AGP Executive Report

Bahrain’s Housing & Finance: Diyar Al Muharraq signed with Khaleeji Bank to offer financing for buyers of residential plots at Al Nuzha in the Northern Islands, with prices starting from BD77,662, while KFH-Bahrain also backed the Social Housing Innovation Conference as a Platinum Sponsor, underscoring the push for Sharia-compliant homeownership finance. Digital Housing Push: iGA is showcasing digital housing and real estate services at the Social Housing Sector 2026 summit, including eKey 2.0, e-contract registration, title deed transfers and the MyGov app, as GCC ministers approved a guide for digital housing finance platforms. SME & AI Support: Tamkeen launched an enhanced Digital Enablement and AI Programme, covering up to 50% of eligible software and services costs to help micro, small and medium enterprises adopt digital tools. Banking Leadership & Deals: AlRayan Bank appointed Usman Ahmed as Group CEO, Bahrain Bourse reviewed key capital market policies under its “Elevate” plan, and ASB Capital was named joint lead manager and bookrunner on Arab National Bank’s $750m perpetual AT1 sukuk. Regional Energy & Markets: Arab Energy Fund reported $125.4m H1 net income, while Gulf stocks closed mostly lower amid ongoing Middle East uncertainty. Transport & Tourism: Gulf Air launched its inaugural Kuala Lumpur flight, adding a new direct link ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix branding in Malaysia. Tech Insight: Google Cloud’s Ghassan Kosta said autonomous AI adoption hinges on unlocking unstructured corporate data and adding local infrastructure capacity.

F1 & Bahrain branding: Esteban Ocon confirmed he will leave Haas at the end of the season, with Haas expected to move for Ferrari junior Rafael Camara for 2027, leaving Ocon searching for a reserve/test path. Bahrain GP logistics: F1’s “Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” is set for Oct. 4 at Sepang after Iran-related cancellations forced a name-preserving swap, with the race slotted between Azerbaijan and Singapore. Regional energy pressure: With Hormuz traffic nearly stalled, Gulf states are pushing alternative oil export routes; Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar still rely heavily on sea routes, while Saudi and UAE have more pipeline options. Bahrain housing & finance: NBB expanded social-housing real estate partnerships via two new MoUs, aiming to broaden buyer options and financing solutions. Heritage-led development: Muharraq’s revival plan is guided by strict urban rules on materials, colours and signage to preserve historic identity while building new homes. Digital transformation: Solidarity Bahrain was named “Best Digital Transformation Company Bahrain 2026,” highlighting AI-powered vehicle inspections and a broader online insurance portal. CBB regional banking: CBB Governor Khalid Humaidan attended Arab central bank governors’ talks in Abu Dhabi, stressing financial stability and macroprudential cooperation. VAT case: Three men were convicted over BD61,380 in VAT evasion tied to a car spare parts and lubricants business, with suspended jail terms and fines. GCC marine monitoring: Ecocoast and Xylem partnered to integrate sensing into GCC data buoy platforms for continuous environmental monitoring, including oil-spill early alerts.

Bahrain Housing & Finance: NBB signed new agreements with Union Real Estate and Effects Real Estate to expand developer partnerships, helping Bahraini homebuyers match properties with financing options under the Innovation Summit in the Social Housing Sector. Real Estate Launch: Diyar Al Muharraq unveiled new freehold residential plots at Al Nuzha in Bahrain’s Northern Islands, priced from BD77,662, as it reported strong visitor turnout at its expo pavilion. GCC Housing Cooperation: Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met GCC housing officials at the Innovation Summit, pushing for aligned housing policies and faster delivery of sustainable communities. Fintech & Payments: AX Coin (CBB-regulated) and ARP Digital announced a GCC-focused collaboration to connect regulated stablecoin issuance with institutional OTC liquidity and cross-border settlement, starting in Bahrain and the UAE. Capital Markets Link: Iraq Stock Exchange began trading on ADX’s Tabadul platform, expanding direct access across regional exchanges including Bahrain. Industry & Trade: Qatar will participate in Bahrain’s “Made in GCC 2026” forum (Oct 6-8) to showcase industrial output and explore GCC value-chain integration. Business Recognition: Stevie Awards opened entries for the 2027 MENA programme, with Bahrain among eligible countries and no entry fees. Energy Risk Watch: Gulf states are seeking alternative oil export routes as Hormuz disruption exposes infrastructure gaps, with Bahrain highlighted as reliant on maritime transit.

