AGP Executive Report

F1 & Culture Spotlight: Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised Bahraini organisers and talent as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix reaches Sepang, with Bahrain bringing its own podium tradition—drivers will spray ma’al-ward, a non-alcoholic rose-water drink made from Bahraini ingredients. Sports Pride: Shamil Sharipov won Bahrain bronze in men’s freestyle wrestling (125kg) at the Asian Games, adding to the kingdom’s growing medal tally. Local Lifestyle & Learning: BACA launched October handicraft workshops across Bahrain, from carpet art and resin art to cream-making, with sessions at Al Jasra Crafts Centre and the House of Basket Weaving. Health & Family Focus: Bahrain Diabetes Society unveiled Sukari AI to help newly diagnosed diabetes patients manage carbs and blood sugar in English and Arabic, while experts urged tougher rules to curb childhood obesity as over 40% of children are overweight. Youth & Education: A parliamentary proposal would prepare students for their first jobs before graduation, and a teacher-led maths approach at Al Salam Primary Girls School is turning lessons into games, competitions and instant quizzes. What’s On: The Bahrain International Music Festival returns this October with a packed line-up across multiple venues.

Bahrain Culture & Lifestyle: Bahrain’s BACA is running October handicraft workshops at Al Jasra Crafts Centre and the House of Basket Weaving, from cream-making and carpet art to resin art—an easy way to learn skills passed down for generations. F1, Food & Local Pride: As the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix returns to Sepang, Bahrain is swapping champagne for ma’al-ward, a non-alcoholic rose water drink made from local ingredients, while fans also debate steep race-weekend food prices like RM35 nasi lemak. Health & Community: Bahrain launched Sukari AI, a diabetes support app in English and Arabic, and health experts are urging tougher rules to curb childhood obesity after warnings that over 40% of children are overweight. Youth & Education: A parliamentary proposal would prepare students for their first jobs before graduation, turning the final university year into a bridge to employers. Events Calendar: The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival kicks off this week with more than 20 acts across October and November, including concerts at Bahrain National Theatre and Beyon Al Dana. Environment & Heritage: Manama’s Istidama Centre opened to boost sustainability training, while plans for a Karbabad coast walkway near Bahrain Fort are being reconsidered due to UNESCO heritage protection.

Bahrain International Music Festival: The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival kicks off today with 20+ acts across October and November, mixing contemporary and traditional music at venues including Bahrain National Theatre and The Desert Garden. Diabetes & daily life: Bahrain Diabetes Society launched Sukari AI, an English/Arabic app for newly diagnosed people with guidance on carbohydrate counting, blood sugar control and quick consultations. Health policy: Experts urged tougher rules to curb childhood obesity, citing that over 40% of Bahraini children are overweight and calling for limits on unhealthy marketing and clearer food labels. Sustainability push: The Istidama Centre was inaugurated in Manama to train and build capacity for sustainability, the green economy and carbon neutrality. Education & careers: A parliamentary proposal would prepare students for first jobs before graduation, linking final-year students with employers and training opportunities. Youth skills: Another plan proposes year-round training at Youth City 2030 for future fields like AI, cyber security and fintech. Community & culture: The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain marked World Cleanup Day with a green waste drive at Budaiya Farmers Market. Heritage planning: UNESCO-protected Karbabad coast development near Bahrain Fort is on hold, with authorities asking for alternative locations. F1 Bahrain in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Grand Prix returns at Sepang this weekend, with Bahrain culture and hospitality highlighted as fans queue for shuttles and pit lane access.

