AI Governance Push: Bahrain’s Shura Council President Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh said King Hamad’s directives have placed the Kingdom among global leaders in AI adoption, highlighting the Sheikh Nasser Centre for AI R&D and new AI regulation as Bahrain opens its Fifth AI Governance Conference. Energy Talent Pipeline: Bapco Energies extended the NBH Future Energy Leaders scholarship application deadline to 16 July 2026 for Bahraini undergraduates in energy and emerging tech fields. Housing Delivery Support: Eskan Bank signed a consultancy deal worth BD48,000 with Al A’ali Engineering Consultants for design services covering 72 residential units across Askar and Hamad Town, aligned with the push to accelerate delivery of 50,000 homes. Digital Insurance for Travel: Zain Bahrain launched a summer travel insurance campaign with Takaful International, offering up to 50% off until 31 August 2026, purchasable via the Zain app or eShop and supporting Schengen and worldwide visa needs. Banking & Finance Ops: SICO completed the merger of its SFS fund services unit into the parent bank, winding down the separate licence while keeping client operations running and moving services under one structure. SME & Inclusion Momentum: Bahrain’s MSME Day Forum goes global with a Sarajevo edition on 6–7 July 2026, while Zain Bahrain wrapped up its GROW Programme graduating university students with disabilities after a three-month training and internship track. Labour Market Enforcement: LMRA reported 5,130 inspection campaigns and visits in June, detaining 79 violating and irregular workers and deporting 256, alongside thousands of shop inspections. Regional Diplomacy: India’s EAM S Jaishankar met Qatar’s PM to review energy, trade, investments, connectivity and security as part of a Gulf tour that includes Bahrain.