AGP Executive Report

Gulf Security Clash: Iran’s UN envoy in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, called the US naval blockade “illegal” and said it amounts to a “war crime,” warning it is harming civilians’ access to basic goods and health. UN Diplomacy on Hormuz: France is preparing a UN Security Council resolution on restoring movement in the Strait of Hormuz as a US-backed text faces stalling votes and possible vetoes. Hajj Operations: Bahrain’s Haj Mission medical clinic has opened in Mecca and will run around the clock, while Justice Minister Nawaf Al Maawda oversaw the departure of pilgrims from Bahrain International Airport. Health Preparedness: Bahrain’s national taskforce reviewed readiness for communicable diseases, including Ebola-related entry precautions. Local Courts & Safety: An appeals court cut a man’s assault-related sentence from one year to six months after he allegedly used an insect spray can to project flames at police. Entrepreneurship: StartUp Bahrain Pitch crowned WSSL and Dilmune Cloud as winners, highlighting fresh Bahraini startup momentum.

Gulf Security at UN: France has drafted a UN Security Council resolution to restore movement in the Strait of Hormuz, but the vote on a US-backed text is still stuck as Russia and China signal they may veto it—while Washington has been lining up co-sponsors and Bahrain remains central to the push. Haj Operations: Bahrain’s Haj Mission keeps rolling—its medical clinic in Mecca is now operating around the clock, and the Justice Minister oversaw the departure of pilgrims at Bahrain International Airport. Health Preparedness: Bahrain’s communicable-disease taskforce reviewed readiness measures, including temporary suspension of entry for non-Bahraini travellers from Ebola-hit countries. Local Courts & Public Safety: An appeals court cut a man’s assault sentence in half after he allegedly used an insect spray can to project flames at police. Culture & Growth: BIFF is expanding beyond local cinema with international submissions, while StartUp Bahrain Pitch crowned WSSL and Dilmune Cloud among winners. Sports: Bahrain’s handball and judo teams keep stacking medals, including a golden double at Asian championships.

Hajj Operations: Bahrain’s Justice Minister Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda oversaw the departure of Bahraini pilgrims from Bahrain International Airport as the Hajj Mission continues ramping up services and camp handovers in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. Health Security: Bahrain has suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda, with returning citizens allowed under strict health protocols, as Ebola concerns intensify. Community Tensions: Bahraini security forces arrested Shia Muslims after a mourning ceremony marking Imam Jawad’s martyrdom anniversary, triggering summonses and detentions amid reports of restrictions on gatherings. Courts & Crime: A Bahraini man’s one-year palm-tree arson sentence was upheld on appeal, while another case saw a man jailed for drugs hidden in cricket bats. Business & Tech: Bahrain’s ARP Digital joined Fireblocks’ payments network as a GCC settlement corridor partner, and Washington Post’s AI council welcomed a LuLu Financial Holdings leader. Sports: Bahrain secured a golden double at the GCC Games in Doha, winning both handball and volleyball titles.

Drug Bust: Bahrain’s First Criminal High Court handed an Asian man a five-year prison term after customs found about five kilograms of psychotropic substances hidden inside cricket bats and sports equipment shipped by post, fining him BD 3,000, ordering deportation, and confiscating the items. Hajj Operations: Bahrain’s Hajj Mission says camp handovers in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah are complete, with operators praising early coordination and Saudi upgrades to transport, facilities and crowd management. Public Health: Bahrain has suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from Ebola-hit South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda for 30 days, with returning citizens allowed under strict health protocols. Economy & Trade: Bahrain and the UK-GCC bloc move closer to deeper ties after the UK and GCC concluded a landmark free trade deal, expected to boost UK-GCC trade and cut tariffs for Bahraini exports. Sports: Bahrain celebrated a golden double at the GCC Games in Doha, winning both handball and volleyball titles.

