AGP Executive Report

Aviation Disruptions: Etihad cancelled Abu Dhabi–Kuwait flights (EY653/EY654) and also scrapped EY575/576 after Dammam airport closure; Air Arabia cancelled several Sharjah routes including G9107 to Bahrain and G9068/G9124 to Kuwait, while EASA extended a safety advisory urging airlines to avoid UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and parts of the Gulf of Oman airspace until Aug 31. Youth & Culture: Youth City 2030 keeps building youth skills through leadership, entrepreneurship, media, science and arts workshops, with minister Rawan Tawfiqi visiting training centres and the Youth Market. Arts & Heritage: The Ministry of Youth Affairs launched the Year of Isa Al Kabeer Art Exhibition and Competition under Youth City 2030, inviting submissions until Aug 4 for an Aug 17–20 showcase. Heritage Revamp (Muharraq): Six old Muharraq neighbourhoods are 73% rebuilt across about 300 homes, with renewed roads, utilities and green space, while new rules will guide future façades, trees and public spaces. Banking & Education: Khaleeji Bank and BIBF launched the Khaleeji Future Leaders Academy for “Ajyal” account students, and BIBF also signed an AI training deal with Bank Albilad. Sports Lifestyle: Tour de France 2026 wrapped up with Tadej Pogačar’s fifth title for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, which also topped the prize-money haul. Legal Watch: The UK Supreme Court ruled Bahrain can’t claim state immunity in the FinSpy spyware case, clearing a path for two dissidents’ lawsuit in London. Travel Planning: Bahrain’s Grade One online registration for 2026–2027 is open until Aug 6 via Bahrain.bh or moe.gov.bh.

Isa Al Kabeer Art Showcase: Bahrain’s Ministry of Youth Affairs has opened applications for a Year of Isa Al Kabeer art exhibition and competition under Youth City 2030, inviting artists to submit original works inspired by themes like heritage, justice, architecture and maritime history (deadline Aug 4; exhibition Aug 17–20). Muharraq Old Quarter Revamp: A major rebuild is about 73% complete across six old Muharraq neighbourhoods—covering around 300 homes, 72 public squares and nearly 100,000 trees—while preserving façades and alley character, with new rules set for homes, shops and public spaces. Workplace Safety for Delivery Riders: Keeta Bahrain launched a dedicated training centre for delivery representatives plus four permanent rest stations, aiming to improve summer heat protection and safer working conditions. Zain Bahrain Self-Service Machines: Zain Bahrain rolled out upgraded self-service machines across retail outlets in partnership with PIE, enabling faster in-store activation and services while keeping customer privacy in mind. BIBF Leadership & AI Training: Khaleeji Bank and BIBF launched the Khaleeji Future Leaders Academy for 100 “Ajyal” account students, and BIBF also signed an AI training deal with Bank Albilad. UK Spyware Ruling: The UK Supreme Court rejected Bahrain’s state immunity bid in the FinSpy case, clearing the way for two dissidents to pursue their lawsuit in English courts. Education Registration: Online registration for new Grade One students (born 2020) opened via Bahrain’s National Portal until Aug 6, with appointment booking required. Tourism & Lifestyle: Bahrain’s brunch scene gets a weekend guide, while airport parking complaints at Bahrain International Airport are pushing calls for urgent fixes.

UK Court Ruling on Bahrain Spyware Case: The UK Supreme Court dismissed Bahrain’s bid for state immunity in a spyware lawsuit brought by Bahraini dissidents Saeed Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed, saying remote infection of devices from abroad counts as an “act in the UK,” opening the door to further legal action. Education Access in Bahrain: Online registration for new Grade One students (2026–2027) is now open until August 6 via Bahrain’s National Portal or the Education Ministry site, with parents urged to book assessment appointments online. Human Trafficking Focus: Bahrain’s Cabinet marked World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, praising Interior Ministry efforts and reviewing plans to strengthen education and vocational sector performance. Youth & Skills: Al Salam Bank joined Youth City 2026 with an upgraded “Life with Al Salam Bank” experience, using interactive simulations to teach budgeting, saving, investing and communication skills. AI for Bahrain’s Workforce: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance launched its AI Academy to build practical, responsible AI skills across sectors, from fundamentals to executive and corporate training. Heritage Investment in Muharraq: Eskan Bank, with the Housing Ministry and BACA, unveiled new investment opportunities for heritage properties in Muharraq, including adaptive reuse for hospitality, cultural spaces and artisan retail. Travel & Safety Updates: UAE travel advisories remain in force as airlines face possible disruptions, while Bahrain-linked regional security concerns continue to shape planning.

