AGP Executive Report

Dining: Manama’s dining scene has a new Persian-inspired venue: Divan Restaurant has opened at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Manama Seef, serving traditional dishes such as chelo kebab in a setting designed for family meals and special occasions. What’s On: Bahrain’s International Music Festival continues with performances around the Kingdom, including an oud night on October 15. On October 17, BACA invites the public to join an archaeological survey at Hilla Site and help document pottery and other surface finds. Arts & Heritage: Registration is open until November 15 for the 53rd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, themed “In Circulation.” At the National Museum, a new exhibition traces Awali’s 90-year history and its role in Bahrain’s development. Film: The Bahrain International Film Festival, running November 5–10, will honour Bahraini film pioneer Nader Al Maskati, Egyptian star Yousra and Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud. Community & Culture: Bahrain Kannada Sangha brings its “Amara Madhura Geethe” musical evening to the Indian Club in Manama on October 29. Michael Jackson memorabilia is also set to feature in Bahrain previews in November, though dates and venue are still to be announced.

Heritage & Arts: Bahrain’s Ancient Pottery Quest invites participants to survey Hilla Site on October 17, documenting surface finds for museum specialists. Artists can also register by November 15 for the 53rd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, themed “In Circulation.” Music & Community: The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival is underway, with performances around the Kingdom, while Bahrain Kannada Sangha’s “Amara Madhura Geethe” brings classic Kannada songs to the Indian Club in Manama on October 29. On Screen: The Bahrain International Film Festival will honour Egyptian star Yousra, Bahraini cinema pioneer Nader Al Maskati and Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud during its November 5–10 run. Local Heritage: A Bahrain National Museum exhibition traces Awali’s 90-year story, from the early search for oil to the town’s development. Household Costs: MPs have unanimously asked the Cabinet to consider restoring previous subsidised electricity and water tariffs for citizens’ first homes.

Arts & Heritage: BACA has opened submissions for the 53rd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, themed “In Circulation.” The National Museum is also tracing Awali’s 90-year history, from its beginnings alongside Bahrain’s oil industry. What’s On: Bahrain’s 35th International Music Festival features 13 performances, with concerts beginning October 14; on October 17, visitors can join an archaeological survey at Hilla Site. Screen & Stage: Egyptian star Yousra will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bahrain Film Festival, November 5–10. Coming Soon: Michael Jackson memorabilia, including items from the “Thriller” auction collection, is set for previews in Bahrain this November; dates and venue are still to be announced. Community Health: Think Pink Bahrain founder Dr Jules Sprakel is urging companies to be transparent about breast cancer campaigns and avoid “pink-washing” that can dilute support for patients. Work & Life: Foreign workers can now take temporary jobs with another employer for up to 90 days, subject to LMRA approval and agreement from both employers and the worker.

Education: CBSE special Class 12 exams for students in Bahrain and other West Asian countries are scheduled for October 23–28, giving students unhappy with their assessment results another chance to sit affected papers. Work & Life: Bahrain now allows foreign workers to take temporary assignments with another employer for up to 90 days, subject to LMRA approval, written consent and agreement from both employers. Home & Wellbeing: IKEA Alsulaiman has launched a month-long Bahrain campaign promoting bedroom storage as a way to make everyday routines feel calmer. Arts & Culture: Egyptian star Yousra will receive a lifetime achievement award at the Bahrain Film Festival, running November 5–10. Creative Careers: University of Technology Bahrain and Savvy Games Group have partnered to develop gaming and esports education and industry skills. Heritage Access: Bahrain’s transport ministry and BACA are exploring public transport links and cultural routes to make heritage sites and events easier to reach. Hospitality: Vatel Bahrain received an appreciation certificate from InterContinental Bahrain for its longstanding collaboration.

Digital Finance: Bede Bahrain has launched a multi-currency prepaid Mastercard with SINNAD and Mastercard, letting users manage six currencies and access airport lounges and travel offers. Gaming Education: The University of Technology Bahrain and Savvy Games Group will work together on gaming and esports courses designed to build industry skills. Arab Cinema: Egyptian star Yousra will receive a lifetime achievement award at the Bahrain Film Festival, running November 5–10; Bahraini filmmaker Nader Al Musqati will also be honoured. Workplace Rules: Foreign workers can take temporary assignments with another employer for up to 90 days, subject to LMRA approval, both employers’ agreement and the worker’s written consent. Cultural Access: Bahrain’s transport ministry and the culture authority are exploring public transport links and routes to heritage sites and events. Public Spaces: Bahrain is considering smart technology for parks, including AI to help understand how people use green spaces. Postal Heritage: World Post Day events at Manama’s Post Museum and Bahrain National Museum include tours, workshops and activities through October 24.