Diplomatic Talks: Bahrain’s Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam met Qatar’s ambassador in Manama to discuss boosting parliamentary cooperation between Bahrain’s lower house and Qatar’s Shura Council, with both sides stressing deep, longstanding ties. Public Health Measures: Bahrain suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from Ebola-hit South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda, effective May 19, with a 30-day ban and strict health protocols for Bahraini citizens returning. Court Ruling: A Bahraini court ordered a driver and an insurance firm to pay BD 15,000 to an injured victim after a crash left him with permanent disability. Women’s Finance: The Supreme Council for Women met Al Eibdaa Microfinance to expand soft financing for women entrepreneurs, citing 10,568 loans issued under the Shaikha Sabika portfolio. SME Support: BisB, Al Bilad and BDSME’s Society launched a national initiative to back Bahraini SMEs with Shari’a-compliant financing and support through incubators. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain’s handball and volleyball teams delivered a golden double at the GCC Games in Doha, while the Gulf Cup draw placed Bahrain in a tough Group B.

Ebola Border Clampdown: Bahrain has suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from Ebola-hit South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda, with the ban also covering anyone who was in those countries within the past 30 days; Bahraini citizens are allowed back but must pass strict approved health protocols at Bahrain International Airport, and the measure will run for 30 days subject to updates. Court Orders Compensation: A Bahraini court ordered a driver and an insurance firm to jointly pay BD 15,000 to an injured man after a crash left him with permanent disability, plus legal and medical-related costs. SME Push: Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) has teamed up with Al Bilad Media Network and BDSME’s Society on a national initiative to support Bahraini SMEs and entrepreneurs through Shari’a-compliant financing and media-backed outreach. Regional Security Diplomacy: At an Arab parliamentary scouts meeting in Morocco, Bahrain’s delegation backed a call for a statement condemning Iranian attacks on Bahrain and other Gulf states. Women’s Finance Results: The Supreme Council for Women says its Shaikha Sabika portfolio has issued 10,568 loans worth about BD 12.59m to Bahraini women entrepreneurs. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain’s Al Najma starts its Asian handball club campaign against Saudi Arabia’s Al Khaleej, while Bahrain’s handball and volleyball teams celebrated a golden double at the GCC Games.

Ebola Travel Curbs: Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs has suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from South Sudan, the DRC and Uganda, effective Tuesday May 19, with Bahrainis allowed but subject to health screening and monitoring for 30 days. GCC Games Glory: Bahrain’s senior men’s handball and volleyball teams delivered a “golden double” in Doha, beating Qatar in both finals—handball 24-19 and volleyball a 3-0 sweep (25-21, 27-25, 25-23). Sports Next Up: Bahrain’s taekwondo teams are in Mongolia for the Asian Championships, while defending champions Bahrain were drawn in a tough Group B for the Gulf Cup in Jeddah (UAE, Qatar, Yemen). Aviation Recovery: Gulf Air says it has restored 75% of its global network and is targeting full recovery by June 1. Parliament & Work Rights: MPs back a proposal that would let courts order reinstatement for unfairly dismissed workers, not just compensation.

Gulf Cup Draw: Defending champions Bahrain have been placed in a tough Group B for the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah, alongside UAE, Qatar and Yemen, with the tournament set for Sept 23–Oct 6. Early Childhood Education: Parliament backs a University of Bahrain plan for a Level 5 kindergarten/nursery qualification, with a Level 6 pathway for future supervisors and managers launching in Sept 2026. Labour Rights: MPs propose a law change letting courts order reinstatement for workers proven unfairly dismissed, arguing compensation alone can’t fix job-loss damage. Gulf Security: MPs condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE as a threat to Gulf security and a breach of international law. Trade & Customs: A new 100-dinar threshold now triggers customs duties plus 10% VAT on personal shipments and postal parcels under updated GCC-aligned rules. Aviation Recovery: Gulf Air says it has restored 75% of its network and aims for full recovery by June 1. CPISP Support: Bahrain Airport Services joins as a “Friends Category” sponsor for the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program. Sports Buzz: Bahrain’s team keeps stacking medals at the 4th GCC Games in Doha, reaching 55 total.