Youth Finance & Skills: Al Salam Bank returns for Youth City 2026 with an upgraded “Life with Al Salam Bank” experience, using real-life simulations to teach budgeting, saving, investing and responsible money habits—plus public speaking and teamwork. Local Governance & Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Cabinet, chaired by HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman, praised outcomes of King Hamad’s meeting with Egypt’s President Sisi and welcomed Malaysia hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in October 2026. Heritage Investment: Muharraq gets a boost as Eskan Bank launches new investment opportunities for heritage properties, aiming for adaptive reuse like boutique hospitality, cultural spaces and artisan retail along the Pearling Path. AI for Bahrain’s Workforce: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) unveiled its AI Academy to build practical, responsible AI skills across sectors beyond tech. Education & Health Capacity: Parliament’s services committee approved a nursing and midwifery college at Bahrain Polytechnic to grow Bahraini talent in healthcare. Sustainability & Tourism: Conserving Bounties Society partners with Gulf Hotels Group to cut food waste by supporting surplus-food collection and distribution. Tech in Everyday Life: Zain Bahrain becomes the first in the region to deploy AI capabilities in its live 5G radio network with Ericsson. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Bahrain’s Lenny Martinez and Bahrain Victorious’ riders feature in Tour de France coverage as the race ends with Pogacar’s fifth title; meanwhile, Bahrain’s startup scene gets a spotlight through Startup Bahrain-UoB competition winners meeting HRH Prince Salman. Legal Rights: UK Supreme Court denies Bahrain state immunity in a surveillance hacking case brought by Bahraini dissidents.

AI & Skills Boost: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) launched an AI Academy to train people and organisations on using AI tools effectively and responsibly, with practical tracks from fundamentals to board-level learning. Business Support: Tamkeen’s Musanada programme clarified application requirements for eligible MSMEs, with only two weeks left until the 11 August 2026 deadline. Workplace Recognition: Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company joined the Employee Loyalty Rewards Program under the Hope Fund, backing a culture of appreciation for long-serving staff. Heritage & Culture: Prince Salman met BACA leadership to stress preserving Bahraini heritage as a development pillar, while the Ministry of Industry and Commerce introduced a list of commercial activities reserved for Bahrainis, including heritage-based crafts, sweets and traditional hospitality. Tourism & Environment: A plan to expand artificial reefs could turn decommissioned buses and heritage-inspired structures into underwater habitats, aiming to grow diving tourism. Health & Education: Parliament approved a nursing and midwifery college at Bahrain Polytechnic to build more Bahraini healthcare talent, and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain promoted Professor Ghufran Ahmed Jassim to Full Professor. Tech in Daily Life: Zain Bahrain became the first in the region to deploy AI capabilities in its live 5G radio network with Ericsson. Sports (Local Pride): Bahraini cyclist Lenny Martinez and Bahrain Victorious rider Matej Mohoric featured in Tour de France coverage as the race wrapped in Paris.

Tour de France Finale: Tadej Pogačar powered to victory in the Tour’s final Paris stage, sealing his historic fifth title as the race wrapped after a shortened route due to France wildfires. Health & Lifestyle: Bahrain doctors are warning that heart attacks are increasingly striking younger adults, with lifestyle factors like smoking/vaping, poor diet, stress and heat limiting activity. Nursing Education: MPs approved a plan to set up a college of nursing and midwifery at Bahrain Polytechnic to grow Bahraini healthcare talent and cut reliance on foreign staff. Citizen Business & Heritage: Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Ministry issued a list of commercial activities reserved for Bahrainis, including Bahraini sweets, date-palm blossom water, traditional crafts, heritage hospitality and cultural live performances. Academic Milestone: RCSI Medical University of Bahrain promoted Professor Ghufran Ahmed Jassim to Full Professor, the first Bahraini physician to reach that rank at the institution. Youth & Inclusion: A “taster” workplace programme launched for students with additional learning needs, offering supported placements with no obligation to hire. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Startup Bahrain-UoB winners were met by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with Res-Q taking first place. Urban Growth: Isa Town’s Northern Junction flyover opened to ease heavy traffic, while Buhair Valley’s fast-paced development is set to reshape the Southern Governorate.

