AGP Executive Report

Women in Sport: The Supreme Council for Women’s Women in Sport committee held its second meeting, reviewing a 2026-27 work plan to boost women’s participation in sports and align indicators with the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. Fuel Prices: Bahrain’s Fuel Pricing and Monitoring Committee approved July fuel prices starting July 2, setting Jayyid (91) at 0.222 BD/litre, Mumtaz (95) at 0.247, Super (98) at 0.362, and Diesel at 0.229, with diesel subsidies for Bahraini fishermen maintained. Youth & Skills: Seef Properties launched the second edition of its “Taasis” training programme for university students, while MKF opened its 2026 “Ithra” Summer Programs under “Skills of the Future,” and BENEFIT began registrations for its fifth “MASAR” fintech internship. Public Holidays: Only three public holiday days remain for the rest of 2026, with the next break not until August. Regional Security: Military leaders from Syria and Lebanon joined a US-led Middle East defence conference in Manama, with discussions focused on regional security and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for commerce. Sports & Culture: Muharraq appointed Issa Al Saadoun as head coach, and an exhibition at Al Riwaq Art Space explored food, waste and anxiety in “Apocalypse Buffet.”

PMO Fellowship Opens: The Prime Minister’s Office has opened applications for the 12th intake of its year-long Prime Minister’s Fellowship Programme, running from 1 July to 1 August, offering public-sector upskilling through training in research, analysis and leadership plus hands-on policy experience at the PMO. Youth City 2030 Boost: Youth City 2030’s 15th edition launches 12 July with a record 256 training programmes and 10,650 opportunities, aiming to draw more than 6,000 participants, with new centres including a Sports City. Summer Tourism Line-up: Exhibition World Bahrain will run a packed July-August programme, led by the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival (2 July–5 August) and Youth City 2030 (12 July–20 August), plus live entertainment including Albait Almaskoon (15–18 July). Public Holidays Tighten: Bahrain’s remaining 2026 public holiday days are down to just three—one in August and two for National Day in mid-December—after a fuller first half of the year. Cybersecurity Milestone: Beyon Cyber has earned CREST accreditation for its Security Operations Center, placing it among a small global group of SOC operators. Court Sentences Iran-Linked Cases: Bahrain’s courts jailed seven people for 5–10 years over alleged support for Iranian attacks, spreading false news and filming sensitive sites. Sports & Culture: Muharraq appoints Issa Al Saadoun as head coach; Seef Properties launches its “Taasis” training for university students; and RCSI Bahrain explores cultural collaboration on Dilmun heritage with an archaeologist.

Cyber Security Boost: Beyon Cyber, part of Beyon Group, secured CREST SOC accreditation, placing its Security Operations Center among a small global group and underlining its ability to monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats across Bahrain and the region. Regional Diplomacy: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone with Bahrain’s top diplomat, urging all parties to strictly comply with the US-Iran MoU and pledging continued UN Security Council coordination, while both sides highlighted trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Women in Sport: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women set out a 2026–2027 plan to raise women’s participation in sports, including performance indicators tied to the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. Security & Courts: Bahrain sentenced seven people to prison terms of up to 10 years over alleged support for Iranian attacks, false information and filming sensitive sites, as it continues its national security crackdown. Hormuz Impact: The UNCTAD warned that even with shipping resuming, the Strait of Hormuz crisis will keep hurting trade and food systems longer than energy markets. Culture & Design: A Bahrain exhibition at Al Jasra Crafts Centre showcased young designers’ contemporary pieces inspired by Islamic heritage and traditional Bahraini crafts, blending palm-weaving, woodworking and pearl detailing.

GCC Defence Talks in Bahrain: Bahrain hosted a high-level GCC Higher Military Committee meeting of chiefs of staff, chaired by Bahrain Defence Force Chief of Staff Lt Gen Dhiyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, to boost collective readiness amid shifting regional security risks. Iran-Linked Security Crackdown: Bahraini courts sentenced seven people to prison terms up to 10 years for supporting Iranian attacks, spreading false information, and filming sensitive sites; a separate case saw a five-year sentence for arson and vandalism tied to March attacks. UN Complaint Over Strikes: Bahrain’s UN mission sent a letter to the Security Council condemning Iranian drone attacks on June 27 as a breach of sovereignty and international law, while Bahrain also backed renewal of UNDOF in the Golan. Cyber Milestone: Beyon Cyber became the first Bahraini firm to earn CREST SOC accreditation, validating its Security Operations Centre standards. Trade Push: “Export Bahrain” says firms reached 102 markets and exports topped $1.3bn, with 17% first-time exporters. Digital Innovation: Bahrain highlighted its AI and tech infrastructure push at the Pax Silica Summit in Washington, backing an AI Opportunity Declaration. Arts & Culture: A youth exhibition at Al Jasra showcased Islamic-inspired designs, while July workshops at Al Jasra Handicrafts offer hands-on traditional crafts.