Sports Spotlight: Hamad Marhoon heads to Dubai for a PFL Mena flyweight bout against Jordan’s Saher Qasmieh, while Abdulla Al Maskati’s compatriot Abdulla Al Maskati struck gold in Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu and Bahrain’s senior handball men cruised to a 36-25 win over Saudi Arabia at the GCC Games. Regional Security: Bahrain’s Parliament and Shura Council condemned a drone attack near the Barakah plant, as Iran said US talks continue via Pakistan mediation and Bahrain’s Defence Forces urged maximum readiness. Economy & Travel: Bahrain Customs set a new 100-dinar threshold for duties and 10% VAT on higher-value personal shipments, and Gulf Air restored 75% of its global network ahead of full restoration by June 1. Health & Housing: The Supreme Council of Health opened residency and fellowship applications, and Housing Minister Amna Al Romaihi pushed the 50,000-unit plan at the World Urban Forum in Baku. Business & Society: Bahrain registered 22,568 new Bahraini-owned businesses (2023-2025), while rights groups and Shia activists renewed calls over the crackdown.

Sports Spotlight: Youssef Kamal finished runner-up in the Dhahran Open under-16 tennis final, falling to Jordan’s Saif Hashem 6-2, 6-2, as Bahrain fielded 13 junior players for regional experience. Rights & Security: A human rights lawyer alleges Bahrain’s crackdown on Shia citizens is aimed at dismantling the community’s religious and social infrastructure, while Bahrain’s defence forces say they remain at “highest levels” of readiness amid regional tensions. Housing Push: Bahrain is advancing its plan to deliver 50,000 housing units, with the Housing Minister presenting progress at the World Urban Forum in Baku. Health Rules: The Supreme Council of Health has opened applications for 2026–2027 residency doctor training and introduced new screening steps for government doctors seeking residency or medical fellowships. Business & Economy: Bahrain registered 22,568 new Bahraini-owned businesses from 2023–2025, and the private-sector expat workforce rose just 0.6% from 2022 to 2024. Culture & Industry: Fablemill partnered with Goldfinch International to back Middle East film growth, and Bahrain’s museums kick off International Museum Day events this week.

Gulf Security Talks: Bahrain and Kuwait doubled down on coordination as Bahrain’s Interior Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa met Kuwait’s Crown Prince and senior officials, stressing unified Gulf security efforts amid regional tensions. Court & Security: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced a man to life over alleged links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, saying he shared sensitive material to hostile accounts. Defence Readiness: An Iranian lawmaker warned Bahrain against pursuing an “anti-Iran” UN move while Bahrain said its defence forces remain at “highest levels” of readiness. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain’s medal run at the 4th GCC Games in Doha kept rolling, adding more golds and medals across athletics and other events. Talent & Finance: KFH-Bahrain marked the graduation of its Credit Academy inaugural batch, while KFH also signed an MoU with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance to build national skills. Culture & Art: Rashid Al Khalifa unveiled a Bahrain-themed installation at the Venice Biennale, and BACA kicked off International Museum Day programming across Bahrain’s museums.

Bahrain Security & Iran Tensions: A man was sentenced to life in prison for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Iran-linked operatives and Hezbollah, with prosecutors saying the data was meant to harm Bahrain’s security. Defence Readiness: As regional tensions rise, Bahrain confirmed its defence forces are at “maximum defensive preparedness,” urging the public to avoid suspicious objects. Bahrainisation Update: Labour Ministry figures show expat employment in the private sector inched up about 0.6% from 2022 to 2024, while Bahraini private-sector jobs rose by just over 4%, with firms facing a BD500 fee per foreign permit if quotas aren’t met. Health & Training: The Supreme Council of Health opened applications for the 2026–2027 residency doctor programme, with submissions due June 30. Culture: BACA kicked off International Museum Day activities (May 16–23) across Bahrain’s main museums, with tours and workshops. Sports: Bahrain added more medals at the GCC Games in Doha, including athletics gold.

