AGP Executive Report

Aviation Leadership: Bahrain Airport Company appointed Ahmed Mohamed Janahi as CEO, tasking him with boosting safety, operational efficiency and passenger experience as BIA works through capacity losses and a thinner airline mix. Islamic Finance & Capital Flows: A new Standard Chartered report says Bahrain can deepen cross-border Islamic finance by improving connectivity between Islamic capital, trade and high-growth markets across GCC, Asia and Africa. Fintech/Insurance Access: Bahrain insurtech Soor secured a pre-seed investment from Spring to help customers compare and buy insurance digitally via a single app, backed by CBB licensing. Banking Recognition: NBB CEO Usman Ahmed was named among Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs of 2026, highlighting continued growth and innovation. Trade & Industry Dialogue: Bahrain Chamber’s Tojjar Talk session focused on the future of the pearl, gold and jewellery sector, with government and business leaders agreeing on competitiveness and business-environment priorities. Regional Energy Deal (Bahrain-linked): Uganda and Tanzania signed an MoU to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub with Vitol Bahrain E.C., aiming to expand refining, storage, logistics and cross-border energy trade. Geopolitics Impacting Business: US-Iran Strait of Hormuz talks remain in focus as Trump says an agreement could come “soon,” while Iran’s parliament speaker attacks US “theatre diplomacy,” keeping shipping and energy risk front and centre.

Islamic Finance Spotlight: A new Standard Chartered report flags Bahrain’s role in connecting Islamic capital to the next wave of growth, noting only 6% of global sukuk reaches South Asia and Africa and pointing to Bahrain’s ecosystem as a bridge for cross-border financing. Aviation & Tourism Links: Gulf Air has opened bookings for direct Bahrain–Kuala Lumpur flights from Sept 29, with extra capacity ahead of the Bahrain GP weekend at Sepang in October. Regional Connectivity: Qatar Airways will resume flights to Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil from Aug 8, as airlines rebuild Gulf networks. Banking Recognition: NBB CEO Usman Ahmed named among Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs of 2026, highlighting leadership and transformation since taking the role in 2023. Hospitality Results: Gulf Hotels Group reported Q2 2026 net profit of BD 1.66m, down 40% year-on-year, citing a tougher regional environment. Property Pulse (Bahrain audience via region): Ajman logged 1,517 real estate transactions worth AED 1.65bn in July, with strong mortgage activity. Energy Trade Deal: Uganda and Tanzania signed an MoU with Vitol Bahrain to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, expanding beyond the EACOP pipeline and targeting storage, refining support, logistics and trading. Markets Watch: Gulf bourses mostly fell as investors awaited clarity on Strait of Hormuz shipping and weighed Red Sea tanker attack reports.

Air Connectivity: Gulf Air opened bookings for direct Bahrain–Kuala Lumpur flights from Sept 29, 2026, with extra capacity ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang (Oct 2-4). Sports Governance: Bahrain Football Association barred Al Ittifaq from registering new players over unpaid dues to players and coaches, with the ban lifted after settlement. Banking Expansion: Bank of Punjab received in-principle approval from Pakistan’s central bank to set up an overseas wholesale banking unit in Bahrain, pending local and regulatory approvals. Regional Trade: Egypt–Bahrain bilateral trade fell to $301.1m in 2025, driven by a sharp drop in Egyptian imports from Bahrain, while exports stayed broadly stable. AI Skills: BIBF launched an AI-powered study assistant for CPA and CMA candidates, integrated with Becker’s exam prep platform. Tourism & Lifestyle Finance: NBB partnered with Turkish Airlines for a 20% flight discount for cardholders via the NBB Points app. Corporate Results: Gulf Hotels Group reported weaker Q2 and H1 profits amid regional geopolitical tensions hitting travel and air connectivity. Industrial Performance: Alba’s Q2 profit jumped 164% to BD64.9m, citing disciplined production and raw-material management despite supply-chain challenges. Maritime Security: Iran and Oman are reportedly close to a Strait of Hormuz shipping framework, with separate inbound/outbound channels and oversight roles.

