AGP Executive Report

Court & Consumer Protection: Bahrain’s Lower Criminal Court jailed four people over a scheme to tamper with expired food products’ expiry dates, reintroducing them to the market, ordering confiscation and destruction of the goods, and shutting the company for six months. Public Safety & Justice: A man was sentenced to five years in prison and fined BD300 for deliberately setting fire to his mother’s home, with no injuries reported. Trade & Security: Bahrain’s appeals court upheld a three-year jail term and deportation order for an Asian man caught smuggling prohibited tobacco hidden inside hollowed-out onions, confirming fines, taxes and confiscation. Regional Economy: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening, economists say shipping and insurance costs should ease, helping Bahrain’s trade after weeks of disruption. Sports & Culture: 2 Seas Motorsport’s Kevin Tse and Ben Green finished sixth in British GT at Spa-Francorchamps, while Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa’s “The Crate Maze” drew attention at Art Basel. Business & Development: Bahrain broke into the world’s top 20 in the IMD competitiveness ranking, and BIC appointed Ahmed Sami Altajer as facilities director.

Food Safety & Justice: A Bahraini court jailed four people over a fraud scheme involving expired food products, sentencing the company’s de facto manager to three years and three workers to one year each, with deportation orders, fines, and orders to confiscate and destroy the tampered goods. Military Leadership: BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa met RBAF and Royal Armour commanders, praising operational excellence and ongoing force development. Art & Culture: Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa is showcasing “The Crate Maze” at Art Basel in Switzerland, using a geometric installation to spotlight Bahrain’s trading heritage. Banking & Consumers: NBB’s Subah Al Zayani says retail banking is built on both digital reach and a strong branch network, with customer needs driving every update. Labour Market Cooperation: Ethiopia and Bahrain are working on a framework to streamline labour-market cooperation, with more than 35,000 Ethiopians in Bahrain mainly as domestic workers. Online Safety Debate: Parents and experts in Bahrain push for safer child internet use, as the government weighs options after Shura Council proposed a social media ban for under-15s. Animal Welfare Warning: Dr. Hana Kanoo urged the public to stop sharing social media content that harms pets or stray animals, calling it a moral offence and urging reporting through official channels. Regional Trade Relief: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening, economists say freight and insurance costs should ease and Bahrain’s trade pressure will gradually reduce. Sports: Bahrain’s Kemi Adekoya took third in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Doha Diamond League, while Para athletes Nassar Ali and Ahmed Noah won medals in Tunisia. Business & Economy: Bahrain entered the world’s top 20 in the IMD competitiveness ranking, and the Bahrain Chamber extended sectoral committee registration until July 2.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Bahrain’s FM Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani spoke with Pakistan’s DPM/FM Ishaq Dar by phone after the US-Iran Islamabad MoU, praising Pakistan’s mediation and agreeing to keep high-level consultations to support regional peace. Human Rights & Citizenship: AFP reports Bahraini families stripped of citizenship after the Iran war are stuck in limbo, with rights groups saying the move targets Shias of Persian descent and punishes even infants. Trade & Shipping Costs: Economists say reopening the Strait of Hormuz should ease pressure on Bahrain’s economy as freight and insurance costs fall, though full recovery may take months. Parliament & Tech: Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation told the IPU that AI can boost legislative efficiency, from drafting support to translation and comparative law access. Local Economy & Business: Bahrain Chamber extended sectoral committee registration to July 2, while BDB and KFH-Bahrain back the Farmers Market in Hoorat A’ali. Sports & Culture: Bahrain’s Para athletes won medals in Tunisia; Kemi Adekoya placed third in Doha’s 400m hurdles; Rashid Al Khalifa brings Bahrain’s trading legacy to Art Basel. Justice & Courts: Appeals upheld a three-year prison and deportation sentence for onion-shipment tobacco smuggling. Public Health Warning: Experts urge Bahrainis not to stop prescribed medication based on viral diet trends.

Special Olympics in Tunisia: Bahrain’s Paralympic Committee delegation, led by Ali Al Maqeed, took part in the opening of the 10th Special Olympics MENA Games in Sousse, with beach volleyball and open-water swimming starting Friday. Family law update: A Bahrain court can decide custody based on the child’s welfare even if a divorced mother remarries; remarriage isn’t an automatic bar under Family Law provisions. Trade relief from Hormuz: Economists say reopening the Strait of Hormuz should ease Bahrain’s shipping and insurance costs after weeks of disruption, though full normalization may take months. Education and culture: A new Alliance Française Bahrain building in Adliya was officially backed by the Education Minister, while a Bahraini mum was praised for returning to school after 27 years. Sports spotlight: Kemi Adekoya placed third in the Doha Diamond League 400m hurdles; Para athletes Nassar Ali and Ahmed Noah won medals in Tunis. Business and economy: Bahrain entered the world’s top 20 in the IMD competitiveness ranking, and the Bahrain Chamber extended sectoral committee registration to July 2. Legal case: An appeals court upheld a three-year sentence and deportation for onion-smuggling tobacco concealed in hollowed onions. Health warning: Experts urged Bahrainis not to stop prescribed medication over diet trends spreading online.

