AGP Executive Report

Regional Security: Kuwait condemned “criminal Iranian attacks” on its territory with missiles and drones, saying they violate sovereignty and endanger civilians, while Bahrain’s leadership continues to back de-escalation efforts amid wider Gulf tensions. Eid Al-Adha & Hajj Logistics: Bahrain marked Eid Al-Adha with leadership greetings, and the Bahrain Haj Mission said pilgrims were transferred to Arafat smoothly under coordinated plans with Saudi authorities. Anti-Iran Crackdown: A reported loyalty campaign backs King Hamad amid a crackdown on people accused of Iranian sympathies, as courts handed 10-year and life sentences in related cases. UN Diplomacy: Bahrain’s FM told the UN that Strait of Hormuz safety is a collective responsibility, as China urged a comprehensive Gulf ceasefire and Bahrain praised Beijing’s mediation. Trade & Investment: Bahrain expects UK trade gains after the GCC-UK free trade pact, while Bahrain and Egypt discussed expanding economic and investment cooperation. Local Rules & Economy: New municipal market rules require traders to hold licences and use officially assigned sites. Business & Culture: SICO completed a BFLC–Truffle hospitality share swap, and Eid traditions like “Al Heya Beya” and Bahrain’s halwa surge keep the festive spirit going.

Eid Al-Adha & Royal Greetings: Bahrain marked the first day of Eid Al Adha with leadership cables and phone calls exchanged with regional and international leaders, while the Cabinet extended greetings and praised the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s 50th anniversary. Hajj Operations: The Bahrain Haj Mission said pilgrims were transferred to Arafat smoothly under coordinated schedules with Saudi authorities. Eid Economy: Manama Souq saw a gold sales revival as prices eased, while livestock and butcheries reported strong Eid demand and halwa makers sold over 1,000kg ahead of the holiday. Bahrain–UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani told the UN that Strait of Hormuz security is a collective responsibility, as China’s Wang Yi urged a comprehensive Gulf ceasefire. Bahrain–Pakistan Coordination: Ishaq Dar at the UN stressed dialogue and de-escalation, rejecting water-as-weapon claims. Bahrain–UK Trade: The GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement could push Bahrain–UK trade beyond £2bn after tariffs are lifted. Local Culture & Lifestyle: Families kept the “Al Heya Beya” sea custom alive, and Muharraq’s “Haya Biya” festival drew big crowds. Sports & Culture: 2 Seas Motorsport is back at Monza for GTWC Round 3, and Bahrain’s DUST released “The Empty Quarter” EP with an anime-style storyline.

Eid Al-Adha & Hajj Update: Bahrain’s Haj Mission says pilgrims completed the Arafat stand smoothly, with staged transfers and on-the-ground field committees guiding crowd flow to the holy site. Eid Economy: Manama Souq saw a gold sales rebound as prices eased, while the livestock sector reported strong Eid demand and butcheries highlighted peak slaughter services; local halwa makers also reported sales topping 1,000kg ahead of the holiday. Culture & Community: Muharraq’s “Haya Biya” festival drew large crowds, with children taking part in the symbolic sea-throwing tradition; another folk piece spotlighted how Bahraini children keep the “Al Heya Beya” custom alive. Foreign Affairs: Bahrain’s FM stressed Strait of Hormuz security as a collective responsibility at the UN, as China’s Wang Yi called for a comprehensive Gulf ceasefire and Bahrain-Pakistan coordination focused on de-escalation and dialogue. Regional Security: The GCC Secretary-General condemned remarks targeting Bahrain, amid ongoing court cases sentencing people over alleged Iran-linked cooperation. Trade & Investment: Bahrain and the UK signaled momentum on the GCC-UK free trade deal that could lift tariffs and expand market access, while Bahrain launched contractor prequalification for Sports City Phase 1A. Business & Deals: SICO completed a BFLC-Truffle share-swap, creating a larger listed hospitality and F&B group. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Bahrain pushed expanded investment ties with Egypt and halal-industry collaboration with Thailand, with Gulf Air hosting Eid celebrations in Bangkok.