Gulf Banking Tech Push: GCC banks are entering a second phase of technology modernisation as open finance expands, payments get more connected, and AI moves closer to everyday banking—shifting focus from customer-facing apps to simplifying the “behind-the-interface” tech estate. Water & Climate Capacity: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment, with Arabian Gulf University and the Water Resources Council, launched a second Integrated Water Resources Planning and Management training programme for Bahraini specialists, supported by the Green Climate Fund. Cyber Skills Drive: The National Cyber Security Centre’s deputy CEO reviewed Youth City 2030 cybersecurity programmes, including Cyber Youth and Start Your Career in Cybersecurity, aimed at building Bahrain’s future talent pipeline. Housing Finance Partnership: Bahrain’s Housing Minister met Al Baraka Islamic Bank to expand housing finance cooperation and develop solutions for social housing initiatives. Digital Government Upgrade: Bahrain’s Transport and Telecommunications Ministry introduced remote technical inspections for eligible boats and jet skis via video call, cutting approvals and reducing service timelines. Banking Lifestyle Offers: BisB launched a summer credit card campaign with rewards, fee-free instalments and a 1 million airline miles prize, while NBB signed a Turkish Airlines partnership offering 20% flight discounts via the NBB Points app. Air Connectivity: Gulf Air opened bookings for direct Bahrain–Kuala Lumpur flights from 29 September 2026, boosting year-round links and supporting the Bahrain GP’s Malaysia event tie-in. Local Governance & Noise: A municipal councillor urged night-time residential works to stop by 9pm after noise complaints from ongoing street projects. Youth & AI: Youth Affairs Minister Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi urged investment in digital skills and AI to help youth build projects and strengthen Bahrain’s knowledge economy. Trade & Logistics: KLN Logistics Group launched a Europe–Middle East road feeder service as a slower but more reliable alternative to airfreight while regional air cargo capacity remains under recovery. Maritime Risk Context: Coverage continues to spotlight the Strait of Hormuz’s role as a global chokepoint for oil and trade, with implications for Bahrain and the wider region’s business outlook.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Qatar’s emir and US President Donald Trump discussed de-escalation with mediators pushing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where a proposed 60-day shipping arrangement could restart flows and ease pressure on global energy and trade. Trade Shock: An ITC analysis says the disruption has exposed how dependent global commerce is on a single chokepoint, with early data pointing to steep drops in exports of energy, fertilizers and industrial goods. Corporate Earnings: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) reported Q2 profit of BD64.9m (+164% YoY) and H1 profit of BD140.2m (+228% YoY), underscoring resilience amid regional volatility. Banking & Digital ID: BBK Business integrated eKey 2.0 to speed up corporate account verification and reduce manual steps. Youth & Skills: KFH–Bahrain wrapped training sessions at Youth City 2030 covering trading, investment and Islamic banking, while the NCSC reviewed cybersecurity programmes for Bahraini youth. Labour Enforcement: Bahrain’s LMRA said 420 illegal expatriates were deported after July inspections. Local Economy: The Bahrain Chamber held Tojjar Talk on the pearl, gold and jewellery sector, calling for public-private collaboration to boost competitiveness. Infrastructure: Works on the Al Saqr Intersection near Bahrain International Airport closed an entry/exit point on Jamal Al Din Al Afghani Avenue as traffic upgrades near completion.

US-Iran Diplomacy & Hormuz Shipping: Qatar says a short-term US-Iran resolution is being circulated as mediators push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; US Secy of State Marco Rubio says talks with Iran and Oman show progress but no final deal yet, while Trump links any breakthrough to near-term action. Bahrain’s Exposure to Strait Disruption: Capital Economics warns Bahrain is the Gulf’s most financially exposed if Hormuz closes again, citing limited rerouting options and fast reserve depletion, raising devaluation/default risk. Alba Results: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) reported Q2 2026 profit attributable to equity holders of BD64.9m (+164% YoY) and H1 profit of BD140.2m (+228% YoY), despite logistics disruptions. Housing Finance: Bahrain’s Housing Ministry met Al Baraka Islamic Bank to expand flexible housing finance solutions and social housing support. Digital Banking & Payments: stc Bahrain partnered with Iron Mountain for enterprise digital services, while Zain Bahrain teamed with Genesys via OneCX to modernise contact centres. Capital Markets Infrastructure: Bahrain Clear introduced an upgraded framework to advance capital market infrastructure. Local Business & Economy: Bahrain Airport Company appointed Ahmed Mohamed Janahi as CEO; gold demand rose as wedding-season buying lifted sales while silver demand fell sharply. Youth City 2030: KFH–Bahrain wrapped training sessions on trading and Islamic banking principles for Youth City 2030.

