AGP Executive Report

Education & Skills: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution launched the “Reaya” social care initiative, enrolling 203 new cases in the first half of 2026 with tailored social, health, education, legal and financial support for women, children and families. Learning Upgrade: Indian School Bahrain inaugurated a BD 400,000 Smart Classroom Project, installing interactive smartboards and adding a campus-wide CCTV network for nearly 11,500 students. Workforce Pipeline: General Assembly signed an MoU with Infiniteware to boost national digital and AI talent, including hiring two graduates from its programmes. Youth Development: Youth City 2030 opens July 12 with a record 256 training programmes and 10,650 opportunities, including a new Sports City. Digital Safety for Kids: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Bahrain, with age-based content controls and parental limits on Shorts. Culture & Lifestyle: Bahrain’s must-visit art galleries and a guide to Moroccan baths (hammams) highlight local heritage and wellness experiences. Sports & Community: The Supreme Council for Women’s sports committee discussed policies to increase women’s participation across sport. Justice & Compliance: Two expats were jailed over fake university degrees used to secure teaching jobs, with deportation orders issued. Local Governance: Bahrain’s Interior Minister stressed whole-of-society action against drugs, citing 2,006 drug cases in 2025 and 475 in the first quarter of 2026.

Women in Sport: The Supreme Council for Women’s Women in Sport Committee met again, reviewing a 2026–27 plan to boost Bahraini women’s participation in sports and ensure their needs are built into national policies, with performance indicators tied to the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. Heritage Crafts: World Rural Development Day spotlights Bahrain’s village artisans, from Bani Jamra textile weaving and bridal veils to pottery traditions—preserving heritage as fast fashion pressures makers to adapt. Legal Training Boost: The Judicial and Legal Studies Institute and British University signed an MoU to strengthen legal education and professional training, including English-language programmes and practical legal materials. Youth Skills Push: MKF launched its 2026 “Ithra” Summer Programs (“Skills of the Future”) for ages 10–16, while BENEFIT opened registrations for its MASAR fintech internship (third and fourth-year students). Community Care: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution reported 203 new cases enrolled in “Reaya” in the first half of 2026, supporting women and children with social, health, education, legal and financial services. Digital & Cyber Growth: Bahrain Polytechnic became an ICAEW Partner in Learning, and NCSC signed a cybersecurity cooperation framework with the institution. Sports & Lifestyle: Muharraq appointed Issa Al Saadoun as head coach, and Bahrain’s hotels rolled out match-day and summer dining experiences—from Ritz-Carlton fanzone food to Four Seasons BBQ and brunches.

Reaya Social Care Update: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution enrolled 203 new cases in its “Reaya” initiative in the first half of 2026, supporting 73 people with social, psychological, health, educational, legal and financial help. Anti-Drug Push: Interior Minister Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said drug fighting needs a whole-of-society effort, citing 2,006 drug-related cases in 2025 and 475 in Q1 2026. Youth City 2030: Youth Affairs Minister Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi announced the 15th edition will run from July 12 with a record 256 training programmes and 10,650 opportunities for over 6,000 youth. Education & Skills: Bahrain trained 200 educators for the IB Middle Years Programme rollout, while Bahrain Polytechnic earned ICAEW “Partner in Learning” status. Cybersecurity & Culture: NCSC and Bahrain Polytechnic signed a cybersecurity cooperation framework, and RCSI Bahrain explored cultural collaboration with archaeologist Dr Abdulaziz Ali Suwaileh. Sports & Community: Muharraq appointed Issa Al Saadoun as head coach, and SCW’s Women in Sport committee discussed boosting women’s participation across sports. Lifestyle Spotlight: Ninive opened at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, bringing a Middle East and North Africa-inspired “contemporary majlis” dining experience.