Sports Spotlight: Salwa Eid Naser kicked off her 2026 season in China at the Wanda Diamond League, finishing 7th in the women’s 400m with 51.56s, while Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew set a new career best in the men’s 3,000m (7:29.60). GCC Games Surge: Bahrain kept the medals coming at Doha’s fourth GCC Games, adding four more yesterday—two golds in the 4x400m mixed relay and women’s 3,000m steeplechase—plus bronze in shooting and snooker, lifting the overall tally to 45. Motorsport: 2 Seas Motorsport grabbed pole in class for the International GT Open at Spa-Francorchamps, with Bahrain time action set for today. Jobs & Policy: Labour data shows Bahraini private-sector employment rose faster than expat hiring from 2022 to 2024, as Bahrainisation rules and BD500 extra fees for shortfalls remain in force. Diplomacy/Regional Tensions: Russia and China echoed criticism of a US-Bahraini UN resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, arguing timing and content are “not right.” Visa Services: VFS Global opened a new Türkiye visa application centre in Manama.

Shiite Rights Pressure: Imprisoned Bahraini scholars and political figures from Jaw Central Prison urged authorities to stop what they call a security and media campaign against Shiites, warning it includes fear tactics, attacks on religious and educational institutions, and revocation of citizenship and forced exile without fair trial, alongside alleged arbitrary detentions of women, teenagers, clerics and activists. Health Workforce: The Supreme Council of Health opened applications for the 2026-2027 residency programme for doctors, with submissions due June 30 and eligibility tied to licences and a competitive exam plus interview across 14 specialities. Housing Leadership: Future leaders on the Prime Minister’s Fellowship visited Salman City to see Bahrain’s housing vision, including public-private delivery models and plans for 137 new units. Nationalisation Reminder: Labour reiterated mandatory Bahraini employment across all sectors, with monitoring and BD 500 extra fees per foreign work permit for non-compliance. Culture Week: Museums across Bahrain launch International Museum Day events (May 16-23), with tours, workshops and lectures. Regional Tensions: China’s UN ambassador criticised a proposed US-Bahraini Strait of Hormuz resolution as wrongly timed and unhelpful, urging negotiations instead. Sports: Jayden Price won gold at the Asian U17 Boxing Championships, and Bahrain’s GCC Games medal tally kept climbing with another big haul.

Football & Sport: Bahrain Football Association officials and national coach Dragan Talajic attended the AFC Challenge League final, where Kuwait Club beat Cambodia’s PKR Svay Rieng 4-3 after extra time, with Bahraini star Mohammed Jassim Marhoon scoring in the title match. GCC Games Buzz: Bahrain also kept piling up medals at the fourth GCC Games in Doha, adding 18 more (eight gold) to reach 41 medals after four days, with wins in athletics, shooting, swimming and fencing. Hormuz Diplomacy: China’s UN ambassador criticised a proposed US-Bahraini Strait of Hormuz resolution, saying its content and timing are “not right” and urging negotiations instead of a vote. UAE Mediation: Bahrain welcomed UAE mediation after a new Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap—205 each—bringing UAE-facilitated exchanges to 7,101 across 23 initiatives. Education: The Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program has started assessments for 1,360 applicants, with results expected by end-June. Rights & Security: Rights groups and opposition voices renewed criticism of Bahrain’s crackdown on Shia citizens amid “Iran-linked” allegations, while Parliament says it will review punishment and counter-terrorism laws during the recess.

Ummah Tribute: Bahrain’s senior cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim praised the late Imam Khamenei as a “competent man” who “returned the Ummah to Islam,” in a Tehran message unveiling an Arabic book on the leader. GCC Games Glory: Bahrain kept stacking medals at the Doha GCC Games, claiming 12 more yesterday (5 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze) and sitting third overall with 23 medals. Scholarship Drive: CPISP has started assessments for 1,360 scholarship applicants, with tests run at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance and shortlisted students expected before end-June. Regional Security Focus: GCC interior ministers met in Riyadh, stressing “indivisible” GCC security after Kuwait’s arrest of alleged IRGC-linked cells, while Bahrain also faced fresh criticism over its crackdown on Shia clerics and citizenship revocations. Business & Markets: Bahrain Bourse appointed SICO for independent equity research covering 10 listed companies, aiming to boost transparency and investor awareness. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain’s Omar Budhahei and Aly Abdalla advanced to boxing gold-medal bouts at the GCC Games.