Youth & Skills: MP Dr Munir Seroor has proposed making Youth City 2030 a year-round training hub, with “Future Skills and Careers” tracks for AI, cyber security, fintech, advanced manufacturing, green economy and creative industries, linking interest discovery to practical work with private firms and partners like Tamkeen and universities. Classroom Innovation: At Al Salam Primary Girls School, a teacher-led approach turns maths into games, competitions and instant quizzes, using tools like number fans and Quizizz Paper Mode to boost engagement and track understanding. Heritage vs Development: Plans for a Karbabad coast walkway near Bahrain Fort were paused after UNESCO World Heritage protections blocked one proposed site; authorities say alternative locations are being considered, while a digital register framework targets abandoned buildings across the Capital Governorate. Charity & Trust: Bahrain renewed calls for donors to check fundraising licences and transparency, reminding people that responsible giving means knowing where money goes and who benefits. Community & Environment: The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain joined World Cleanup Day with a green waste drive at Budaiya Farmers Market, partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture to clean public spaces. F1 Culture Link: Bahrain’s Grand Prix experience is heading to Sepang in Malaysia, with Bahrain’s motorsport culture and heritage set to be showcased alongside race-weekend activities. Education Support: LuLu Exchange expanded school-fee payments via LuLu Money App and branches, adding The New Indian School Bahrain. Humanitarian Aid: The Royal Humanitarian Foundation signed an agreement to fund essential medicines and medical supplies for Gaza’s health ministry, prioritising urgent needs in the Strip.

F1 & Bahrain in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Grand Prix experience is landing at Sepang this weekend, with Bahrain International Circuit and the Bahrain Motor Federation teaming up with Malaysian partners and Gulf Air—plus 561 Bahraini marshals and officials—to showcase Bahrain’s culture, heritage and hospitality to an expected 200,000 spectators. Heritage & Urban Planning: Plans to develop the Karbabad coast near Qal’at Al Bahrain have been paused after UNESCO World Heritage protection concerns, with authorities asking for alternative locations; a broader push is also underway to map and manage abandoned buildings in the Capital Governorate. Charity & Community Trust: Bahrain’s fundraising rules are back in focus as authorities urge donors to check fundraising licence numbers and verify organisations before giving. Humanitarian Aid: The Royal Humanitarian Foundation signed an agreement to fund essential medicines and medical supplies for Palestinians in Gaza, prioritising urgent needs in the Strip. Education & Daily Life: iGA streamlined the Personal Record Data Update Service for secondary graduates into a faster two-step process, while LuLu Exchange expanded school-fee payments to The New Indian School Bahrain. Accessibility in Schools: An MP has proposed optional sign-language classes in schools and tech tools to help deaf students and families communicate more independently.

Youth & Education Spotlight: INJAZ Bahrain honoured Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo as a Diamond Partner for 206 volunteer hours, recognising its role in empowering Bahraini youth through hands-on learning. Tech for Everyday Life: Bahrain’s iGA upgraded its Personal Record Data Update Service, letting secondary school graduates update civil record and ID details in just two steps, cutting steps and service time. Culture & Community: The Toronto Palestine Film Festival previewed its “Homegrown Shorts” residency works, highlighting Palestinian-Canadian creativity and experimental short film as a platform for resilience. F1 & Bahrain in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Grand Prix experience is set for Sepang (Oct 2–4), with Bahrain’s motorsport teams and 561 marshals supporting race operations, while Apple TV is offering limited free viewing for F1 fans. Local Lifestyle Picks: A Bahrain weekend guide (Oct 1–3) rounds up brunches, workshops, film screenings and outdoor plans. Accessibility Push: An MP proposed optional sign language classes in schools, plus speech-to-text and translation apps to support deaf students. Heritage in Housing: Muharraq’s revival plan blends heritage rules with new homes, setting design requirements for doors, materials, colours and even shop signage. Health & Energy: Bahrain University is progressing with a major solar car-park shade project, aiming to generate about 70 GWh annually.