Bahrain Film Festival: Egyptian star Yousra will receive a lifetime achievement award at the festival, running November 5–10. Syrian actor Ghassan Massoud and Bahraini filmmaker Nader Al Musqati will also be honoured. Expat Life: Foreign workers can now take temporary jobs with another employer for up to 90 days, with their consent and Labour Market Regulatory Authority approval. Golden Residency applicants must meet a BD2,000 monthly salary threshold and provide a six-month bank statement. Culture Access: Bahrain’s transport ministry and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities are exploring public transport links and cultural routes to make heritage sites easier to reach. World Post Day: Museum tours, postcard workshops and hands-on letter-writing activities continue at the Post Museum and Bahrain National Museum through October 24. AI and Wellbeing: At Fintech Forward in Bahrain, technology leader Mo Gawdat urged society to protect human connection, ethics and critical thinking as AI becomes part of daily life.

Residency Guide: Bahrain’s Golden Residency rules set a BD2,000 monthly basic-salary threshold for employed and retired applicants, with bank statements, local health insurance and other documents required. Car Culture: The Royal Bahrain Concours will feature the rare YANGWANG U9 Xtreme at the Royal Golf Club this November. Life in the AI Era: At Fintech Forward Bahrain, author Mo Gawdat urged people to protect human connection, ethics and critical thinking as AI advances. Culture & Access: Bahrain’s transport ministry and BACA are exploring public transport links, cultural routes and event services to make heritage sites easier to visit. Greener Public Spaces: Bahrain is considering smart technology for parks, including AI to understand how residents use them. Things to Do: World Post Day celebrations bring museum tours, postcard-making and letter-writing workshops to Manama through October 24. Youth Sport: Bahrain Rugby Club has launched a school initiative with the national association and Hartpury University, aiming to grow inclusive rugby and develop local players and coaches.

Culture & Access: Bahrain’s transport ministry and BACA are exploring public transport links, cultural routes and event services to make heritage sites easier to reach while protecting their historic character. Youth Sport: Bahrain Rugby Club, the national rugby association and Hartpury University are launching a school programme with two weeks of inclusive, non-contact training, aiming to build a lasting pathway for young players and coaches. Public Spaces: Bahrain could use AI and smart technology to improve parks, gardens and waterfronts, including by tracking visitor patterns; the proposal is under consideration, not yet a confirmed rollout. What’s On: World Post Day activities at Manama’s Post Museum and the National Museum include guided tours, postcard workshops and a visit to the Hidd sorting centre, with events continuing through October 24. Motoring: The Royal Bahrain Concours returns to the Royal Golf Club in November, with Fakhro Motors set to display the rare electric YANGWANG U9 Xtreme.

Cultural Access: Bahrain’s transport ministry and BACA are exploring public transport links, cultural routes and event services to make heritage sites easier to reach. World Post Day: Museum tours, postcard-making and letter-writing activities continue at the Post Museum and Bahrain National Museum through October 24. Public Spaces: Bahrain is considering smart irrigation, solar lighting and AI tools to improve parks and waterfronts and understand how people use them. Health: Psychiatrists at Bahrain’s conference warned that social media, gaming and other behavioural addictions are growing concerns. Arts: Bahraini artist Mahmood Mohamed discussed how mixed-media work and heritage shape his creative practice. GCC Skills: Labour ministers meeting in Bahrain discussed regional cooperation and preparing workers for changing skills needs.

Public Spaces: Bahrain is exploring smart technology for parks, gardens and waterfronts, including AI tools to track how residents use them and improve maintenance. World Post Day: Cultural events continue through October 24 at the Post Museum and Bahrain National Museum, with guided tours, postcard workshops, letter-writing and a visit to the Hidd sorting centre. Arts & Heritage: Bahraini artist Mahmood Mohamed reflects on how street art inspired his mixed-media style and his ongoing search for a distinctive artistic voice. Wellbeing: Psychiatrists at Bahrain’s conference warn that social media, gaming and other behavioural addictions are a growing concern, with studies suggesting internet addiction affects one in three people in the GCC.

Smarter Green Spaces: Bahrain is exploring AI, sensors and smart irrigation to make parks and waterfronts more responsive to how residents use them. World Post Day: Cultural events at the Post Museum and Bahrain National Museum run through October 24, with guided tours, postcard workshops and a chance to write letters by hand. Mental Health: Experts at Bahrain’s psychiatry conference warn that social media, gaming and other behavioural addictions are an emerging concern. Local Art: Bahraini artist Mahmood Mohamed discusses his mixed-media journey, which began in childhood and grew from a love of street art. Hands-on Heritage: Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre’s October workshops invite visitors to try crafts including traditional boat-making and bakhoor-making.