F1 & Tourism: Ticket sales for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 in Malaysia are surging, with Sepang International Circuit expecting nearly 100,000 three-day pass buyers ahead of Oct 2–4, with international visitors making up about half. Retail & Consumer Confidence: Primark has opened its first Bahrain store at City Centre Bahrain, with operators stressing “business as usual” and pointing to a second outlet planned for the Avenues Mall. Government Services: Bahrain upgraded its commercial registration (CR) ownership transfer via Sijilat, cutting steps from six to four and reducing approvals by 25% to speed up business processes. Cost of Living & Utilities: MPs are pushing to scrap the fourth electricity tier for citizens’ first homes to prevent steep bill jumps. Food Security & Waste: Bahrain Food Bank says it has saved and distributed over three million meals since 2014, as food waste remains a major challenge. Hospitality Outlook: A GCC-wide forecast expects nearly 126,000 new hotel rooms by 2030, while Bahrain’s occupancy has fallen sharply year-on-year. Social Housing Finance: KFH–Bahrain and NBB are backing the Innovation in Social Housing Conference and Exhibition, highlighting Sharia-compliant financing and long-term mortgage options.

Bahrain Chamber Leadership: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) approved new chairs for its sectoral committees for the 31st administrative term, naming leaders across markets, education, technology/AI, industry & energy, hospitality, real estate, health, food, finance/insurance/tax, and transport/logistics. National Resilience: Bahrain’s institutions are credited with keeping the economy and essential services running during the fallout from Iranian attacks, with the chamber citing continuity of supply chains and active coordination with government bodies. Housing Finance Push: National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) returns as Platinum Sponsor for the Innovation Housing Summit, offering social housing financing options and on-site guidance for eligible beneficiaries. Capital Markets: ASB Capital was appointed joint lead manager and bookrunner for Kuwait International Bank’s $500m, five-year KIB sukuk, with orders topping $1bn. Regional Finance Networking: Bahrain Bourse will sponsor the Bahrain Banks Reception in Bangkok alongside the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. Labour Rule Update: Bahrain eased rules allowing foreign workers to take a second job for up to three months with LMRA approval, without transferring the work permit. Tourism Benchmark: Saudi Arabia climbed to 29th in the WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index, while Bahrain ranked 55th. Sanctions & Trade Risks: A New York Times investigation alleges Russian-linked A7 used Kyrgyzstan as a hub for sanction-evasion payments, with shell firms and crypto. Energy & Markets Watch: Oil prices stayed supported amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, while Gulf bourses largely retreated after Trump dismissed an Iranian overture.

Crisis Readiness: Bahrain’s Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said national readiness reflects strong institutions, with crisis-management strengthened after regional shocks, including during Iranian attacks through healthcare, essential services, supply chains and price stability. Labour Flexibility: Bahrain’s LMRA introduced new rules letting employers redeploy authorised expatriate workers between their own establishments and, under conditions, allow work for another employer for up to three months—aimed at business flexibility with tighter oversight. Energy Spotlight: HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman visited Bapco Refinery, calling Bahrain a national milestone in the energy sector and praising workforce efforts to keep operations, security and supply chains resilient. Skills & Training: Bahrain Chamber and the Institute of Public Administration agreed to expand joint training and research to better match private-sector needs and strengthen national talent pipelines. Capital Markets: Bahrain Bourse began a strategic visit to Kuwait to deepen investment cooperation and boost participation by Kuwaiti investors. Maritime Security: Liberia and India launched a UN-backed Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, with Bahrain among participating states. Food Rules: GCC food safety authorities notified the WTO of tougher gluten-free claim regulations, including strict gluten limits and labelling requirements. Sports & Business: Bahrain’s Ingrid Grueso won bronze at the Asian Games, while Bahrain’s tourism and event momentum continues to build around major regional fixtures.