Gulf Ceasefire Push: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi met Bahrain’s foreign minister at the UN in New York, urging a “comprehensive and lasting ceasefire” in the Gulf and warning against moves that escalate tensions. Haj Operations: Bahrain’s Haj Mission says it has completed the transfer of pilgrims to Arafat smoothly, with staged transport and field committees on the ground. Security Spotlight: Bahrain’s Cabinet praised the Royal Bahraini Air Force on its 50th anniversary, while GCC leaders condemned remarks tied to Bahrain’s Iran-linked security cases. Eid Momentum: Cabinet also extended Eid Al-Adha greetings, and Bahrain is seeing renewed Saudi travel flows for the holiday. Trade Watch: Bahrain-UK ties got a boost as the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement moves toward formal signature, with tariffs set to drop widely. Local Life: Muharraq’s “Haya Biya” folk heritage festival drew large crowds, celebrating Bahraini traditions with family-friendly activities.

Diplomatic Water Talks: Bahrain’s Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs met Tajikistan’s President in Dushanbe on the sidelines of a major water conference, reaffirming ties as the two countries mark 30 years of relations. Culture & Eid Spirit: Muharraq Governorate drew big crowds to the traditional “Haya Biya” festival in Qalali, with families, folk food, songs and children’s sea-throwing of “Al-Haya Biya” plants. Regional Security Focus: Bahrain’s King Hamad spoke by phone with Russia’s Putin, with both stressing the urgency of a political and diplomatic solution to the Iran crisis. Trade Momentum: Bahrain-UK commerce could jump past BD1bn after the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement takes effect, with tariffs largely set to be lifted. Business & Investment: Bahrain launched contractor prequalification for Phase 1A of the Bahrain International Sports City project, while SICO said it completed a BFLC–Truffle share-swap deal. Travel & Health: Sri Lanka added Bahrain to its fee-exempt free 30-day ETA list, while Bahrain continues Ebola-related entry curbs for non-Bahraini travellers.

Motorsport Spotlight: Bahrain’s 2 Seas Motorsport struck gold at Oulton Park, taking a podium finish in race two of the 2026 British GT Championship as Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa’s team put Kevin Tse and Ben Green’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo third. GCC & Regional Tensions: The GCC Secretary-General condemned remarks by Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem about Bahrain, calling them irresponsible and hostile. Security Crackdown: Bahrain courts handed down harsh sentences tied to Iran’s IRGC, including three men getting 10 years for supporting “Iranian aggression” and multiple defendants receiving life terms for alleged espionage and “hostile and terrorist acts.” Eid Cross-Border Flow: Saudi visitors are returning in force for Eid Al Adha, with the King Fahad Causeway seeing heavy traffic back to Bahrain. Parliament Consumer Push: MPs are moving to curb aggressive perfume sales tactics in malls after complaints of shoppers being followed and pressured. Sports City Procurement: Bahrain launched contractor prequalification for Phase 1A of the Bahrain International Sports City stadium package. Haj Field Checks: Bahrain’s Haj Mission carried out field visits in Mecca to monitor pilgrims and services ahead of Bahrain’s 4,625 pilgrims starting Haj today.

Energy Talent Push: Bapco Energies launched the NBH Future Energy Leaders scholarship and career programme, offering mentorship, industry training and work placements for high-achieving Bahraini students. Currency Watch: The State Bank of Pakistan set Monday’s interbank rates, with the rupee holding steady near recent lows versus the US dollar. Regional Diplomacy: The Kremlin said Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with King Hamad, urging a swift resolution to the Iran crisis that considers regional interests. Security Crackdown: Bahrain’s courts sentenced nine people to life in prison and two others to three years for collaborating with Iran’s IRGC, including alleged surveillance of sensitive sites and financial transfers. Culture & Community: Bahrain’s Authority for Culture and Antiquities hosted a poetry evening celebrating national loyalty and identity. Sports Prep: Bahrain’s para-taekwondo team arrived in Ulaanbaatar for the Asian Para-Taekwondo Championships and qualifiers. Housing Delivery: Work began on 24 new units in Salman City under Bahrain’s land development rights programme.

