AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: Bahrain’s foreign minister met Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Baku, where China called for dialogue and a political settlement to restore Middle East stability. Economic Policy: Finance Minister Shaikh Salman told a World Bank committee that diversification, sound public finances and secure trade routes are vital to resilience as conflict disrupts shipping and trade. Parliament: MPs are set to debate changes requiring government bodies to address the status of Bahrainis in temporary or part-time jobs after a year, aiming to reduce prolonged employment uncertainty. Regional Security: The Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, chaired by Bahrain’s NIHR, condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilians and infrastructure. At a European Parliament meeting, Bahrain’s Shura Council speaker joined Gulf counterparts in backing deeper parliamentary cooperation and raising freedom of navigation and energy security.

Regional Security: Bahrain-chaired Arab human rights institutions condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilians and civilian infrastructure, calling them violations of international law. Economic Policy: Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa told a World Bank meeting that diversification, sound public finances and secure supply chains are vital to resilience as conflict disrupts trade routes. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Bahrain’s parliament speaker joined Gulf counterparts at the European Parliament to discuss security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Public Service Reform: MPs are preparing to debate a bill requiring authorities to address the status of Bahrainis in temporary or part-time government jobs after a year.

Economic Policy: Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa called for international cooperation, economic diversification and stronger public finances, warning that conflict and insecurity around key shipping routes are disrupting trade and growth. Diplomacy and Security: At the CICA summit in Baku, Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani urged safe, unhindered maritime and air transit and said Gulf states had faced attacks despite not being party to the war. Bahrain and China also pledged to deepen cooperation in energy, tourism, finance and logistics. Regional Impact: A Reuters investigation identified strikes on critical infrastructure across the Gulf, including Bahrain, while the GCC-EU summit in Riyadh was postponed amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Legislation: Bahrain’s Shura Council is to be notified of new rules imposing tougher penalties for dangerous or unauthorised drone use, including life imprisonment or the death penalty in cases involving fatalities. Bilateral Ties: Bahrain and Jordan signed a maritime transport and navigation cooperation agreement to support trade, safety and coordination.

Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani met Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the CICA summit in Baku, where several delegations walked out during Herzog’s speech. Bahrain also called for the safety of maritime and air navigation amid regional attacks and shipping risks. Regional Links: Bahrain and Jordan signed a maritime transport agreement covering safety, security and environmental cooperation. Iraq and Kuwait reopened air routes under arrangements coordinated with Bahrain and other Gulf states. Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts Bahrain’s economy will contract 11.3% in 2026, as disruption to Hormuz shipping and energy exports outweighs gains from higher prices. Labor Policy: Bahrain rejected a proposal to link fees on foreign workers to their salaries.

Labour Policy: Bahrain rejected a proposal to raise fees on employers hiring foreign workers outside Bahrainisation quotas, saying salary-linked charges could be manipulated and delay permits. The current BD500 fee remains. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Baku to discuss Bahrain-Israel ties and the Abraham Accords. Digital Safety: The government urged MPs to rethink a bill that would bar children under 15 from opening social media accounts, citing privacy risks and enforcement challenges. Public Support: Ministers also asked Parliament to reconsider a proposed oil-funded aid account for low-income Bahrainis, warning it could undermine budget flexibility. Security Regulation: A draft law would impose fines of up to BD5,000 for unlicensed private security work and possible jail terms for managers. Regional Security: Bahrain condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and affirmed support for the kingdom’s right to defend itself.

Baku Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Wednesday. Herzog said they discussed Bahrain-Israel ties and strengthening the Abraham Accords; al-Zayani and Aliyev reviewed prospects for wider cooperation. Domestic Politics: A report says authorities have detained Shiite clerics accused of links to Iran, prompting protests and concerns over sectarian tensions. It cites monitoring and rights groups’ accounts. Public Procurement: Bahrain’s Tender Board and Al Baraka Islamic Bank signed an agreement to help small businesses secure financing and guarantees for government tenders.

Parliament: A dispute over committee assignments delayed the election of a finance committee chairman. MPs also unanimously backed restoring subsidised electricity and water tariffs for citizens’ first homes, while another lawmaker called for an investigation into rising utility bills. Regional Security: Bahrain’s foreign minister reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks. An MP also urged compensation for school-bus operators, taxi drivers and other self-employed workers affected by the repercussions of Iranian attacks. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects Bahrain’s economy to contract sharply in 2026 amid disruptions to energy production and transport, followed by a strong rebound if conditions normalise. Technology and Government: MPs are urging Bahrain to host 6G trials from next year, while the Prime Minister’s Office named 15 government employees for its latest fellowship intake.

Regional Security: Bahrain condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed support for Riyadh, as the kingdom’s airport shutdown and missile strikes heightened regional tensions. Bahrain’s foreign minister also joined calls to Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister expressing solidarity. Parliament: Jalila Al Sayed was elected Bahrain’s first woman First Deputy Speaker, marking a milestone in the legislature. Government Record: Bahrain retained its Tier 1 ranking in the latest US report on efforts to combat human trafficking. Security Cooperation: Bahrain is recruiting Pakistani security personnel for its National Guard, while the two countries have urged de-escalation amid regional tensions.

Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts Bahrain’s economy will contract 11.3% in 2026 as the Strait of Hormuz disruption and regional war hit energy production, shipping and trade. Regional Security: Bahrain reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia after deadly Houthi attacks on Riyadh, while Gulf Air suspended Riyadh flights through October 17. A Houthi official warned of a “painful response” if the US joins the Yemen conflict. Parliament: Jalila Al Sayed was elected Bahrain’s first woman First Deputy Speaker, a milestone for the country’s legislature. Labour Policy: Bahrain will allow foreign workers to take up employment with another employer for up to 90 days.

Regional Security: Bahrain’s Gulf Air cancelled Riyadh flights through October 17 after deadly Houthi attacks forced the airport to close. Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani conveyed Bahrain’s condolences to Saudi Arabia and affirmed full solidarity and support for measures to protect the kingdom. Parliament: Jalila Al Sayed was elected Bahrain’s first woman First Deputy Speaker, a milestone for the legislature. National Affairs: King Hamad announced June 1 as an official holiday, the Day of Allegiance and Loyalty, opening a new annual occasion on Bahrain’s national calendar.

Regional Security: Houthi attacks struck Riyadh’s airport again, injuring 11 and killing a Pakistani national, after a previous strike killed 12 and wounded more than 300. Dammam airport was also attacked. Bahrain’s foreign minister conveyed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, while the UAE urged stronger joint Gulf defence, saying the region’s security is indivisible. Parliament: Jalila Al Sayed was elected Bahrain’s first woman First Deputy Speaker, winning 21 votes. The new legislative session opened with pledges to pass laws supporting investment, food and water security, and closer cooperation between Parliament and the government. National Affairs: King Hamad declared 2027 the Year of Isa bin Salman and named June 1 an annual public holiday, the Day of Allegiance and Loyalty.

Regional Security: Bahrain condemned renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, including the deadly Riyadh strike, and reaffirmed solidarity with Riyadh. Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani conveyed condolences to his Saudi counterpart; Bahrain also urged international bodies to act as airport attacks threaten civilian safety and regional security. GCC Integration: Bahrain’s Finance Minister chaired a GCC ministerial meeting in Manama focused on a roadmap for Gulf economic unity, tracking integration plans and preparing for future economic crises. Maritime Security: At the Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly in Tanzania, Bahrain’s delegation called for urgent parliamentary action to protect navigation and trade through strategic sea corridors and straits.

Regional Security: Bahrain condemned the deadly Houthi strike on Riyadh airport, which Saudi authorities said killed 12 people and injured 309, and pledged solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Gulf-EU Ties: GCC chief Jasem al-Budaiwi said a process to waive Schengen visas for Bahraini and other GCC citizens could be announced at the October 24 summit in Riyadh. AI Regulation: Bahrain’s Shura Council is weighing legislation to regulate artificial intelligence and provide recourse for people harmed by its use; the government has called for the proposal to be reconsidered. Foreign Relations: Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani’s Pakistan visit focused on security and trade, with both sides discussing closer cooperation and progress on a GCC-Pakistan free-trade agreement. Rights: A report said Bahraini authorities had rearrested people previously released under pardons.

AI Regulation: Bahrain’s Shura Council is weighing a flexible AI law with a specialist oversight unit and compensation routes for people harmed by AI. The government has raised concerns and called for the proposal to be reconsidered. Industry Policy: At the Made in GCC forum, the Industry Ministry invited bids for a multi-storey factory complex for small manufacturers and signed a financing cooperation deal with Bahrain Islamic Bank, which announced $32 million in industrial financing. Labour Rights: Bahrain retained Tier 1 status in the US trafficking report for a ninth year, according to the Labour Market Regulatory Authority. Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain and Pakistan discussed security, trade and safe shipping, with both sides seeking to deepen economic ties. GCC Cooperation: Bahrain hosted GCC labour ministers to discuss workforce development and regional cooperation ahead of the Kingdom’s upcoming GCC summit.

Regional Security: Bahrain condemned the Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid Airport, calling them a threat to regional stability and affirming Saudi Arabia’s right to defend itself. Trafficking Policy: The kingdom retained Tier 1 status in the US trafficking report for a ninth consecutive year, with officials citing its laws, protections and enforcement framework. GCC Diplomacy: Bahrain is among five Gulf states nearing the start of a Schengen visa-waiver process, with a possible announcement at the October 24 GCC-EU summit. Pakistan Ties: Bahrain and Pakistan agreed to deepen trade and security cooperation, with Manama pledging to accelerate the GCC-Pakistan free trade agreement. Local Services: A Southern Governorate councillor urged the ministry to clear rainproofing applications, saying some households have waited more than 10 months as the rainy season approaches.

Pakistan Ties: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani’s Islamabad visit focused on expanding trade, investment and energy cooperation. Bahrain also pledged to speed up the GCC-Pakistan free trade pact, with both sides targeting $1 billion in bilateral trade within three years. Maritime Security: A Panamanian-flagged vessel sailing from Sitrah to Fujairah was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on October 5, injuring 12 crew members. Its origin remains unknown. GCC Mobility: The GCC secretary-general says a Schengen visa-waiver process for Bahrain and four other Gulf states is “very close,” with an announcement possible at the October 24 GCC-EU summit. A Bahrain-Saudi one-stop travel system is also at an advanced implementation stage. Governance: Bahrain retained Tier 1 status in the US trafficking report for a ninth year, the only GCC country rated as fully meeting minimum standards. A separate report said authorities rearrested pardoned detainees.