Forbes Spotlight: Four Bahraini family firms made Forbes Middle East’s “Top 100 Arab Family Businesses for 2026,” with YK Almoayyed & Sons Group ranking highest locally at No. 59, underscoring the kingdom’s private-sector muscle across automotive, shipping and engineering. Citizenship Crackdown: AFP reports that 69 people had Bahraini citizenship revoked after the Iran war; one man says he and his three-month-old daughter were forced to leave for Iran and can’t return. Sports Success: Bahrain’s Para athletes Nassar Ali (gold) and Ahmed Noah (silver) shone at the Tunis Para Athletics Grand Prix, while Special Olympics Bahrain heads to Tunisia for the Mena Regional Games. EV Push: YK Almoayyed & Sons and EVS signed a deal to launch EVS Bahrain, bringing dedicated EV/NEV servicing to customers. Space Collaboration: Bahrain Space Agency met US firm Axiom Space and universities to explore research, training and new space programmes. Local Life & Courts: Muharraq is set to tackle Old Suq parking woes with road redevelopment and paid/valet options; an appeals court upheld a three-year sentence for onion-shipment tobacco smuggling. Health Warning: Experts warn against stopping prescribed medication based on diet trends spreading online. Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain’s FM Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the US-Iran MoU and urged continued dialogue. Women’s Privacy Law: A salon owner was fined after cameras were found in women-only areas. Religious Restrictions: Reports say Muharram mourning symbols and banners face tight limits, with clashes and raids reported in Al-Diraz and Abu Sabi.

Regional Security & Energy: Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority says it has fully closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, warning of major disruption as the standoff with the US escalates. Court & Public Safety: Bahrain’s appeals court upheld a three-year prison term and deportation for an Asian man caught smuggling prohibited tobacco hidden inside an onion shipment, with fines and confiscation confirmed. Health Guidance: Health experts warn Bahrainis not to stop prescribed medication based on diet trends spreading online. Space & Education: Bahrain Space Agency met US firm Axiom Space and local universities to explore research, training and new space-linked academic programmes. Local Infrastructure: Muharraq authorities push a road redevelopment plan around Old Muharraq Suq to ease parking shortages, add spaces and improve access. Business & Economy: Bahrain broke into the world’s top 20 in the IMD competitiveness ranking, while the Bahrain Chamber extended sectoral panel registration to July 2. Women, Sport & Learning: Bahraini female athletes were honoured for balancing academic success with sporting excellence. Tech in Parliament: Bahrain told the IPU it is using AI to boost legislative efficiency and parliamentary processes. EV Mobility: YK Almoayyed & Sons and EVS signed to launch EVS Bahrain for dedicated EV/NEV servicing.

Regional Security & Energy: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for US airstrikes, a move that could jolt global oil markets and push prices higher. Diplomacy: Bahrain’s FM Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani spoke with Pakistan’s DPM/FM Ishaq Dar after the US-Iran Islamabad MoU, with both sides praising Pakistan’s mediation and stressing stronger Bahrain-Pakistan ties. Local Economy & Business: Bahrain climbed into the world’s top 20 in the IMD competitiveness ranking, while the Bahrain Chamber extended registration for sectoral panels until July 2. SME & Food Security: BDB and KFH-Bahrain partnered to support the Farmers Market in Hoorat A’ali. Sports & Society: Special Olympics Bahrain heads to Tunisia for the Mena regional games; Bahrain also honoured female athletes balancing academics and sport. Education & Jobs: Bahrain Polytechnic launched a Bloomberg Finance Lab with 20 terminals to boost graduate financial skills. Justice & Labour: Public Prosecution confirmed a midday outdoor work ban from June 15 to Aug 31, and courts handed down prison terms in Iran-linked cases. Health: Two Bahraini sickle cell “heroes” were honoured after gene-editing treatment.