Islamic Finance & Education: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) signed two cooperation agreements with Russia’s Kadyrov Chechen State University and Financial University to expand capacity building and integrate BIBF Islamic finance qualifications into university programmes. Banking & Community: Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) named Amakin as a sponsor of the Farmers Market under an MoU covering funding plus joint promotional and media campaigns to support local farmers and food security. Leadership Change in Banking: Khaleeji Bank appointed Razi Almerbati as its new CEO, effective August 17, 2026, bringing more than 21 years of regional experience across Islamic investments and wealth management. Women’s Higher Education: The Royal University for Women held its 18th graduation ceremony for 99 bachelor’s and master’s graduates under the patronage of Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Diplomacy: Bahrain and Egypt reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a parliamentary meeting in Cairo, with both sides pledging to deepen parliamentary cooperation. Regional Security: Bahrain condemned renewed Iranian missile and drone attacks, calling them a “dangerous escalation” and urging the UN Security Council to act, as Bahrain reported interceptions and damage to a residential building in Muharraq. Entrepreneurship & Youth: University of Strathclyde Bahrain celebrated major wins at INJAZ Bahrain’s Young Entrepreneurs Competition 2026, including “Company of the Year” for Zeroil and a Rising CEO award for student Mohammed Khawajki.

US-Iran Ceasefire Holds (For Now): The US and Iran have reportedly agreed to stop attacking each other after days of tit-for-tat strikes that threatened the fragile 60-day interim truce, with both sides set to meet in Qatar to sort out Strait of Hormuz navigation terms. Bahrain Under Fire: Bahrain said it intercepted and destroyed “a number of” Iranian missile and drone attacks, while a strike damaged a residential building in Muharraq with no injuries reported; Bahrain also urged the UN Security Council to act. Diplomacy in Motion: Pakistan stepped up calls with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the EU to push strict adherence to the ceasefire, while Bahrain’s FM also discussed regional developments with Pakistan. Local Impact & Resilience: Bahrain deepened its Hong Kong push to attract mainland China capital amid the regional tensions, and a UNIDO-backed proposal in Bahrain floated a BD40m international fund to support war-affected startups and MSMEs. Sports & Culture: Bahrain women impressed at a UTR tennis event in Saudi, while the Bahrain Tennis Federation backed more international exposure; Bahrain also opened a youth art exhibition showcasing emerging artists.

US-Iran Tensions in Bahrain: Bahrain reported it intercepted and destroyed “a number of” Iranian missile and drone attacks, with a residential building in Muharraq damaged but no casualties reported, as the US and Iran agreed to halt strikes and meet in Qatar amid a fragile ceasefire that is already fraying. Diplomacy to Prevent Spillover: Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar held calls with Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and EU’s Kaja Kallas, urging strict adherence to the US-Iran ceasefire framework and stressing open communication channels. Regional Security Backdrop: The GCC condemned the attacks as a threat to Gulf security, while Bahrain’s Defence Force said it remains at the highest readiness. Youth & Community: National Security Adviser Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa launched the “Gadeha” youth training camp (Aug 8–Sep 3) and Shaikha Sheema visited “Reassured Homes” beneficiaries. Sports: Bahrain beat Tunisia-hosts in the Arab Youth Men’s Basketball Championship and athletes Birhanu Balew and Nelly Jepkosgei posted strong Diamond League results in Paris. Business & Tech: UNIDO’s Bahrain office backed a proposed BD40m international fund for war-affected startups and MSMEs, while Bahrain reiterated its push for digital innovation and AI infrastructure.

Iran-Gulf escalation: Bahrain says it intercepted and destroyed “a number of” Iranian missile and drone attacks, with the Interior Ministry reporting damage to a residential building in Muharraq and no deaths. Sovereignty & response: Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and urged the UN Security Council to act, while the GCC also condemned the attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. Regional diplomacy: Bahrain and Pakistan’s foreign ministers spoke by phone after the Islamabad MoU, with Bahrain planning a visit to Islamabad to thank Pakistan for mediating the ceasefire framework. Military backdrop: Iran’s IRGC claimed it hit US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, while the US said it carried out strikes on Iranian targets after attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, as both sides traded warnings that the truce could collapse. Local youth: Bahrain launched the “Qadha” youth training camp for ages 10–17, running Aug 8–Sep 3 in Manama. Social policy: MPs proposed a national after-school scheme to reduce children’s smartphone use.