Women in Sport: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women’s Women in Sport Committee met to push stronger women’s participation across sports, with plans for 2026–2027 and performance indicators tied to the National Plan for the Advancement of Bahraini Women. Education & Careers: Bahrain Polytechnic became the first in Bahrain to earn ICAEW Partner in Learning status, underlining its push for globally recognised accounting and finance training. Culture & Crafts: At Al Jasra, young Bahrain University designers showcased Islamic geometric patterns in Form Craft, blending heritage motifs with modern products made alongside local artisans. Handicrafts Calendar: BACA’s July workshops at Al Jasra and Al Sultan Garden offer hands-on sessions—from resin art to smocking embroidery—so residents can learn traditional skills in a fun, practical way. Business & Lifestyle: stc Bahrain won Gold at the International CSR Excellence Awards 2026 for talent empowerment and innovation. Regional Connectivity: V and Screenomic launched free premium Arabic TV channels across 10 MENA markets, including Bahrain. Islamic Finance Education: BIBF signed two agreements with Russian universities to expand capacity building and Islamic finance education pathways. International Watch: Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain and warned about threats to maritime security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Gulf Culture & Lifestyle: Young Bahrain-based designers are blending Islamic heritage with modern product design at Al Jasra Crafts Centre, with 16 student creations inspired by Islamic geometrical patterns and made alongside local artisans. Crafts Calendar: BACA’s July workshops at Al Jasra Handicrafts and Al Sultan Garden offer hands-on sessions for residents and visitors, from resin art to smocking embroidery. Connected TV for Bahrain: V and Screenomic launched free premium Arabic TV channels across 10 MENA markets, including Bahrain, expanding entertainment, news, sports and children’s programming. Business & Community: stc Bahrain won Gold at the International CSR Excellence Awards 2026 for initiatives supporting talent, innovation and sustainable opportunities. Islamic Finance Education: Bahrain BIBF signed two agreements with Russian universities to build capacity and integrate BIBF Islamic finance qualifications into academic programmes. Women’s Higher Education: Royal University for Women held its 18th graduation ceremony for 99 bachelor’s and master’s graduates under the patronage of Princess Sabeeka. Local Finance Leadership: Khaleeji Bank appointed Razi Almerbati as CEO effective Aug 17, 2026. Global Watch (Gulf): Bahrain condemned alleged Iranian drone strikes, warning of threats to peace efforts.

Scam Industry Exposed: An AP/Frontline investigation says global romance fraud is being turbocharged by AI tools from American tech firms, with one trafficked operator claiming he targeted tens of thousands of victims in a month. Bahrain’s Education Boost: Bahrain’s first public-school cohort accepted into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme says the inquiry-based curriculum is reshaping confidence and global university plans. Islamic Finance Training: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance signed two agreements with Russian universities to expand capacity building and Islamic finance education. Bank Leadership: Khaleeji Bank appointed Razi Almerbati as CEO effective August 17, 2026. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: University of Strathclyde Bahrain students won top honours at INJAZ Bahrain’s Young Entrepreneurs Competition 2026, including a Company of the Year win. Humanitarian & Industry Recovery: Bahrain’s Royal Humanitarian Foundation joined UNIDO talks in Vienna on private-sector-led industrial recovery for Syria, Palestine and Sudan. Culture & Heritage: A look inside the Bahrain Post Office Museum at Bab Al Bahrain, featuring 4,000+ stamps and postal history dating back over 140 years. Regional Tensions: Bahrain again accused Iran of drone strikes, as U.S.-Iran talks are set to continue in Qatar amid a fragile ceasefire.

Gulf Security: Bahrain condemned alleged Iranian drone strikes on its territory, warning the attacks threaten sovereignty and peace efforts as Iran also targets Kuwait and the region amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and talks in Doha. Aviation & Travel Safety: EU aviation regulators urged airlines to stay cautious, extending conflict-zone guidance through July 3 and advising avoidance of Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese airspace while monitoring routes over Bahrain and nearby states. Education & Youth: Bahrain’s first public school students accepted into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme say the inquiry-based curriculum is boosting confidence and widening paths to university and global careers. Culture & Family Fun: A new spotlight on the Bahrain Post Office Museum at Bab Al Bahrain highlights a stamp collection spanning 195 countries and a postal history reaching back over 140 years. Business & Entrepreneurship: UNIDO’s Bahrain office-backed proposal calls for an international BD40m fund to support startups and MSMEs in war-affected countries, building on Bahrain’s long-running entrepreneurship model. Health Update: Bahrain doctors say renaming PCOS to PMOS may help earlier diagnosis by shifting focus from ovarian cysts to broader hormonal and metabolic impacts.

Gulf Security: Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after US strikes, with Tehran warning it could halt talks; amid the Strait of Hormuz tensions, reports say Washington and Tehran agreed to pause strikes and keep technical talks moving in Doha. Community & Culture: Bahrain’s Imam Hussain (AS) Blood Donation Campaign collected 741 units, showing strong volunteer spirit and social responsibility. Parenting & Youth: Five MPs backed a national after-school scheme to pull children away from smartphones toward sport, culture, life skills and group play. Women’s Health: Bahrain doctors welcomed the renaming of PCOS to PMOS, saying the shift may support earlier diagnosis and broader metabolic-focused care. Business & Innovation: UNIDO’s Bahrain office proposed a BD40m international fund to back startups and MSMEs in war-affected countries. Lifestyle & Creativity: A Bahraini developer launched “Reflection of Demon,” a web-based dark fantasy horror game built over a decade. Health & Wellbeing: A new UN-Habitat report flags worsening housing affordability worldwide, with renters hit hardest.