Digital Payments: INFINIOS has gone live with Mastercard on stablecoin settlement in Bahrain, aiming for faster, 24/7-style settlement while staying fully regulated. Cross-Border Transfers: stc pay Bahrain partnered with PayPal to let users link accounts and move funds between USD PayPal balances and BHD stc pay wallets—targeting shoppers, freelancers and SMEs. Real Estate Development: Naseej has started infrastructure works for its Amwaj Avenue mixed-use project in Muharraq, with roads and utilities to support 253 residential and 27 investment plots. Labour & Safety: Bahrain’s Labour Minister inspected construction sites for compliance with the summer midday work ban (12:00pm–4:00pm), focusing on heat-stress prevention and worker protections. Regional Trade & Shipping: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister met the International Chamber of Shipping as the group pushes for a toll-free Strait of Hormuz to protect freedom of navigation. Sports & Business Tourism: F1 confirmed contingency planning for 2027 calendar changes if Middle East conflict continues, while Malaysia’s “mega sports weekend” could boost regional sports tourism. Global Markets Watch: Fertilizer prices may stay high for years as Strait of Hormuz disruptions compound earlier shocks from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Real Estate & Infrastructure: Naseej has started infrastructure works for its Amwaj Avenue mixed-use project at the entrance of Amwaj Islands in Muharraq, moving the 125,000sqm development into the construction phase with roads, utilities and essential works. Labour & Safety: Bahrain’s Labour and Legal Affairs minister carried out field inspections to enforce the summer midday work ban, targeting heat-stress prevention and compliance with the 12:00pm–4:00pm outdoor work restriction. Islamic Finance & Digital Banking: Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) rolled out new digital services for corporate and SME clients, including an online cash margin letter of guarantee, automated audit confirmations and fully automated Wakala account openings. Payments & Tourism Demand: Central Bank data showed visitor spending rebound in May, with foreign card payments rising to BD86.1m and point-of-sale and online payments reaching BD596.2m. Cybersecurity: K7 Security Labs warned Android users about a remote-access malware campaign impersonating Bahrain’s BH Alert app, designed to trick users into granting dangerous permissions and stealing data. Stablecoins: AX Coin Bahrain said its AXBHD stablecoin framework completed formal Sharia review by a Central Bank-licensed bureau, positioning it as a regulated, certified product. Business & Growth: STC Bahrain partnered with Iron Mountain to digitise documents and expand enterprise digital services focused on governance and data security. Regional Context: Gulf markets climbed as investors reacted to reports of a pause in potential Iran strikes, lifting sentiment around shipping and the Strait of Hormuz.

Bahrain Capital Markets: Bahrain Clear has adopted enhanced operational rules approved by its board and the Central Bank of Bahrain, tightening risk management and investor protection across clearing, settlement and depository services, and aligning operations with the “Elevate” capital market plan. Banking & Payments: National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) launched a multi-currency debit card feature via its app, letting customers link up to eight currencies to one card for easier overseas spending and online purchases. Bourse Watch: Bahrain Bourse’s All Share Index fell 4.2% in July, ending a three-month rally as most sectors declined, with materials the biggest drag. Corporate Appointments: Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) appointed Ahmed Mohamed Janahi as CEO, effective 2 August, aiming to boost efficiency and passenger experience. Digital Finance Growth: Skyro, a Bahrain-headquartered digital consumer lender, reported its first-ever half-year operating profit in H1 2026 as its loan portfolio and user base surged. Fintech & Tech Partnerships: stc Bahrain signed a strategic partnership with Iron Mountain to expand enterprise digital solutions, starting with document digitisation. IP & Standards: Bahrain acceded to the WIPO Locarno Agreement to strengthen industrial design classification and its intellectual property framework. Business Disputes: Bahrain courts ordered an electrical supplier’s claim to be paid by a trading company (BD278,963) and ordered a security firm to refund a homeowner (BD941.9) after incomplete surveillance installation. Regional Trade & Logistics: GWC Group signed a 15-year lease with Safari Shopping Centre to open a retail facility inside Logistics Village Qatar.