Diplomacy & Development: Bahrain’s foreign ministry director general took part in the 50th G77 and China foreign ministers’ meeting at UNGA 81, stressing the need for unity to tackle economic, development and security pressures, including disruptions linked to Iranian attacks. Labour Market Flexibility: Bahrain’s Chamber welcomed LMRA changes allowing foreign workers to be temporarily assigned to a second employer for up to three months, with consent, LMRA approval and safeguards tied to Bahrainisation rules. Capital Markets: Bahrain Bourse chair and CEO visited Kuwait to deepen investment cooperation, boost Kuwait-based participation and explore collaboration with brokerage firms under its 2026–2028 “Elevate” plan. Skills & Training: Bahrain Chamber and the Institute of Public Administration agreed to develop joint training programmes to better align private-sector talent needs with labour-market demands. Tourism Digital Push: Bahrain marked World Tourism Day with a push for digital transformation and AI to improve visitor experiences, service access and sustainability. Retail Expansion: Primark opened its first Bahrain store with strong regional demand, and Alshaya said a second outlet at The Avenues is planned within six months. Energy Sector Spotlight: HRH Crown Prince Salman visited the Bapco refinery, praising workforce resilience and energy-sector continuity amid regional tensions. Finance & Ratings: A.M. Best affirmed Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company’s A- (Excellent) rating with a stable outlook. Business Community & Education: Beyon awarded a full four-year AUB scholarship to a Bahraini student for digital marketing and social media.

Tourism Digital Push: Bahrain’s Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi says the kingdom is upgrading visitor experiences with AI and digital platforms under its 2022–2026 tourism strategy, tying tech to sustainability and new attractions. Telecom Resilience: Ookla reports Bahrain’s mobile networks rank among the most resilient globally, with peak-demand slowdowns during Ramadan but strong overall performance. Industrial Integration: Alba has signed on as a supporting partner for the inaugural Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition (Oct 6–8), highlighting low-carbon “EternAl” aluminium and regional industrial cooperation. Economic Competitiveness: Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro outlines a push for a more competitive, resilient economy focused on private-sector empowerment, innovation, trade, value chains and SME support. Digital Economy Ranking: Bahrain places third in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, scoring strongly on digital sovereignty, ICT spread and e-commerce legislation. Maritime Security at UN: Bahrain’s FM tells the UN it rejects any permit or fee regime for Strait of Hormuz transit, warning that threats to freedom of navigation endanger global trade and energy. Business Dispute: Bahrain’s High Commercial Court orders a company to pay a foreign bank about BD72,335 for unpaid goods delivered over seven years ago. Housing & Community: Diyar Al Muharraq will unveil new residential plots and offers at a social housing innovation summit, while Bahrain also continues agriculture and food-security initiatives. Regional Business-Event Calendar: ICWA’s Spectra student art carnival is set for Nov 13 with registration opening early next month.

Tourism Digital Push: Bahrain is stepping up tourism with a “Digital Agenda and AI” focus, using AI and interactive platforms to improve visitor services while pairing tech with sustainability. Youth & Innovation: Manama’s Arab Capital of Young Entrepreneurs programme wrapped with the Capital Governor backing youth-led innovation and real-world project testing. Food & Agriculture Drive: Bahrain marked Arab Agriculture Day with tree-planting and mangrove targets, expanded farm plots, and a large farmers’ market selling hundreds of tonnes of local produce. Maritime Security & Hormuz: Bahrain’s UN stance backed safe, unrestricted passage through Hormuz and rejected any toll or permit regime, amid wider calls from 80 states for reopening. India-GCC Trade Talks: India and the GCC reviewed progress and welcomed the launch of India-GCC FTA negotiations, with Bahrain’s FM among key figures. Compliance & Finance: Family House for Microfinance signed an AMAN compliance deal to verify customer data against sanctions lists, aligning with Central Bank requirements. Court Ruling: Bahrain’s High Commercial Court ordered a company to pay a foreign bank BD72,000+ over unpaid goods from years ago. Local Governance Concern: Muharraq boat owners’ fines allegedly being paid via a personal BenefitPay number sparked calls for an inquiry into legal and financial handling. Business Expansion: HyperMax marked its first anniversary in Bahrain, expanding stores and launching app, delivery and rewards alongside anniversary promotions. Industrial Expo Partner: Alba signed on as a supporting partner for “Made in GCC 2026,” aiming to boost regional industrial cooperation.