Iran-US Gulf escalation: Bahrain says it faced a renewed Iranian attack after sirens sounded again, with the Foreign Ministry calling it a “dangerous escalation” and a systematic assault on the kingdom’s sovereignty, urging residents to move to safe areas and calling for an emergency UN Security Council session. Regional retaliation cycle: Reports say the latest flare-up follows a second day of US strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks, including claims of strikes on US-linked sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. International pushback: Canada condemned the alleged attacks as unlawful violations of Bahrain’s sovereignty, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the GCC also backed Manama and urged de-escalation. Local life amid tensions: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged calm during the alerts; separate coverage also highlighted Bahrain’s Smile Dokkan platform opening in Manama to support children with cancer, plus sports updates including 2 Seas Motorsport starting the 24 Hours of Spa and Bahraini athletes heading to the Diamond League in France. Forex: Nepal Rastra Bank set Sunday rates, with USD selling at Rs 151.34 and euro at Rs 172.64.

Iran Drone Attack Condemned: Bahrain says several drones from Iran hit its territory early Saturday, calling it a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and a threat to civilians, while urging the UN Security Council to hold Tehran accountable. Regional Backing: Jordan condemned the strikes and reaffirmed full support for Manama, as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE also issued strong denunciations. Hormuz Focus: Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE urged safeguarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed US-Iran tensions, while US-GCC ministers in Manama backed free navigation and rejected any tolls. Diplomatic Push: Iran rejected the US-GCC line as “interventionist,” and the US and Iran reportedly agreed to a direct military deconfliction channel in Doha to reduce escalation risks. Local Humanitarian & Community: Bahrain launched “Smile Dokkan” to broaden outreach for children with cancer, and authorities handled over 2,000 drug-related cases in the past year.

Arab Youth Basketball: Bahrain’s U18 men’s team kick off their title bid in the 23rd Arab Youth Men’s Basketball Championship in Sfax, Tunisia, starting today against Algeria, with matches also set vs Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Egypt as they chase gold. Motorsport: Bahraini-British 2 Seas Motorsport lines up strongly for the 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium, with its No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo starting fourth overall after Superpole, while the No. 222 and No. 33 cars are positioned well in their classes for today’s 5:30pm Bahrain-time start. Gulf Diplomacy & Hormuz: US and GCC foreign ministers meeting in Manama reaffirmed strategic ties and backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with free, unconditional navigation, rejecting any tolls or attempts to control the waterway as Iran and Oman discuss a 60-day traffic plan. Iran-US De-escalation: US Vice President JD Vance said Washington and Tehran agreed to a direct military deconfliction channel involving IRGC and US CENTCOM representatives in Doha, aimed at reducing conflict risk. Bahrain SDGs: Bahrain says it is on track to meet the 2030 SDGs in its 2026 Voluntary National Review, despite challenges including missile and drone attacks. Local Courts: A repeat offender goes on trial over an alleged three-time mall break-in, including thefts from lockers and an assault on a witness with scissors. Sports Medals: Bahrain won 17 medals at the Arab Under-23 and Under-16 Athletics Championships in Egypt, including multiple golds.

GCC-US Diplomacy in Bahrain: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour and co-chaired a GCC-US ministerial meeting in Manama with Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, stressing Washington’s “rock solid” commitment to Gulf security and saying Gulf states want to be informed and involved at every step of US-Iran talks. Strait of Hormuz: The joint push backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with free, unconditional, unrestricted navigation and rejected any tolls, fees or attempts to control the waterway; Oman also said no transit fees would be imposed. Iran Pushback: Iran condemned the GCC-US statement as “interventionist” and “provocative,” dismissing US claims on GCC security as “rhetoric,” and warned over maritime administration and approved routes amid a 60-day traffic plan discussed with Oman. Local Bahrain Watch: Bahrain reported progress toward the 2030 SDGs despite missile/drone attacks, and Bahrain won 17 medals at Arab athletics championships. Court: A repeat offender went on trial over an alleged three-time mall break-in and assault on a witness.