IP & Innovation: Bahrain has deposited its instrument of accession to the WIPO Locarno Agreement, bringing an international industrial design classification system to strengthen intellectual property protection and boost investor confidence. Aviation Leadership: Bahrain Airport Company appointed Ahmed Mohamed Janahi as CEO effective 2 August, tasking him with improving operational efficiency and passenger experience while supporting the National Aviation Strategy. Capital Markets Infrastructure: Bahrain Clear adopted enhanced Bahrain Clear Rules, approved by its board and the Central Bank of Bahrain, to modernise clearing, settlement and depository services and improve risk management and investor protection. Banking & Payments: NBB launched a Multi-Currency Debit Card feature via its app, letting customers link up to eight foreign currencies to one card for easier spending abroad. Corporate Finance Results: INOVEST reported Q2 2026 net profit of $271k (up from $200k) and said performance improved through better operational and investment efficiency. Energy & Industry Skills: Bapco Energies launched the NextGen Power Camp for 100 high school students under its Future Energy Leaders programme, while NCST and Alba developed an AI system to monitor gas turbines and support predictive maintenance. ESG Recognition: KFH–Bahrain won Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards for 2026, including Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain for ESG Practices. Business Enablement: KPMG in Bahrain and Cygnet.One held a seminar on e-invoicing readiness, urging firms to prepare as GCC activation phases move forward. Hospitality Expansion: Exhibition World Bahrain opened bookings for EWB Culinaire catering and hospitality services, backed by a 3,600 sq m events kitchen capacity for up to 10,000 guests daily. Regional Risk Watch: Amid US-Iran tensions, Bahrain’s business environment remains exposed to wider shipping and energy volatility as leaders weigh conditions around reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Middle East Risk Watch: US President Donald Trump says he will pause new strikes on Iran after allies reached a framework deal that includes the “immediate, complete and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, while US embassies across the region urge Americans to consider departing or be ready for emergency travel disruption. Bahrain Fuel & Energy Costs: Bahrain’s Fuel Pricing and Monitoring Committee approved August fuel prices, setting Jayyid (91) at 0.222 BD/litre, Mumtaz (95) at 0.247 BD/litre, Super (98) at 0.362 BD/litre and Diesel at 0.229 BD/litre, with diesel subsidies for Bahraini fishermen maintained. Digital Security: Bahrain’s anti-corruption and electronic security directorate warned residents not to share SIM details or OTPs and to ensure registered SIM cards are used only by the account holder, with advice to verify and cancel inactive SIMs. Cross-Border Finance: India’s RBI rolled out major reforms for Non-Resident Indians, including an upgraded Central KYC 2.0 digital ID system to reduce repeated paperwork for account and portfolio management. E-Invoicing Push: A Bahrain seminar focused on readiness for e-invoicing, highlighting GCC digital tax timelines and practical steps for integration and data governance. Football Governance Shock: UEFA and CONCACAF said they’ve lost confidence in FIFA chief Gianni Infantino after his scrapped plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights. Local Business & Talent: Youth City 2030’s Youth Market spotlighted Bahraini youth entrepreneurs and projects, while Bahrain’s Agricultural Incubator Centre was highlighted for training and research aimed at boosting food security and agri-entrepreneurship.

Regional Security & Shipping: US President Trump warned of intensified strikes on Iran as tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz, with Kuwait reporting drone attacks and a tanker hit; US embassies in Bahrain and across the region urged Americans to consider leaving or be ready for flight cancellations and airspace closures, while Gulf states accelerate alternative oil export routes and pipeline plans. Bahrain Finance: Central Bank of Bahrain data show institutions held 71% of Bahrain Fund investments at $7.76bn by end-March, keeping total holdings at $10.93bn despite a yearly drop driven mainly by individuals. Bahrain Property: Bahrain property sales topped BD134m in July, with 988 deals completed and total 2026 sales since January above BD795m. Human Trafficking Case: A Pakistani man and woman lost their appeal over forcing two teenage sisters into prostitution in Bahrain, with the seven-year prison terms and BD2,000 fines upheld and deportation ordered. Sports Governance: UEFA and CONCACAF said they’ve lost confidence in FIFA chief Gianni Infantino after FIFA abandoned a plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights, raising fresh transparency and leadership questions. Local Business & Community: BisB wrapped up a summer camp focused on financial and digital skills, while Bahrain’s fuel prices for August were set effective Aug 2.

Housing & Community Partnerships: Bahrain’s Capital Trustees Board backed a new public-private framework to speed up repairs and rebuild dilapidated homes for low-income families, using municipal inspections and matching cases with charities and private partners. Youth Employment & Skills: Youth City 2030 spotlights Tamkeen’s Career World platform, guiding students and parents with labour-market based career pathways and advisory support. Human Trafficking Enforcement: A Pakistani duo’s appeal was rejected, upholding a seven-year prison term and BD2,000 fine for trafficking two teenage girls into sex work in Bahrain, with deportation and victim return costs ordered. Gulf Security Message: Bahrain officials praised King Hamad’s address at the “Bahrain Shield” joint exercise, stressing GCC security is indivisible and defence integration is key. UN Leadership Race: Informal Security Council straw polling for the next UN secretary-general began, with UN trade chief Rebeca Grynspan leading early support. FIFA Governance Fallout: FIFA faced fresh transparency calls after shelving a plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights, amid pressure from confederations including AFC and UEFA. Regional Trade Security: Saudi-led 14-nation maritime defence coalition to protect Red Sea routes gained broader backing, with Bahrain among signatories. Market & Tech Signals: Wall Street rebounded as Amazon’s strong results lifted stocks, while Apple slid on “supply constraints” guidance. Digital Misinformation Risk: Google removed a Google Earth “create image” feature after warnings it could generate convincing fake scenes on real satellite imagery.