Muharraq Port Fines Probe: Bahrain’s Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar is demanding an inquiry after boat owners were allegedly told to pay government fines into a personal BenefitPay account, raising questions over the legal basis, who received the money, and how it was recorded and transferred to state accounts. Anti–Financial Crime Compliance: Family House for Microfinance signed a five-year framework with AMAN Compliance Solutions to automate customer data screening against sanctions lists, aiming to strengthen governance and meet Central Bank of Bahrain requirements. Unemployment Fund Boost: Bahrain’s Unemployment Fund ended 2025 with BD601.47m in net assets, up from BD530.87m, as contributions and investment holdings grew; the audited accounts are now with Parliament’s committee. Defense Cooperation: Bahrain and the US concluded the 21st Bahrain-US Joint Military Committee meeting, signing minutes after discussions on deeper military coordination. Regional Shipping Pressure: Bahrain rejected any permit or fee regime for Strait of Hormuz passage at the UN, warning unilateral restrictions could set a precedent and citing the wider economic cost of attacks and navigation disruptions. GCC-India Trade Talks: India and the GCC reviewed progress on their Joint Action Plan and discussed challenges to commercial shipping, while welcoming the launch of India-GCC FTA negotiations. Alba at GCC Expo: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) joined the inaugural “Made in GCC 2026” forum as a supporting partner, backing regional industrial integration. AI Governance Push: Bahrain called for wider technology access and responsible AI governance at the 3G ministerial meeting in New York.

Defense & Security: Bahrain committed to join the US-led Task Force Falcon Strike and buy more US munitions and air defense systems, as tensions rise and Manama deepens interoperability with Washington. Financial Crime Compliance: Family Microfinance House signed a five-year deal with AMAN Compliance Solutions to add electronic sanctions screening, aligning with Central Bank of Bahrain requirements. Energy & Trade Security: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister helped lead an 80-state UN push condemning Iran and Houthi attacks and calling for the Strait of Hormuz to stay fully open. Local Governance & Services: A self-service kiosk launched at Capital Trustees Board lets residents update ID chip data and access government notifications faster, while MPs move to tighten consumer protection over sudden electricity bill spikes. Infrastructure & Heritage: HRH Prince Salman reviewed progress on Muharraq City Development and Manama Souq redevelopment, stressing delivery without losing Bahrain’s identity. Business & Regional Growth: GCC ministers agreed a 2027-2032 plan to boost joint research and innovation, including a Gulf centre and science publishing ecosystem. Sports & Youth Pathways: Formula Trophy Malaysia will support the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia, giving junior drivers a regional ladder.

UN Diplomacy & Energy Security: Bahrain’s foreign minister, Abdullatif Al-Zayani, read out a joint statement by 80 UN member states condemning Iran and Houthi attacks and calling for the immediate, full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with safe, unimpeded passage and no illegal tolls. Local Governance & Services: A new self-service kiosk at the Capital Trustees Board in Tubli lets residents update ID chip data and access government notifications, aiming to cut waiting times. Power Bills Protection: A five-MP proposal would require EWA to alert customers when electricity bills jump unusually, allow clear dispute routes, and mandate recalculation/refunds if meter or technical errors are found. Consumer Watch: MPs are pushing for Cabinet answers after motorists claim petrol is “disappearing faster” despite higher prices, asking for technical testing. Finance & Banking: National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) will sponsor the Bahraini Banks Reception at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, boosting Bahrain’s banking visibility. Health Preparedness: Bahrain hosted a conference urging Gulf-wide readiness for “Disease X” and stronger antimicrobial resistance planning. Sports & Business Culture: Bahrain advanced to the Asian Games esports fighting quarter-finals, while Formula Trophy Malaysia will support the Bahrain F1 weekend in Malaysia.

UN diplomacy and shipping risk: About 80 countries, with Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani speaking at the UN, demanded the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and condemned Iran and Houthi attacks for disrupting trade and energy security, while also warning of spillover risks toward Bab al-Mandeb. Bahrain’s security and integrity push: Bahrain reiterated to the UN that waterways must never be weapons, and also backed stronger anti-corruption action at the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention in Doha, highlighting integrity, transparency and accountability measures. Healthcare reform: Bahrain launched its National Health Strategy 2026–2030, a roadmap aligned with Economic Vision 2030 aimed at transforming the health system with equity and sustainability. Domestic follow-through after aggression: HRH Prince Salman visited Sitra and Hidd to review repairs and compensation progress for homes and vehicles damaged by hostile Iranian aggression, stressing coordination under “Team Bahrain.” Banking and business links: NBB will sponsor the Bahrain Association of Banks reception at the IMF/World Bank meetings in Bangkok, while KFH-Bahrain is running a MyHassad interactive stand at City Centre Bahrain. Tech investment in the Gulf: Microsoft plans $10bn-plus investment across the Gulf through 2030, focusing on cloud/AI resilience amid regional conflict. Market and finance angle: Bahrain Bourse seeks investment cooperation with Kuwait, and Bahrain’s BDB set up an AI committee to boost operational efficiency.