Gulf Tensions & Bahrain: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called for legal action against the US and Israel over alleged wartime crimes, while the wider Iran–US clash kept spilling into the region, with Iran claiming drone and missile attacks on US sites in Kuwait and Bahrain and Bahrain condemning an Iranian drone incident as a violation of sovereignty. MPs & Kids’ Screen Time: Five Bahraini MPs backed a national after-school scheme to steer children away from long smartphone and tablet hours, pushing sport, culture, life skills and group play. Community Health: The Imam Hussain (AS) Blood Donation Campaign collected 741 units over two days in Manama, highlighting volunteerism and support for Bahrain’s Central Blood Bank. Digital Government: Bahrain upgraded 88 government services across 18 public entities, speeding up processes and adding QR verification and online tracking. Culture & Coexistence: Bahrain reiterated its commitment to coexistence and intercultural dialogue at an international conference on religious diversity. Lifestyle & Learning: A Bahraini student won the Arab Reading Challenge national round, and a first-of-its-kind study urged more standardised plastic surgery referral pathways in primary care.

Middle East Security: Fresh US strikes hit Iranian targets after a tanker attack near the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran warns of a “crushing response” and claims it targeted US sites in Kuwait and Bahrain—raising fears for shipping and regional stability. Cancer Support in Bahrain: A new Smile Dokkan platform opened at Innovation Themes and Coffee, backing children with cancer through psychosocial support and community fundraising. Creator Economy (GCC): L’Oréal Middle East launched LOREALISTAR, a multi-brand loyalty platform for beauty creators across the GCC, with access to events, upskilling and brand experiences. Emergency Preparedness: Al Amn FM discussed the National Ambulance Centre’s role in handling emergencies and boosting summer readiness. Government Services: Bahrain upgraded 88 services across 18 public entities, speeding processes and adding digital tracking and QR verification. Healthcare Training: A study in Muharraq calls for clearer plastic surgery referral guidelines and more standardised training for primary care doctors. Culture & Heritage: Bahrain marked pottery traditions in A’ali, while a Bahrain resident artist shared a new painting reflecting the human cost of conflict. Education & Youth: A fifth-year student from Al Izdihar Primary Girls School won the Arab Reading Challenge national round, and 21K School opened admissions for a GCC-focused Cambridge online cohort.

Bahrain Digital Push: Bahrain upgraded 88 government services across 18 public entities, cutting processing times and adding QR verification and online tracking for smoother citizen and business access. Healthcare & Training: A new study in Muharraq says primary care doctors need clearer plastic surgery referral pathways, urging standardised guidelines and plastic surgery education in PCP training. Education Wins: A fifth-year Bahraini student, Raneem Al Darwish, topped the Arab Reading Challenge national round, earning a shot at the Dubai final. Culture & Coexistence: Bahrain highlighted religious diversity and coexistence at an international conference in Nicosia, reinforcing partnerships to tackle polarisation and hate speech. Freedom of Expression: Bahrain’s interior ministry says a Shia researcher was arrested over social media posts about Ashura, while a prisoners’ board criticised it as part of restricting expression. Sustainability Update: Bahrain’s third voluntary SDG review reports progress toward the 2030 goals, despite regional security pressures. Sports & Lifestyle: Bahrain Centre of Excellence will host Ghanaian swimmer Ivan Snowden under a World Aquatics scholarship, combining elite training with a fully funded university path.

SDGs in the spotlight: A new study says Gulf universities may be “safe” about sustainability, leaning on clean-energy projects while avoiding tougher topics like equity and labour, and warns low academic freedom could limit real civic-focused SDG work. Bahrain SDG progress: Bahrain’s Ministry of Sustainable Development submitted its third Voluntary National Review to the UN, highlighting steady gains across education, heritage, future security and economic sustainability. Local education win: The University of Bahrain ranked 7th globally in THE Impact Rankings for SDG 17, with strong results also for SDG 4. Rights and expression: Bahrain’s interior ministry says a Shia researcher was arrested over social media posts tied to Ashura, while the Prisoners’ Affairs Board calls it part of broader restrictions on expression. Culture & heritage: Pottery in A’ali remains alive, with hands-on workshops keeping the craft going. Lifestyle travel: Ajman’s Masfout Museum offers a mountain-fort story beyond the usual coastal UAE heritage. Sports watch: Tour de France 2026 coverage spotlights Bahrain-Victorious rider line-ups and the race’s July 4–26 schedule. Tech & entertainment: GTA 6 is reported banned from pre-orders in Bahrain, alongside several other countries. Global news with a human hit: Twin earthquakes in Venezuela have killed hundreds, with rescue teams racing to La Guaira.