Education & Privacy: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education tells government schools’ staff not to film or photograph students, teachers, facilities, or events for social media without permission, warning violations could be legal breaches. Accessibility in Schools: MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen proposes optional sign language classes, plus speech-to-text and translation apps, to help deaf students and staff communicate confidently. Heritage-Friendly Housing: Muharraq’s new social housing model will follow a heritage guide—materials, colours, architectural elements and even shop signage—so development matches the old city’s identity. Coexistence & Faith Dialogue: Bahrain’s KHGC chairman Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa meets Pope Tawadros II and Al Azhar’s Grand Imam, stressing dialogue, moderation, and action against hate speech. Culture & Community Events: The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival opens Oct 2 with a two-month programme mixing regional and international acts. Sports & Lifestyle: Bahrain’s F1 return to Sepang (Oct 2–4) is driving ticket buzz in Malaysia and inspiring Bahrain-Malaysia cultural hype online, while local wellness/food trends keep pace. Tech & Health: Bahrain University’s solar car-park project is underway, and a global push for smarter healthcare networks and wellness funding continues. Call for Entries: The 2027 MENA Stevie Awards open for nominations with no entry fees.

Bahrain–Malaysia F1 build-up: Sepang organisers say preparations for the Oct 2–4 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia are on track, with ticket sales in Malaysia already near 95,000 and expected to reach 100,000, while Bahrain’s identity is set to show up through food, ma’al-ward and culture at the circuit. Coexistence & faith dialogue: Bahrain’s KHGC chairman met Pope Tawadros II in Egypt, focusing on strengthening ties between religious communities and tackling hate speech through dialogue. Youth & peace: Bahrain highlighted youth’s role in advancing peace and Arab unity, with KHGC-linked events bringing young leaders into the conversation. Education & community life: New Horizon School ran a children’s road safety initiative with BPTC, and Bhavans Bahrain Indian School held a Grade IX parent orientation on CBSE updates. Humanitarian development: RHF laid the foundation stone for a Jerusalem endowment for education and orphans, supporting a girls’ school in Sheikh Jarrah. Local business leadership: Bahrain Chamber approved new chairs for sectoral committees, including education, AI/digital transformation, hospitality, healthcare and more. Rights spotlight: A Council of Europe call urged Serbia to implement an ECHR ruling involving a Bahraini activist’s asylum and extradition case.

F1 & Bahrain Culture in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Grand Prix push is in full swing at Sepang, with FIA race preparations praised and ticket sales nearing 100,000 for Oct 2–4; SIC says international visitors make up about half of buyers, while Bahrain International Circuit plans a “taste of Bahrain” with food, handicrafts and ma’al-ward at the track. Shopping & Lifestyle: City Centre Bahrain keeps its top-destination status, with Primark’s flagship opening spotlighting more brand-led experiences, dining and wellness. Humanitarian Education (Jerusalem): Royal Humanitarian Foundation laid the foundation stone for the Bahrain Endowment for Education and Orphans in Jerusalem, supporting Dar Al Tifl Al Arabi Girls’ School in Sheikh Jarrah. Community & Family Events: ILA Bahrain gears up for “Platinum Dandiya Beats 2026” on Oct 1, raising funds for its Sneha Recreation Centre. Business Leadership: Bahrain Chamber approved new chairs for sectoral committees for its 31st term, including education, AI/digital transformation, healthcare, tourism and real estate. Education Updates: Bhavans Bahrain Indian School held a Grade IX parent orientation on CBSE changes, including third language and advanced subject options. AI & Work: A futurist warns AI will make some banking roles obsolete, urging retraining to shift toward agent-led operations. Sports Spotlight: Asian Games coverage highlights Bahrain-linked distance running and medal moments across athletics. Civic Space Watch: A rights group says Bahrain’s civic space is under renewed crackdown, placing it on CIVICUS’s monitor watchlist.