GCC-UK Trade Push: Bahrain’s UK envoy Alastair Long says the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement could lift bilateral trade beyond £2bn (BD1bn), with 99% of tariffs set to go once the pact is signed—after a legal “scrub” and formal signatures that could take months. Security Crackdown: Bahrain courts sentenced nine defendants to life and two to three years for alleged cooperation with Iran’s IRGC, including spying on sensitive sites and arranging financial transfers. Regional Deal Watch: US President Trump says he told negotiators not to rush a West Asia deal with Iran, while talks are described as “largely negotiated.” Energy Costs: Petrol and diesel prices were hiked again for the fourth time in 10 days, adding about ₹2.80 per litre on the latest move. Digital & Education: Beyon Cyber signed on as gold sponsor for Bahrain Polytechnic’s ICT Project Exhibition 2026, backing local cyber talent.

Espionage Sentences: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court has sentenced 9 people to life imprisonment and 2 others to three years for spying and “collaborating” with Iran’s IRGC, in two separate cases tied to alleged surveillance of sensitive sites and the passing of information and funds, with prosecutors also ordering confiscation of seized materials. Court Details: Authorities said one accused recruited a Bahrain-based contact to monitor and photograph strategic facilities, while another allegedly rented hotel rooms and apartments near key locations to observe activity before sending details to a handler abroad; a further defendant, linked to currency exchange and crypto activity, was accused of moving money using Bahraini and Iranian accounts. Regional Pressure: The verdicts land amid wider Gulf tensions over Iran-linked attacks and US-Iran diplomacy, with Washington saying its port blockade will stay in “full force” until a deal is reached. Security Context: Bahrain has recently arrested dozens in IRGC-linked cases, and the crackdown has intensified since late February.

Auto Awards: Chery Bahrain (The Bahraini Asian Motors WLL by Motorcity) picked up two top honours at Auto China 2026 in Beijing—Outstanding Sales Performance Award 2026 and Best Co-operation Award—highlighting its push for “excellence” across the global network. Crime Update: Police in the Capital Governorate arrested a 34-year-old man accused of stealing valuables worth over BD 17,000 from multiple waterfront apartments; the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain’s Shura Council chief Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh praised the kingdom’s Gulf Games haul in Doha—63 medals total, including a best-ever gold tally of 25—crediting long-term royal support. Regional Tensions: Bahrain’s top Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim, said no rational person would blame Iran for defending itself amid the US-Israeli war, while Bahrain’s stance remains among the toughest in the region. Housing & Heritage: Bahrain’s urban planning and housing programmes were showcased at WUF13 in Baku, including plans for 4,000+ units via partnerships, while Hamala’s historic clay homes face calls for urgent protection as demolition accelerates.

Housing & Urban Planning: Bahrain’s Housing and Urban Planning Ministry laid out its latest delivery push at WUF13 in Baku, including the Government Land Development Programme: seven projects to deliver 4,000+ units from 2024-2027 via private-sector partnerships, plus financing schemes that have helped 21,000+ families with over BD1.9bn in funding. Courts & Public Safety: Bahrain’s top court upheld a 15-year jail term for a man who smuggled unregulated CBD oil disguised as dog shampoo, while an appeals court cut another man’s sentence for a violent arson attack from one year to six months. Heritage Under Pressure: Hamala’s historic clay-and-stone homes face demolition concerns, with local officials urging urgent protection for the remaining structures. Haj Operations: Bahrain’s Haj Mission says camps in Mina and Arafat were handed over ahead of schedule and a medical clinic is now operating in Mecca around the clock. Regional Security: Bahrain’s UN push on Strait of Hormuz gains record backing, with France drafting a UN resolution as votes stall. Culture & Community: “Hiya Biya” returns for families at Qal’at Bu Mahir, and Arad Fort’s promenade could get a heritage-style tourist makeover.

Gulf Security Clash: Iran’s UN envoy in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, called the US naval blockade “illegal” and said it amounts to a “war crime,” warning it is harming civilians’ access to basic goods and health. UN Diplomacy on Hormuz: France is preparing a UN Security Council resolution on restoring movement in the Strait of Hormuz as a US-backed text faces stalling votes and possible vetoes. Hajj Operations: Bahrain’s Haj Mission medical clinic has opened in Mecca and will run around the clock, while Justice Minister Nawaf Al Maawda oversaw the departure of pilgrims from Bahrain International Airport. Health Preparedness: Bahrain’s national taskforce reviewed readiness for communicable diseases, including Ebola-related entry precautions. Local Courts & Safety: An appeals court cut a man’s assault-related sentence from one year to six months after he allegedly used an insect spray can to project flames at police. Entrepreneurship: StartUp Bahrain Pitch crowned WSSL and Dilmune Cloud as winners, highlighting fresh Bahraini startup momentum.