Women’s Rights & Support: Bahrain Young Ladies Association says counselling demand is rising, with 38 new cases in a month at its Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre, as it expands awareness and training for counsellors. Environment Watch: A fishermen-led monitoring committee is set to tackle pollution and improve cleanliness at Barbar Creek, with authorities and harbour users working together to curb dumping. Travel Access: MPs are pushing for visa waivers and easier entry for Bahrainis, including extending China access and pursuing more visa-free or lower-cost arrangements for popular destinations. Youth & Inclusion: A “taster” workplace programme for students with learning needs launches at GFH Alia National School, offering supported placements to build confidence and work-readiness. Road & Urban Life: The first phase of the Isa Town Northern Junction Development Project opens to traffic, aiming to ease heavy congestion and boost junction capacity. Culture Spotlight: A young Manama film developer is reviving analogue photography by offering local processing after years of Bahrainis mailing rolls abroad. Health Note: Cardiologists warn heart attacks are increasingly affecting younger people, linking the trend to lifestyle factors like inactivity, smoking/vaping, and stress. Travel Disruptions: UAE flight cancellations and delays continue on some routes, with travellers urged to check airline updates and arrive early. Global Context: US-Iran tensions persist with a reported pause in new strikes as talks continue around reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Tour de France (Stage 20): Richard Carapaz won the Queen Stage into Alpe d’Huez after Sepp Kuss crashed twice in the final stretch, while Tadej Pogačar finished fourth and moved closer to a record-equalling fifth overall title. Bahrain Youth & Education: The “From the Classroom to the Spotlight” student competition wrapped up with ministers honouring winners, spotlighting learning, creativity and teamwork for government school students. Inclusive Work Readiness: GFH Alia National School launched a “taster” programme for Grade 10–12 students with additional learning needs, offering supported workplace training without any obligation to hire. Community Recognition: Entries are now open for Bahrain’s Woman of the Year Awards 2026, with expanded honours and deeper community engagement ahead of the December 2 event. Health Watch: Bahrain doctors say heart attacks are increasingly striking younger people, linked to sedentary habits, smoking/vaping, stress, poor sleep and heat limiting outdoor activity. Local Development: Isa Town’s Northern Junction flyover opened to traffic to ease heavy congestion and improve connectivity across key areas. Travel Disruptions: Etihad and Emirates have issued cancellations and advisories affecting routes including Abu Dhabi–Bahrain and Dubai–Bahrain.

Isa Town Traffic Upgrade: The first phase of the Isa Town Northern Junction Development Project opened to traffic, with a new flyover designed to ease heavy congestion along Shaikh Salman Highway and boost junction capacity to over 22,000 vehicles per hour. Buhair Valley Growth: Bahrain’s Buhair Valley is rapidly transforming from an area known for illegal dumping into a fast-rising residential and commercial hub, with plans for more housing, a mosque, malls and offices as the population could top 50,000 in two decades. Women’s Spotlight: Nominations are pouring in for the Woman of the Year Awards 2026, set for December 2, with expanded honours and deeper community engagement and JETOUR joining as title sponsor. Inclusive Work Pathways: GFH Alia National School launched an Alia Training Taster Programme for Grade 10–12 students with additional learning needs, offering a supported workplace introduction (not an employment contract) to build confidence and readiness. Education & Youth Culture: The “From the Classroom to the Spotlight” cultural and knowledge competition wrapped up with winners honoured by the Information and Education ministers. Travel Disruptions: Etihad and Emirates have issued flight cancellations and advisories affecting routes including Abu Dhabi–Bahrain and Dubai–Bahrain, urging passengers to check status before travel. Tour de France Buzz: Tadej Pogačar smashed the Alpe d’Huez record to win Stage 19, extending his lead ahead of Stage 20’s punishing mountain route.