US-Iran Escalation: President Donald Trump said he’s “losing faith” in Iran and warned the US will hit Tehran “very hard,” as Iran claims attacks on US facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain and the war’s economic strain deepens. Energy & Markets: Oil prices rose after Iran said it stopped tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while Bitcoin slid toward $59,000 risk on renewed geopolitical pressure. Gulf Security: Sheikh Hamdan witnessed Bahrain’s “Bahrain Shield” joint exercise in Manama, underscoring tighter Gulf defence cooperation. Red Sea Shipping: Saudi Arabia’s 14-nation maritime defence coalition to protect Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden gained momentum, with Bahrain included; Bahrain and Saudi leaders also reviewed regional developments by phone. Bahrain Business: Bahrain EDB wrapped a France and Monaco investment mission, aiming to deepen partnerships. Corporate Results: Beyon reported higher Q2 2026 profit on operational efficiencies. Fintech/AI: OCR Studio will unveil a web-native ID and payment scanner for Middle Eastern banks at Seamless Fintech ME 2026. Legal: A Bahraini court ordered a man to repay BD50,000 to his ex-wife after ruling she fully funded a property registered in his name.

Regional Trade Security: Saudi Arabia moved to set up a multinational maritime defence coalition to protect Red Sea shipping and energy routes after Houthi attacks, with a Riyadh meeting attended by 43 countries and the EU; the alliance is framed as defensive and aims to safeguard freedom of navigation through Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with Saudi Arabia as founding leader and permanent HQ. Bahrain’s Role: Bahrain is among the 14 founding supporters of the coalition, alongside Kuwait, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan and others, underscoring how regional sea-lane security remains tightly linked to Gulf commerce. Bahrain-UK Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani met UK’s Ed Miliband in London, with both sides stressing cooperation under C-SIPA and discussing the impact of Iranian attacks on maritime navigation and trade. Local Business & Finance: Bahrain’s Beyon reported higher Q2 2026 net profit on operational efficiencies, while ASB Capital was named joint lead manager and bookrunner on Ajman Bank’s $300m AT1 sukuk. Digital & Consumer Finance: NBB ran a “Future Digital Banker” workshop at Youth City 2030, and stc pay partnered with PayPal to enable cross-border fund transfers in Bahrain. Public Safety: Bahrain police warned residents against registering SIM cards for others, saying it can trigger legal repercussions if the number is used for fraud. Sports Governance: AFC president Shaikh Salman sharply criticised FIFA’s plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors as “totally unacceptable,” while UEFA voted to boycott FIFA tournaments over the proposal.

F1 Logistics in Malaysia: Malaysia has set up two special committees to coordinate the Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix at Sepang (Oct 2-4), with a main committee led by the Chief Secretary to the Government and a technical committee at KBS level to track upgrades and FIA requirements; Sepang is expected to close to the public from Sept 7 for works and final testing. Regional Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia moved to formalise a multinational “Maritime Defense Coalition” after hosting talks with chiefs of staff from 43 countries and the EU, aiming to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab shipping and counter threats to commercial vessels and energy tankers; 14 back the initiative, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Corporate Governance & Women: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Women backed efforts to expand women’s representation on public company boards through awareness and training with partners including the Central Bank, Bahrain Bourse and Tamkeen. Human Trafficking Compliance: Bahrain honoured Bapco Refining, Alba and Talabat with a private-sector best-practices award for anti-trafficking measures. Health Warning on Dieting: A Bahraini dietitian cautioned against dangerous crash diets, saying very low-calorie plans should only be used for specific medical cases under professional supervision. UEFA vs FIFA: UEFA voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments over FIFA’s plan to sell minority stakes in World Cup commercial operations, with AFC also condemning the lack of consultation. Fintech in Bahrain: stc pay Bahrain partnered with PayPal to enable seamless cross-border fund transfers via linked accounts.