, with the government warning it could turn state aid into a permanent substitute for husbands’ legal support. Health & Rights: A new study finds fewer than half of Bahraini women who get mammograms continue regular screening, citing beliefs that screening is unnecessary without symptoms, fear, and lack of time—prompting calls for reminders and stronger public awareness. Women’s Empowerment: HRH Princess Sabeeka received fresh congratulations on the Supreme Council for Women’s 25th anniversary, while Health Minister Dr. Jalila praised SCW’s role in expanding women’s participation in healthcare and national development. Digital Government: Bahrain says it has digitised 131 services across 22 entities, cutting steps and documents for key processes like chemicals purchasing and VAT updates. Courts & Compliance: A businessman and his firm have lost final appeals in a non-disclosure case, and three executives plus a company go on trial over alleged VAT evasion. Business & Economy: Exhibition World Bahrain won a major venue award, and Burgan Bank’s MSCI ESG rating was upgraded to BBB. Security & Public Safety: A worker was arrested after CCTV footage showed alleged cruelty to a horse at a stable, with police referral to the Public Prosecution. Sports (Local): Bahrain’s youth handball team kept a perfect start in Amman, and Hassan Abdulkadir was selected for the Basketball Without Borders Next Up 2026 camp in Istanbul.

Women’s Empowerment Milestone: Bahrain marked the Supreme Council for Women’s 25th anniversary, with MPs and ministers reiterating that women are now central to work, decision-making and national development. Parliament & Social Policy: A bill to extend social welfare to housewives is set to return to MPs, despite government concerns it could undermine the principle of need-based support and shift burdens onto the state. Digital Government Services: Bahrain says it has digitised 131 services across 22 entities, cutting steps and processing times while expanding online access for permits, VAT updates and other citizen transactions. Health Regulation Digitisation: The Supreme Council for Health and the Health Minister reviewed NHRA digital initiatives, including systems for drug tracking, accreditation data and health performance monitoring. Telecom Rules: Bahrain’s regulator issued licence-exempt rules for low-power wireless devices like Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, with seizure and fines for users that exceed limits. Household Costs: An MP pushed for action on summer electricity bills, including solar and efficiency measures, after earlier support mechanisms were delayed for further study. Public Safety & Justice: A worker was arrested after CCTV footage showed alleged cruelty to a horse at a stable in the Northern Governorate. Sports & International Presence: Bahrain continued its youth handball run in Amman, while Bahrain Motor Federation delegations visited Sepang to prepare for the Oct 2–4 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Regional Security Watch: Iranian officials warned Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets—including Bahrain—could face retaliation, as tensions around U.S.-Iran operations and the Strait of Hormuz stay high.

US-Iran Strait Standoff: Trump says the US is “essentially controlling” and will soon fully control strategic waterways tied to Iran, while Tehran condemns new sanctions and signals a more offensive posture; Oman is also reported to be discussing renewed talks on passage arrangements as shipping disruption continues. Bahrain-US Military Fallout: Nearly 600 US Navy evacuees from Bahrain face long-term limbo, with officials saying returns are unlikely soon; separate reporting on the USS Abraham Lincoln highlights supply strain and renewed scrutiny of prolonged deployments during the Iran war. Bahrain Foreign Relations: Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani spoke by phone with Brazil’s Mauro Vieira on boosting bilateral cooperation and regional security. Digital & Public Health: CrediMax in Bahrain rolls out eKey 2.0 via its app to speed trusted digital identity checks; meanwhile Bahraini doctors warn that many children are exposed to smartphones/tablets too early and for excessive hours. Culture & Society: Bahrain opens a pavilion bid for next year’s Venice Architecture Biennale; Bahrain also hosted international Quran competition success and marked SCW’s 25th anniversary with royal messages. Sports: Bahrain’s senior men’s basketball team beat Qatar and Saudi in Doha friendlies; Winfred Yavi and Birhanu Balew won at Athletissima in Lausanne.