Venezuela Earthquake Relief: Rescue teams are racing through rubble in La Guaira after twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) killed at least 188 people, with more than 200 trapped and thousands injured as the death toll is expected to rise; international help is pouring in. Bahrain SDGs Update: Bahrain submitted its Third Voluntary National Review to the UN, highlighting progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals despite regional security challenges. Education & Youth: 21K School launched a borderless Cambridge schooling option for GCC families, while the University of Bahrain ranked 7th globally in THE Impact Rankings for SDG 17. Culture & Community: Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture says it’s meeting partners to support cultural heritage preservation, and Bahrain also marked a push for coexistence with Cyprus through the King Hamad Global Centre. Lifestyle & Tech: Emirates NBD rolled out a Visa personalised card art experience in its ENBD X app, letting customers swap themed designs instantly. Sports Pop Culture: A new list ranks every World Cup movie, and GTA 6 remains a talking point after reports of bans in several regions including Bahrain.

Venezuela Earthquakes: Twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) have devastated northern Venezuela, with the death toll rising to 235 and injuries topping 4,300 as rescue teams race through collapsed buildings in La Guaira and Caracas, while thousands remain missing. Bahrain & Shiite Curbs: Bahrain has tightened restrictions around Shiite commemorations ahead of Ashura, including shortening the traditional 10-day festival and ordering earlier processions, as part of broader Gulf-wide measures amid regional tensions. Syria’s Missing Woman Case: A spotlight story revisits the controversy around Batoul Suleiman Alloush, with her family alleging abduction and authorities saying she converted voluntarily—set against wider sectarian strain. Sustainable Development in Bahrain: Bahrain submitted its Third Voluntary National Review to the UN, and the University of Bahrain ranked 7th globally in THE Impact Rankings for SDG 17, reinforcing the kingdom’s push on education and partnerships. Tech & Lifestyle: GTA 6 is reportedly banned from Bahrain and several other regions, while Native announced upgraded deodorant and body wash formulas.

Venezuela Earthquakes: Rescue teams in La Guaira raced through rubble after twin quakes (7.2 and 7.5) killed at least 164 and injured 971, with fears the toll will rise as families search for missing loved ones. Bahrain Shiite Curbs: Bahrain tightened restrictions ahead of Ashura, including shortening the 10-day festival and ending processions earlier, citing safety while the Gulf region faces renewed sectarian tension linked to the wider Iran conflict. Bahrain Sustainability Push: Bahrain submitted its Third Voluntary National Review to the UN, highlighting SDG progress across education, healthcare, climate action, innovation and inclusive growth. Education & Career Support: Skills Bahrain (Tamkeen) launched “Career World,” a career guidance platform for secondary students using labour-market data, while the Ministry of Education sped up private school certificate attestation and equalisation online. Legal Tech Expansion: LexisNexis expanded in the GCC with localised legal AI for the Middle East, aiming to support regional legal professionals. Culture & Heritage: A Bahrain-linked delegation joined a Beijing event promoting Chinese cultural and tourism enterprises to overseas markets. Local Lifestyle: Bahrain Garden Club honoured winners across home gardens, sustainable landscaping and environmental innovation, with top awards shared by major hotels.

Education & Youth: Skills Bahrain (Tamkeen) launched “Career World,” a data-powered career guidance platform for secondary students, parents and counsellors, mapping 160+ professions to skills, study paths and labour-market needs. Sustainability & National Reporting: Bahrain submitted its Third Voluntary National Review to the UN ahead of the July High-Level Political Forum, highlighting progress across education, healthcare, social support, climate action, innovation and inclusive growth. University Rankings: The University of Bahrain climbed to 7th globally in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in THE Impact Rankings 2026, while Applied Science University ranked first among private universities in Bahrain and joint first locally. Culture & Community: Bahrain Garden Club honoured winners across home gardens and sustainability categories, celebrating tree-planting and environmental innovation. Recognition & Work Culture: A Supreme Council for Youth and Sports employee won BD8,200 under an employee loyalty rewards programme for performance and dedication. Healthcare Partnerships: RCSI Medical University of Bahrain reaffirmed its education and healthcare collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Education delegation. Lifestyle & Giving Back: Our Responsibility distributed essential home appliances to 50 low-income families ahead of summer. Arts: Manama Theatre Club chair Hannah Turner officially received her British Empire Medal at the British Embassy.