F1 & Bahrain Culture: Bahrain is set to “bring its unique flavour” to Sepang for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (Oct 2–4), with plans to showcase Bahraini food, handicrafts and ma’al-ward rose water, plus Bahrain cuisine even in the paddock. Travel & Connectivity: Gulf Air launches nonstop Bahrain–Kuala Lumpur flights from Sept 29, timed for race week, strengthening Bahrain–Malaysia travel links. Motorsport Lifestyle: McLaren Bahrain renews its partnership with the Royal Bahrain Concours for 2026, adding three display vehicles at the Royal Golf Club in November. Humanitarian Education in Jerusalem: Bahrain’s Royal Humanitarian Foundation laid the foundation stone for a Jerusalem education endowment for orphans, supporting the Arab Child Girls’ School in Sheikh Jarrah. Community Health: Al Hilal marks World Heart Day with free screenings, CPR training and family activities at Oasis Mall Juffair. Civic Space Watch: A renewed crackdown has put Bahrain on the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist, raising concerns over civic freedoms. Sports Spotlight: At the Asian Games, China’s Zhang Zhanshuo dominates swimming with seven golds, while Bahrain is listed among medal-winning nations.

Sports & Identity: A new Asian Games debate is reignited by naturalised athletes, with Bahrain’s own rules (including a 20-year residence route for non-Arabs) and sport-specific waiting periods highlighted as legal but controversial. Lifestyle & Luxury Motors: McLaren Bahrain renews its partnership with the Royal Bahrain Concours for 2026, bringing three display cars and reinforcing the event’s classic-meets-modern vibe at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa. Culture Spotlight: Bahrain Village is set to land at the 2026 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with heritage experiences, live handicrafts and Bahraini food brands aimed at drawing international fans. Health & Community: Al Hilal marks World Heart Day with “Don’t Miss a Beat,” offering heart screenings, cardiology consultations and hands-on CPR training at Oasis Mall Juffair. Digital Economy: Bahrain places third in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, scoring strongly on digital infrastructure, e-commerce legislation and AI strategy. Education & Youth: Beyon awards a full four-year scholarship to an American University of Bahrain student, while Bahrain Chamber and the Institute of Public Administration discuss joint training to boost private-sector skills. Travel Practicalities: UAE flight updates continue to circulate, with passengers urged to check airline status as delays and cancellations affect regional routes.

Bahrain Village at F1: Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is bringing “Bahrain Village” to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia (Sepang, Oct 2–4), with heritage experiences, live handicrafts, and Bahraini food brands aimed at showcasing the kingdom’s culture to global fans. Skills & jobs: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry met the Institute of Public Administration to plan joint training and research, focusing on management and leadership skills aligned with labour-market needs. Digital economy: Bahrain ranked third in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, earning a strong digital sovereignty score driven by 5G rollout, cloud-first government, fintech rules, and an AI strategy. Health & community: Al Hilal marked World Heart Day with “Don’t Miss a Beat,” featuring screenings, cardiology talks, and CPR training for families at Oasis Mall Juffair. Education support: Beyon awarded a full four-year AUB scholarship to a top Bahraini student for digital marketing and social media. Cancer awareness: Bahrain Cancer Society’s Walk-A-Thon is set for Oct 16 at Water Garden City, urging earlier breast cancer detection. Workforce wellbeing: KFH-Bahrain joined an employee loyalty rewards programme to recognise staff service and contributions.

Bahrain Village at F1 in Malaysia: Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is bringing an interactive “Bahrain Village” to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang (Oct 2–4), with heritage experiences, live handicrafts, cultural activities and Bahraini food brands—aimed at showcasing the kingdom to international fans. Bahrain–Malaysia security and event readiness: Malaysia says it will deploy around 700 security and traffic personnel for the race, after talks between Malaysia’s home minister and Bahrain’s interior minister covered counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, drug enforcement and border management. Digital economy win: Bahrain ranks third in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, scoring strongly on digital sovereignty and areas like ICT spread, e-commerce legislation and AI strategy. Health focus in Manama: International experts gathered in Bahrain to tackle antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases, with pandemic preparedness and AI also on the agenda. Cancer awareness push: Bahrain Cancer Society expects 1,000 participants for a Walk-A-Thon on Oct 16 to boost early detection awareness. Education & community support: Higher education enrolment rose to 60,723 in 2025–26, while Bahrain Trust Foundation helped 170 children with school supplies and clothing vouchers ahead of the new academic year.