Gulf Security at UN: France has drafted a UN Security Council resolution to restore movement in the Strait of Hormuz, but the vote on a US-backed text is still stuck as Russia and China signal they may veto it—while Washington has been lining up co-sponsors and Bahrain remains central to the push. Haj Operations: Bahrain’s Haj Mission keeps rolling—its medical clinic in Mecca is now operating around the clock, and the Justice Minister oversaw the departure of pilgrims at Bahrain International Airport. Health Preparedness: Bahrain’s communicable-disease taskforce reviewed readiness measures, including temporary suspension of entry for non-Bahraini travellers from Ebola-hit countries. Local Courts & Public Safety: An appeals court cut a man’s assault sentence in half after he allegedly used an insect spray can to project flames at police. Culture & Growth: BIFF is expanding beyond local cinema with international submissions, while StartUp Bahrain Pitch crowned WSSL and Dilmune Cloud among winners. Sports: Bahrain’s handball and judo teams keep stacking medals, including a golden double at Asian championships.

Hajj Operations: Bahrain’s Justice Minister Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda oversaw the departure of Bahraini pilgrims from Bahrain International Airport as the Hajj Mission continues ramping up services and camp handovers in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. Health Security: Bahrain has suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda, with returning citizens allowed under strict health protocols, as Ebola concerns intensify. Community Tensions: Bahraini security forces arrested Shia Muslims after a mourning ceremony marking Imam Jawad’s martyrdom anniversary, triggering summonses and detentions amid reports of restrictions on gatherings. Courts & Crime: A Bahraini man’s one-year palm-tree arson sentence was upheld on appeal, while another case saw a man jailed for drugs hidden in cricket bats. Business & Tech: Bahrain’s ARP Digital joined Fireblocks’ payments network as a GCC settlement corridor partner, and Washington Post’s AI council welcomed a LuLu Financial Holdings leader. Sports: Bahrain secured a golden double at the GCC Games in Doha, winning both handball and volleyball titles.

Drug Bust: Bahrain’s First Criminal High Court handed an Asian man a five-year prison term after customs found about five kilograms of psychotropic substances hidden inside cricket bats and sports equipment shipped by post, fining him BD 3,000, ordering deportation, and confiscating the items. Hajj Operations: Bahrain’s Hajj Mission says camp handovers in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah are complete, with operators praising early coordination and Saudi upgrades to transport, facilities and crowd management. Public Health: Bahrain has suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from Ebola-hit South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda for 30 days, with returning citizens allowed under strict health protocols. Economy & Trade: Bahrain and the UK-GCC bloc move closer to deeper ties after the UK and GCC concluded a landmark free trade deal, expected to boost UK-GCC trade and cut tariffs for Bahraini exports. Sports: Bahrain celebrated a golden double at the GCC Games in Doha, winning both handball and volleyball titles.

Diplomatic Talks: Bahrain’s Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam met Qatar’s ambassador in Manama to discuss boosting parliamentary cooperation between Bahrain’s lower house and Qatar’s Shura Council, with both sides stressing deep, longstanding ties. Public Health Measures: Bahrain suspended entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving from Ebola-hit South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda, effective May 19, with a 30-day ban and strict health protocols for Bahraini citizens returning. Court Ruling: A Bahraini court ordered a driver and an insurance firm to pay BD 15,000 to an injured victim after a crash left him with permanent disability. Women’s Finance: The Supreme Council for Women met Al Eibdaa Microfinance to expand soft financing for women entrepreneurs, citing 10,568 loans issued under the Shaikha Sabika portfolio. SME Support: BisB, Al Bilad and BDSME’s Society launched a national initiative to back Bahraini SMEs with Shari’a-compliant financing and support through incubators. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain’s handball and volleyball teams delivered a golden double at the GCC Games in Doha, while the Gulf Cup draw placed Bahrain in a tough Group B.