Regional Security: Iran announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, raising fears of major oil disruptions and price spikes. Courts & Security: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to 10 years in prison over alleged support for Iran-linked attacks, including sharing sensitive information and posting online content during the drone and missile period. Public Safety: The Public Prosecution confirmed a midday outdoor work ban from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. (June 15–Aug 31), with penalties for violations. Local Justice: A salon owner was fined BD100 after cameras were found in women-only areas, violating privacy rules. Business & Transport: Chery Bahrain opened a new Arad service and spare parts centre, while bids were opened for a consultancy feasibility study to deepen and standardise the Bahrain Main Approach Channel. Economy & Policy: Bahrain issued a new ministerial decision updating SME classification to better target support. Health & Community: Two Bahraini sickle cell “heroes” were honoured for recovery after gene-editing therapy. Sports & Culture: Bahrain’s boxing federation appointed Amer Abdallah as an adviser; the kingdom also marked World Sickle Cell Day with community recognition. Housing: Salman Town housing schemes will deliver 432 ownership flats and 137 houses, with completion targeted by late 2027.

Strait of Hormuz Shockwave: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, warning of major global oil disruption as shipping halts and insurance costs rise. Bahrain Security Crackdown: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to 10 years for alleged support of Iran-linked attacks, including sharing “sensitive” information, filming restricted sites, and spreading online rumors during the drone and missile period. Muharram Under Pressure: Shia mourners in Al-Diraz raised Husseini black flags despite reports of restrictions, while separate reports say security forces raided a mourning ceremony near Manama and used tear gas. Worker Protection Rule: The Public Prosecution confirmed a midday outdoor work ban from 12:00-16:00 daily, June 15 to Aug 31, with penalties for violations. EV Services Deal: YK Almoayyed & Sons and EVS signed to launch EVS Bahrain, bringing dedicated EV/NEV servicing to customers. Maritime Planning: Bahrain opened bids for a feasibility study on deepening and standardising the Bahrain Main Approach Channel, with seven companies submitting offers. SME Support Update: Bahrain issued a new ministerial classification system for micro, small and medium enterprises to better target support and help firms scale. Youth & Sports: Youth Minister met partners Tarteeb Events and Winners Football Club to back the Sports City programme under Youth City 2030.

Regional Security & Energy: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, raising fears of major oil-price shocks and wider disruption for Gulf states including Bahrain. National Security Courts: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to 10 years in prison for alleged support of Iran-linked attacks, including sharing sensitive information, photographing restricted sites, and spreading false rumours on social media. Religious Freedom Under Pressure: Shia mourners in Al-Diraz raised Husseini flags for Muharram despite reported restrictions, while separate reports say security forces raided a mourning ceremony near Manama and used tear gas. Labour Protection: The Public Prosecution confirmed a midday outdoor work ban from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. (June 15–Aug 31), with penalties for employers and workers. Transport & Trade: Bahrain opened bids for a consultancy feasibility study on deepening and standardising the Bahrain Main Approach Channel; seven firms submitted offers. Green Mobility: YK Almoayyed & Sons and EVS signed a deal to launch EVS Bahrain, bringing dedicated EV/NEV servicing to customers. Business & Economy: Bahrain issued a new ministerial classification system for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to better target support and help firms scale.

Iran-US MoU & Hormuz shockwaves: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, warning of major disruption to a route carrying about a fifth of global oil; markets brace for chaos as shipping halts and insurance costs rise. Bahrain security crackdown: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to 10 years for alleged support of Iran-linked attacks, including sharing sensitive information, photographing restricted sites, and spreading false social media content; prosecutors framed it as protecting public security. Diplomacy: Bahrain’s foreign minister held talks by phone with Jordan’s counterpart on boosting bilateral ties and coordinating on regional security. Regional coordination: Saudi and Bahrain foreign ministers reaffirmed coordination to enhance regional security and stability. Housing push: Salman Town projects are progressing, with 432 ownership apartments and 137 houses planned, with completion targeted by late 2027. Business & regulation: Bahrain issued a new ministerial decision updating SME classification to better target support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. EV services: YKA and EVS signed a deal to launch EVS Bahrain, bringing dedicated EV and NEV servicing to customers.

Housing Update: Salman Town is set to expand with 432 ownership apartments and 137 houses, with completion targeted for late 2027, after Northern Municipal Council reviews and follow-ups on roads, drains and other services. Court & Security: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court handed down 12 people’s 10-year sentences for alleged support of Iran-linked attacks, including sharing sensitive information, photographing restricted sites and spreading false or panic-inducing social media content. Cybercrime: A Bahraini man was jailed for three years and fined BD 3,000 after hacking a businessman’s banking app account and fraudulently transferring BD 2,490 using SIM-swap tactics and verification codes. Arson Case: Another man received a five-year prison term for setting fire to his elderly mother’s home and threatening her, following an earlier family dispute. SME Rules: A new ministerial decision updates Bahrain’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprise classification to better target support and improve business planning. Regional Diplomacy: Middle East countries welcomed the US-Iran MoU on ending the war and called for full implementation, with attention on the Strait of Hormuz reopening. Sports: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry tennis team won five titles and nine awards at the Arab Veterans Tennis Championship in Sharm El Sheikh.