Anti-Corruption Push: Bahrain used the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention meeting in Doha to stress stronger integrity, transparency and accountability, with MPs and the National Audit Office playing key oversight roles. Golden Residency Update: Bahrain opened 2026 applications for a Golden Residency Visa for four foreign categories—retirees, property owners, talented individuals and long-term employees—via the eService portal. Bahrainisation Skills Drive: A parliamentary proposal would create a digital “skills passport” to map qualifications and work history to job needs, including a readiness index to guide training. Local Governance & Markets: Isa Town is set for its first central market, while a municipal walkout over alleged lack of ministry cooperation triggered possible disciplinary action. Food Waste Plan: Muharraq Municipality signed an MoU to redirect surplus, untouched food from outlets to people in need instead of landfill. Retail & Consumer: Primark opened its first Bahrain flagship at City Centre Bahrain with Alshaya as partner, drawing large crowds. Healthcare Regulation: NHRA licensed “Foundayo” (oral orforglipron), a GLP-1 obesity treatment, for pharmacy availability under approved guidelines. Fintech & Banking: Bahrain’s Fintech Forward 2026 lineup adds Mo Gawdat, and SICO will sponsor the Bahrain Banks Reception in Bangkok. Digital Skills & AI: Bahrain’s BDB set up an AI committee, while CBB highlighted Tanami’s fintech win after Money20/20 Middle East. Cyber Safety: Bahrain arrested a 19-year-old accused of online luring and blackmail of a 14-year-old, urging tighter parental supervision.

Fintech & AI in Bahrain: Mo Gawdat, former Google X exec and AI author, will headline Bahrain Fintech Forward 2026, while Bahrain Development Bank has set up an AI Committee to boost productivity and responsible AI use. Capital Markets: Bahrain Bourse is stepping up investment links with Kuwait as part of its 2026–2028 “Elevate” plan. Cybersecurity & Workplace Safety: Bahrain’s National Cybersecurity Centre and BIBF wrapped up a “Be Smarter Than AI” campaign, warning firms to manage AI risks around data and information security. Aviation & Talent: Gulf Air and Bahrain Airport Company completed youth development programmes, including internships and school-level training to build future aviation talent. Energy Skills Pipeline: NBH Future Energy Leaders Program named its 2026–2027 scholarship recipients for master’s studies tied to Bahrain’s energy transition. Healthcare Regulation: NHRA licensed “Foundayo” (orfoglipron) for obesity treatment, expanding pharmacy access under medical guidelines. Business & Trade: Bahrain–Saudi trade rose 32% in five years, supported by deeper investment ties and major transport links. Retail Expansion: Primark opened its first Bahrain store at City Centre Bahrain with Alshaya Group, adding 320 local jobs. Humanitarian Support: RHF signed an agreement with Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Centre to help Syrian refugees access cancer treatment.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Trump said US and Iranian officials met Tuesday on UNGA sidelines, calling it “very good” and hinting at renewed talks after months of stalled channels, even as he warned he could “annihilate” Iran if no deal comes soon. Bahrain Housing Push: Bahrain’s Housing Ministry announced three new Salman City projects offering 137 off-plan units, aiming to expand the kingdom’s housing stock via private-sector delivery. Logistics & Trade: DHL Express launched a weekly Bahrain–Johannesburg Boeing 767 freighter service, boosting direct capacity for time-sensitive cargo between the Gulf and sub-Saharan Africa. Aviation Talent: Gulf Air and Bahrain Airport Company wrapped up multiple youth and workforce programmes, including internships and school initiatives, to build aviation-ready skills. AI & Finance: UN chief Guterres welcomed a “Call for Control of Frontier AI Models,” while Bahrain’s Fintech Forward 2026 added AI expert Mo Gawdat to its speaker lineup. Digital Economy: UAE topped the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, with Bahrain among the leading group. GCC Trade: GCC trade undersecretaries held their 64th meeting in preparation for ministers’ talks in Manama on Oct 7.