Bahrain Village at F1 Sepang: Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) is set to launch “Bahrain Village” at the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia (Oct 2–4), turning the race into a cultural showcase with heritage experiences, live handicrafts and tourism highlights. Security & logistics: Malaysia says about 700 security and traffic management personnel will be deployed for a safe, smooth event, as Bahrain and Malaysia also discussed counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and border security. Health focus in Manama: Global experts gathered in Bahrain to tackle antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases, with pandemic preparedness and AI also on the agenda at the International Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases. Education & community support: Bahrain Trust Foundation helped over 170 children from 60+ families with school supplies and clothing vouchers ahead of the new academic year. Learning data in Bahrain: New Higher Education Council figures show 60,723 students enrolled in public and private higher education in 2025–2026, with female students at 53.9%. Culture spotlight: The Korean Embassy in Bahrain marked Chuseok and 50 years of diplomatic ties with Hanbok experiences, taekwondo performances and cultural activities.

India–GCC Diplomacy: India and the GCC met in New York to review progress on the Joint Action Plan 2024–28 and welcome the launch of India–GCC FTA talks, with Bahrain’s FM Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani among the GCC representatives. Education & Community Support: Bahrain Trust Foundation backed 60+ families with vouchers for school supplies and clothing, helping 170+ children get ready for the new academic year. Local Data Watch: Bahrain’s Higher Education Council reported 60,723 students enrolled in public and private higher education in 2025–2026, with female students making up 53.9%. Health & Lifestyle: A study from Arabian Gulf University found a major nutrition knowledge gap among Bahrain’s Type 2 diabetes patients, with only 5.7% correctly understanding food labels. Culture & Language: Pratham Hindi Toastmasters Club marked Hindi Day in Bahrain with a 100th meeting featuring poetry, music and public speaking. Housing Expo: Diyar Al Muharraq will showcase new residential plots at a Manama social housing innovation summit running Sept 29–Oct 3. AI in Medicine: Arabian Gulf University announced an AI in Medicine conference in Manama on Nov 5–7, led by Lt Gen Dr Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. Sports & Talent: Ghanaian swimmer Ivan Snowden heads to Bahrain for a World Aquatics scholarship at UTB after being handed over in Accra. Clean Coast Heritage: Students joined a Barbar coast clean-up tied to World Cleanup Day, linking today’s volunteers to Bahrain’s pearling past.

Hindi Day in Bahrain: Pratham Hindi Toastmasters Club marked its 100th meeting and Hindi Diwas at Alayam Media Centre in Janabiya with poetry, music, a Hindi quiz and a raffle, celebrating “Vichaar, Abhivyakti, Prabhav.” Gulf research push: GCC ministers in Bahrain agreed a 2027–2032 plan to boost joint scientific research, innovation and academic integration, including a second Gulf forum in Riyadh. Bahrain tech & jobs: General Assembly signed an MoU with Tanami to develop Bahraini tech talent, link education to industry needs, and support employment pathways. Scholarship spotlight: AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation awarded its first Al Tamyoz postgraduate scholarship (PhD in Pharmacoepidemiology and Health Care) to a Bahraini student. Health in focus: Arabian Gulf University students published a Bahrain study showing a major nutrition knowledge gap among people with type 2 diabetes, with only 5.7% correctly understanding food labels. Culture & design: Bahrain-based ceramicist Nermin Habib presented “Zir” at Paris Design Week, reworking Egypt’s traditional water vessel into contemporary sculpture. Lifestyle dining: Bahrain Financial Harbour’s “After Hours” dessert omakase is drawing fans with a nine-course, all-Bahraini, locally inspired gelato-led experience. Golden residency update: Bahrain opened Golden Residency Visa applications for four foreigner categories, including retirees, property owners, talented individuals and long-term employees. Sports & travel buzz: The Bahrain Grand Prix name returns at Sepang (2–4 Oct) after the original Bahrain event was cancelled, with a full weekend schedule for ticket holders.