U.S.-Iran Maritime Tensions: Trump said the US is “essentially controlling” and will soon take full control of strategic waterways linked to Iran, while insisting Tehran must never get nuclear weapons—raising new uncertainty for Gulf shipping and regional diplomacy. Bahrain-US Fallout: Nearly six months after the US Navy evacuated about 1,300 families from Bahrain, officials say they can’t return “for the foreseeable future,” leaving families in long limbo amid improvised support and expiring benefits. Local Governance: An MP urged the Housing Ministry to keep beneficiaries of the Land and Loan scheme close to their communities and livelihoods, warning that far-off plots can disrupt schools, work and family care. Regional Security Claims: A former Iranian ambassador said Washington is using “false-flag” claims to strain Iran’s ties with Gulf neighbors after UAE missile allegations and subsequent trade suspension. Bahrain Spotlight: Exhibition World Bahrain won a major regional venue award, reinforcing Bahrain’s push to attract larger exhibitions and conferences. Sports & Youth: Bahrain beat Qatar in a Gulf basketball friendly in Doha, while Bahrain’s U18 men’s basketball team exited the FIBA Asia Cup after a late collapse against Chinese Taipei.

Bahrain’s MICE push: Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) won “Best Venue More Than 10,000 sq m” at the Middle East Event Awards 2026 in Dubai, with BTEA CEO Sara Ahmed Buhiji calling it proof of the venue’s scale and international standards. Regional security & shipping: US President Donald Trump again claimed the US is “essentially controlling” and will soon fully control key Iran-linked straits, while insisting Iran will never get a nuclear weapon—amid wider talk of Gulf allies taking a “semi-neutral” stance. US Navy fallout: Reports say the USS Abraham Lincoln has begun its return after months at sea, with renewed focus on sailor shortages, morale and logistics problems. Bahrain governance & youth: NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq (Pakistan) criticised empty ministerial benches during question hour; in Bahrain, Youth Affairs Minister visited the Year of Isa Al Kabeer exhibition at Youth City 2030. Sports pipeline: Bahrain’s youth teams logged mixed results—basketball U18 exited to Chinese Taipei, while jiu-jitsu selections and Asian Games berths were confirmed. Local enforcement: A man was jailed six months and fined BD37,856 for attempting to smuggle illegal tombac hidden in concrete blocks.

Bahrain-UK Security Talks: Bahrain and the UK reviewed counterterrorism, cybersecurity, aviation and maritime security, border controls and customs in a Joint Security Working Group meeting co-chaired by the Bahrain Chief of Police and a UK Home Office official. Youth & Sports: Bahrain’s youth tenpin bowling team has departed for Jakarta for the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships, while Bahrain and India are set to meet in the opening day of the Asian Junior Handball Championship in Jordan. Women’s Empowerment Milestone: Bapco Energies and the Supreme Council for Women marked the SCW’s 25-year anniversary, highlighting Bahrain’s reform-era model for women’s participation. Public Health & Regulation: An MP-backed government bill would toughen penalties for selling tobacco, vapes and electronic shisha to under-18s, with fines up to BD1,000 and permanent closure for repeat offenders. Housing Fraud Claim: An MP alleged Bahraini buyers were sold non-existent apartments in Turkey and urged affected people to come forward for case documentation. Business & Digital Services: Al Baraka Islamic Bank joined Bahrain’s Wage Protection System for corporate clients, and stc Bahrain appointed a new Chief Digital and Customer Experience Officer. Regional Security & Sanctions: Iran’s UN envoy warned US moves to militarise outer space could fuel an arms race, while the US Treasury chief vowed “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran amid Hormuz shipping and regional escalation concerns.

Deepfake Law Push: Bahrain MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen urged lawmakers to add deepfake offences to Bahrain’s legal framework, warning fake videos and cloned voices can fuel defamation, impersonation and panic during crises. Housing Land Scheme: MP Dr Muneer Suroor called on the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry to prioritise plots close to applicants’ home districts under the “Land and Loan” scheme to protect jobs, schooling and elderly care. UAE-Iran Economic Shock: The UAE suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran after renewed missile fire, a move that further pressures Tehran and disrupts regional supply routes. US Gulf Posture Review: A report says the Pentagon is weighing options to scale down its long-standing military presence across the Persian Gulf after damage to US bases during the Iran conflict. Hormuz Oil Risks: Oil prices rose as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted, with flows far below pre-war levels. Bahrain Sports Focus: Bahrain’s youth teams ramped up for Asian Games and continental qualifiers, including FIBA U18 Asia Cup play-off action and continued medal success in West Asia table tennis. Maritime Security: GCC naval chiefs met in Bahrain to strengthen maritime cooperation, navigational safety and joint operations across Gulf waters.