Arts & Heritage: Bahraini artist Mahmood Mohamed draws on heritage in his mixed-media work, tracing a creative journey that began in childhood. On the Calendar: Bahrain’s World Post Day programme continues through October 24, with museum tours, postcard-making and hands-on activities. Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre’s October workshops include skincare-making, traditional boatbuilding and carpet art. Poetry & Community: Bahrain Writers’ Circle opens its 23-team poetry and art exhibition at Harbour Gate on October 10, running through October 22. In Muharraq that day, Bahrain Crochet Club will sell handmade items to benefit Bahrain Cancer Society and offer a free crochet class.

Culture & Heritage: Bahrain marks World Post Day with museum tours, postcard-making workshops and activities at the Post Museum and Bahrain National Museum through October 24. Bahraini artist Mahmood Mohamed also shares how street art and local heritage shape his mixed-media work. Arts & Crafts: Bahrain Writers’ Circle’s Confluence exhibition opens October 10 at Harbour Gate, bringing 23 writer-artist teams together and celebrating the group’s 15th anniversary. At Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre, October workshops invite visitors to try traditional boat-making, bakhoor and carpet art. Community: Bahrain Crochet Club will sell handmade items and hold a free crochet class in Muharraq on October 10, with proceeds going to the Bahrain Cancer Society. Music: BACA and the Italian Embassy have celebrated the music of Ennio Morricone, while the Bahrain International Music Festival’s 2026 line-up is announced.

Arts & Culture: Bahrain Writers’ Circle marks its 15th anniversary with Confluence, a poetry and art exhibition opening October 10 at Bahrain Financial Harbour and running through October 22. The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival continues with concerts across the island, including a jazz tribute to Ennio Morricone. Community: Bahrain Crochet Club hosts a Muharraq fundraiser on October 10, selling handmade items for Bahrain Cancer Society and offering a free crochet class. Education: On World Teachers’ Day, Bahraini lawmakers praised educators’ role in shaping students and supporting the kingdom’s future. MPs also proposed assessing and matching university students with jobs before graduation. Food & Leisure: Hilton Bahrain’s Friday brunch runs for six hours at Origin Kitchen and Culture, with seafood dining and other hotel offers for the weekend. Bahraini Creativity: Artist Salman Al Najem’s handmade Khaleeji-inspired bag charms celebrate friendship, family and shared culture.

Hospitality Careers: Vatel Bahrain and Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq renewed their partnership, giving students hands-on hotel training and a stronger path into the tourism industry. Community Care: Bahrain Development Bank, Conserving Bounties and Gulf Hotels Group turned surplus food into 154 meals for 25 families. Music & Arts: The 35th Bahrain International Music Festival continues through November, with concerts at cultural landmarks; an Italian Embassy and BACA event reimagined Ennio Morricone’s film scores as jazz. Palestinian artist Raida Taha also opened the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre’s new season with a solo show blending humour, memory and loss. Education: AUBH named Dr Wafa Almansoori its president. MPs have proposed matching final-year students with jobs and training before graduation, while educators were honoured on World Teachers’ Day. Community Calendar: The Kerala Catholic Association’s Grandmaster India Quiz is set for October 9, with questions on Indian heritage and a Bahrain round.

Bahrain Culture & Arts: The Italian Embassy and BACA marked the Bahrain International Music Festival with “Portrait of Ennio: The Jazz Side of Ennio Morricone,” bringing Morricone’s iconic film scores to life through jazz. Community & Education: Jetour Bahrain, with the Capital Governorate, continued its third back-to-school drive for children at Batelco Home for Child Welfare, handing out school bags and full kits. Learning & Careers: Five MPs proposed a “My Opportunity Before I Graduate” programme to assess students’ skills and match them with jobs, training, or business support before graduation. Hospitality Training: Vatel Bahrain and Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq signed an MoU to expand practical training and professional development for tourism and hospitality students. Health & Wellbeing: RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Royal Life Saving Bahrain renewed their partnership to train student volunteer lifesavers in first aid, CPR, AED use, and water safety. Mental Health: Government Hospitals announced the 4th Bahraini Conference on Psychiatry (Oct 8–9) under “Recovery: Hope, Resilience, and Regeneration.” Women & Inclusion: Bahrain highlighted disability inclusion at the IPU Parliamentary Women’s Forum, focusing on equal opportunities and empowerment.