US-GCC Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Bahrain, telling GCC leaders Washington will keep them “informed every step” as talks with Iran move forward, while reaffirming US security commitments to Bahrain and the wider GCC. Strait of Hormuz: At a GCC-US ministerial meeting in Manama, ministers backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with free, unconditional navigation and rejected any tolls, fees, or attempts to control the waterway; Rubio warned Iranian toll plans would risk “total chaos.” US-Iran MoU: The ministers welcomed the June 17 US-Iran memorandum of understanding, with trade and investment described as conditional and reversible on Iran’s compliance, and discussed mediation roles by Pakistan and Qatar. Regional Security: The GCC and US also backed Baghdad’s push to bring weapons under state control and condemned attacks by Iran-backed armed groups targeting Gulf interests. Maritime Tensions: Separate reports said a tanker near Oman may have been targeted as Iran’s IRGC-linked warnings urged ships to coordinate passage via a specific channel. Local Bahrain: Bahrain imposed fresh restrictions on Shiite Ashura commemorations, including shorter processions and reduced festivities, amid a broader crackdown ahead of the holiday.

GCC-US Diplomacy in Bahrain: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrapped up a Gulf tour in Manama, pushing for “constructive dialogue” and new agreements with Iran while stressing the US won’t undermine Gulf security. Bahraini FM Abdullatif Al Zayani said any deal must respect Gulf sovereignty and law, and urged Iran to meet its obligations. Hormuz and Maritime Security: Rubio rejected any idea of tolls, warning Iranian charges would spread “like a contagion,” while Oman’s top diplomat said future arrangements won’t include transit fees. Tensions also spiked after a tanker was reported under apparent Iranian attack near Oman, with crude prices reacting. Regional Security Partnership: GCC foreign ministers and Rubio met in a joint ministerial session, pledging closer coordination on trade, energy, and advanced technologies while reaffirming protection of maritime routes. Bahrain Domestic Curbs: Bahrain imposed fresh restrictions on Shiite Muslims ahead of Ashura, including shortening mourning processions and halving the traditional festival period. Local Governance and Identity: MPs rejected Iranian-linked claims over Bahrain’s sovereignty, citing the 1970 self-determination process and Bahrain’s Arab identity.

Arab Youth Basketball: Bahrain’s U18 men’s team has named a final 14-player roster for the 23rd Arab Youth Men’s Basketball Championship in Sfax, Tunisia (June 27–July 4), opening against Algeria and then facing Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Egypt as they chase top-two finishes and Gulf qualification. MMA: BRAVE CF 107 is set for August 1 in Bulgaria as Bahraini Magomed Idrisov takes on unbeaten hometown favourite Nikolay Atanasov at Burgas Arena. Football: Bahrain Football Association is rolling out major Law of the Game amendments domestically, including faster substitutions and medical delays, tighter restart timing, expanded VAR authority, and anti-abuse rules. Sports Results: Bahrain’s senior men’s volleyball team lost 0-3 to India in the AVC Men’s Cup but remain on track for semi-finals, with matches against Kazakhstan and Australia next. Ashura Crackdown: A UK-based rights group says Bahraini authorities have intensified raids and arrests targeting Shia religious gatherings ahead of Ashura, including summoning and barring clerics and speakers. Diplomacy: Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation took part in an OIC conference in Azerbaijan, while Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani highlighted Bahraini women’s role in diplomacy on International Day of Women in Diplomacy. Education & Business: Applied Science University ranked first among Bahrain’s private universities and joint first locally in THE Impact Rankings 2026; Skills Bahrain launched “Career World,” a data-driven career guidance portal for secondary students. Economy & Justice: MPs renewed calls to raise the housing loan cap; the Court of Cassation ordered a retrial in a BD 143,000 money laundering case over defense-rights and procedure issues.

GCC-US Diplomacy: Bahrain welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the GCC-US ministerial meeting, stressing shared goals on regional security and support for a peaceful, long-term resolution to the Iranian issue. Iran-Bahrain Tensions: Bahraini MPs rejected Iranian Kayhan claims about Bahrain’s sovereignty and identity, while Bahrain’s Journalists Association condemned the allegations as baseless attacks on the kingdom’s Arab identity. Foreign Policy & Women: Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani highlighted Bahraini women’s role in diplomacy on International Day of Women in Diplomacy, noting their growing presence in the ministry and diplomatic corps. Sports & Youth: Bahrain announced its U18 squad for the Arab Youth Basketball Championship in Tunisia, and Bahrain’s Special Olympics team won gold in Unified Triathlon at the MENA Games in Tunisia. Football Rules: Bahrain rolled out major Law of the Game amendments for domestic competitions, including faster substitutions, tighter restart timing, and expanded VAR powers. Business & Community: Bilfinger inaugurated a new Riffa office and marked 30 years in Bahrain; Our Responsibility delivered summer appliances to 50 low-income families. Education & Employment: Skills Bahrain launched “Career World,” a data-driven career guidance portal for secondary students, and Bahrain introduced the International Baccalaureate in government schools. Courts & Crime: The Court of Cassation ordered a retrial in a BD 143,000 money laundering case, citing defense-right and procedure violations.