Middle East Tensions: Bahrain sounded sirens after reports of drone activity near a US base in northern Iraq, as the US-Iran fight over the Strait of Hormuz keeps widening and oil prices swing. Travel Disruptions: Canada updated its Middle East travel advisory for 14 countries, warning of flight cancellations and airspace closures amid the escalation. Abraham Accords & Nuclear Deal: Trump said US approval of a Saudi civil nuclear deal is tied to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, adding fresh uncertainty to regional diplomacy. Local Community Update: Muharraq Souq parking is being restored on Shaikh Hamad Avenue after planters reduced spaces, with more parking bays and a new multi-storey car park planned. Youth & Education: Vatel Bahrain launched “Explore Hospitality,” a two-week summer programme for ages 15–18 to explore hospitality careers. Sports (Tour de France): Tadej Pogačar smashed the Alpe d’Huez record to win Stage 19 and extend his Tour lead, with Bahrain Victorious rider Lenny Martinez finishing second. Safety at Work: Alba kicked off its summer safety and health campaign, focusing on heat stress prevention and safer habits through 29 July.

Bahrain Education & Youth: The Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training reviewed Bahrain’s education and training sector, including a push for national examinations and higher education research. Culture for Families: Bahrain’s Children’s Cultural Programme returns from July 27 to Aug 19 at the Bahrain National Museum, with weekly themes like maritime heritage and pearl diving. Hospitality Careers: Vatel Bahrain launched “Explore Hospitality,” a two-week summer programme for ages 15–18 to get hands-on exposure to tourism and hotel careers. Local Safety & Heritage: Muharraq Municipal Council has started demolishing long-abandoned, unsafe homes in Block 208, with approvals complicated by heritage-area rules. Tech & Innovation: Danat and MIT filed a joint patent for AI pearl identification technology, aiming for more precise, data-driven gem testing. Business Pulse: Bahrain registered 33,707 new businesses over a little more than two years, led by trade and vehicle repair. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain Victorious’s Lenny Martinez finished eighth on Tour de France Stage 18, while Richard Carapaz won the summit finish at Orcières-Merlette.

Tour de France (Stage 18): Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz surged on the final climb to Orcières-Merlette and won Stage 18, with Valentin Paret-Peintre narrowly missing out in a tight King of the Mountains race. Youth & Education: Vatel Bahrain launched “Explore Hospitality,” a two-week summer programme for ages 15–18, pairing campus learning with visits to four- and five-star venues and mentoring to guide career choices in hospitality and tourism. Startups & Skills: General Assembly signed an MoU with Innovate for Bahrain (Bahrain FinTech Bay) to boost digital skills, entrepreneurship, and practical workshops— including Women in Tech mentoring focused on UX design. Local Business: Zain Bahrain reported Q2/H1 2026 results, with profit up slightly but revenue down amid regional geopolitical pressures. Culture for Kids: BACA’s Children’s Cultural Programme returns next week, using weekly themed activities to teach Bahrain’s maritime heritage and pearl diving traditions. Sports Spotlight: Bahraini women’s basketball star Aya Kamali begins her “first chapter” at Wingate University in the US.

Middle East Tensions: The US carried out a 12th straight night of airstrikes on Iran, while Iran retaliated with attacks hitting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan—raising fresh fears over disruption to Strait of Hormuz shipping and wider escalation. Local Business & Tech: Zain Bahrain posted Q2 profit of BD1.39m (+1.4%) and H1 profit of BD2.57m (+1.2%), even as revenue dipped amid regional uncertainty. Culture for Families: Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) is set to bring back its Children’s Cultural Programme next week, with weekly themes like maritime heritage and pearl diving through Aug 19. Education & Skills: Bahrain launched a National Professional Training Framework for early childhood education staff to standardise training and lift educator readiness. Lifestyle & Dining: Cipriani Bahrain reopened its Pool & Beach at Marassi Al Bahrain and launched “Italian Summer by the Pool,” pairing coastal dining with live entertainment. Global Recognition: Bahraini officer cadet Dr Najla was named Best International Cadet at Sandhurst. Travel Watch: UAE–Kuwait and UAE–Bahrain flight cancellations and disruptions are being reported—passengers are urged to check updates before heading to the airport.