National Security & Courts: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court sentenced 12 people to 10 years in prison and imposed fines over alleged support for Iran-linked attacks, including sharing sensitive information, photographing restricted sites, and spreading false or panic-inducing content online. Diplomacy: King Hamad received a written message from Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on bilateral relations, delivered via Bahrain’s foreign minister. SME Policy: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed Ministerial Decision No. 23 of 2026 updating micro, small and medium-sized enterprise classification, saying it will sharpen targeted support and help firms scale. Business & Investment: Seef Properties signed an agreement with Mohammed Jalal Contracting for main construction works at Seef Mall under the Seef District redevelopment. Legal Reform: The Shura Council’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee backed the ratification of Bahrain’s new advocacy law, calling it a milestone for legal defence and justice modernization. Regional Energy Watch: Iran announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes, raising fears of major oil-market disruption.

Iran–US Tensions: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court handed 10-year jail sentences to 12 people over alleged support for Iran’s retaliatory attacks on US bases, citing social media activity, “prohibited vital data” and “false news,” as Bahrain also moves to tighten internal security amid regional escalation. Energy Shock Risk: Iran’s newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping on June 11, a move that could disrupt the route carrying about 20% of global oil and send prices higher. Justice & Rights: The Shura Council’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee welcomed the ratification of Bahrain’s 2026 Advocacy Law, saying it strengthens legal defence and modernises the justice system ahead of Lawyers’ Day. Legal Profession Spotlight: HRH the Crown Prince met the Bahrain Bar Society board at Gudaibiya Palace, praising lawyers for upholding justice and the rule of law. Local Economy & Property: Seef Properties signed an agreement with Mohammed Jalal Contracting for main construction works at the Seef Mall–Seef District redevelopment, including new upscale dining spaces. Road Safety: A court postponed an appeal in a fatal Zallaq Road crash case where two cyclists were killed after a driver allegedly became distracted and fled the scene. Sports & Culture: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry tennis team won at the 6th Arab Veterans Tennis Championship, while Bahrain National Museum displayed the “Document of Thanks and Loyalty” from King Hamad to citizens.

Regional Security: Iran has announced a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping on June 11, citing retaliation for U.S. airstrikes and raising fears of major oil-market disruption. Finance & Markets: Bahrain Bourse took part in the HSBC GCC Exchanges London Conference 2026, with officials discussing listings, liquidity and governance as part of Bahrain’s capital market development push. Entrepreneurship: Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa attended the Startup Bahrain–University of Bahrain competition finale, stressing that entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth and productivity. Legal Affairs: HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister met the Bahrain Bar Society board, praising Bahraini lawyers ahead of Lawyers’ Day for strengthening justice and the rule of law. Culture & Heritage: The Bahrain National Museum is displaying the “Document of Thanks and Loyalty,” signed by King Hamad and his sons, as a tribute to Bahrainis’ loyalty during national challenges. Healthcare Partnership: Arabia Insurance, Essen Biotech and Nextcare Bahrain signed a deal to introduce an innovative medical emergency support solution for beneficiaries. Sports: Spikers Academy won the inaugural Women’s Volleyball Equality League title after beating Sporsista 2-0.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran says it has shut the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping from June 11, escalating tensions after U.S. airstrikes and raising fears of major oil-price shocks. Bahrain National Unity: Bahrain National Museum displayed a “Document of Thanks and Loyalty” signed by King Hamad, praising citizens’ steadfastness during recent Iranian aggression. Capital Markets: Bahrain Bourse joined the HSBC GCC Exchanges London summit, pitching liquidity and listings reforms to investors and outlining its 2026-2028 development plan. Legal & Social Policy: A parliamentary committee approved a bill to waive debts owed to government bodies by deceased citizens; courts also upheld an expat divorce after 10 years and reaffirmed Bahraini jurisdiction in foreigners’ family disputes. Public Services: MPs backed restoring annual state aid for Bahrain’s day-care centres for older parents and seniors, and approved a plan for a dedicated Nursing and Midwifery College to train more Bahrainis. Health & Community: A new tripartite deal aims to improve medical emergency support and overseas treatment coordination, while Eid celebrations brought joy to young cancer patients and families.