Military & Diplomacy: Bahrain is again in the crossfire as the US presses an 11th straight night of strikes on Iran and Iran retaliates with attacks hitting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, while mediators try to salvage talks. Local Rights & Accountability: Bahrain’s National Institution for Human Rights urges legal action against Iran at the ICJ and calls for a national damage database and compensation fund for victims of drone and missile attacks. Education & Early Years: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education launches a National Professional Training Framework for early childhood educators to standardise skills and lift quality nationwide. Business & Tech: Kanoo IT and Arabian Gulf University sign a partnership to support King Abdullah Medical City with digital healthcare infrastructure. Lifestyle & Hospitality: Cipriani Bahrain reopens its Pool & Beach at Marassi Al Bahrain and launches “Italian Summer by the Pool” with coastal dining and live entertainment. Urban Development: Seef Properties appoints Cinqo Contracting for Seef Mall redevelopment works, including a new multi-storey car park and refreshed entrances. Travel Disruptions: Emirates cancels or adjusts some Dubai–Kuwait and Dubai–Bahrain flights amid the regional situation. Sports Buzz: Tour de France Stage 16 goes to Remco Evenepoel in the individual time trial, tightening the race as Bahrain Victorious’ Lenny Martinez features in the standings.

Bahrain Rights & Accountability: Bahrain’s National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) is pushing for legal action against Iran at the ICJ and calls for a National Reparation and Compensation Fund, after documenting the impact of Iranian attacks on people, businesses and civilian infrastructure. Local Reporting System: NIHR also proposes a unified national database and register to document damage and violations, covering human, material, economic, environmental, cultural and digital harm. Education & Skills: The Education Ministry launched a National Vocational Training Framework for early childhood education employees to standardise professional development and improve learning quality. Business & Lifestyle: VORO Roastery opened at Bahrain Harbour, bringing an outdoor specialty coffee concept with regional-inspired drinks. Tech for Work: Mindware partnered with Jamf to expand Apple device management and security across Bahrain and the region. Safety at Alba: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) kicked off its summer safety and health campaign, focusing on heat-stress prevention and safer habits through 29 July. Sports (Bahrain link): Tour de France Stage 16 saw Remco Evenepoel win the individual time trial, with Bahrain Victorious rider Lenny Martinez finishing 20th. Regional Tensions: The Iran-US conflict continues to escalate, with reports of strikes and retaliatory attacks affecting Bahrain and other Gulf states.

Tour de France 2026: Remco Evenepoel roared to victory in stage 16’s time trial, with Tadej Pogačar still leading the overall standings by a slim margin as the race heads into the final week. Anti-doping in cycling: Teams including Evenepoel’s Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe and Bahrain Victorious reported new anti-doping controls, sparking fresh debate after earlier late-night testing. Bahrain lifestyle: VORO Roastery opened at Bahrain Harbour, bringing an outdoor specialty coffee menu and pastries to Manama’s café scene. Bahrain wellness: The Gulf Spa launched “The Quiet Hour Ritual,” a mid-summer set of indoor spa packages running Sundays to Wednesdays. Bahrain business & jobs: Al Salam Bank kicked off its 20th Summer Internship Program for 50 university students, pairing induction week sessions with hands-on training. Bahrain safety & health: Alba launched its annual Summer Safety and Health Campaign, focusing on heat-stress prevention and hydration until 29 July. Education & culture in Bahrain: Bahrain hosted the launch of an Arab education quality model under UNESCO, while BACA continues Muharraq heritage restoration and streetscape upgrades. Regional backdrop: The Strait of Hormuz remains tense as US strikes on Iran continue and Iran retaliates across Gulf states, including Bahrain.