AGP Executive Report

Education & Skills: RHF, NCST and the Kooheji Foundation signed to set up a new NCST branch at Bahrain International Investment Park in Muharraq, adding hospitality and hotel management training to match labour-market needs. Healthcare & Youth Pathways: Bahrain’s Education Ministry inked an MoU with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain to prepare future medical students, while MPs backed a proposal for a dedicated Nursing and Midwifery College to grow Bahraini talent and cut reliance on expatriates. Culture & Language: A parliamentary committee approved regular Arabic debates, poetry and literature competitions across schools and universities to boost speaking and critical thinking. Lifestyle & Community: Zain Bahrain launched new Wiyana postpaid plans with enhanced roaming and lifestyle perks, and Government Hospitals kicked off “Love Your Skin 2” for skin-health awareness. Sports & Recreation: Bahrain opened its first public skate park facility for skaters of all levels. Local Heritage: A new artwork is set to immortalise the Manama Suq era, commissioned from a family textile business photo. Regional Note: Bahrain declared Hijri New Year public holiday on June 16.

Heritage in the spotlight: A Manama Suq family business is being immortalised through a new artwork commissioned by Nabeel Ajoor and painted by Latifa Al Shaikh, capturing the bustling textile-trading era of Ali Mohammed Ajoor and Bros. Seafront access for fishermen: MPs have backed a proposal to let selected luxury hotels and resorts open parts of their shores for Bahraini fishermen, aiming to restore launching access lost to coastal development while adding authentic maritime experiences for visitors. Arabic culture in classrooms: A parliamentary committee approved a plan for regular Arabic-language debates, poetry and literature competitions across schools and universities, with Education and Information ministries coordinating. Education pathway for med students: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education signed an MoU with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain to prepare secondary students for healthcare studies through workshops, guidance and ethics-focused programmes. Youth & lifestyle: Bahrain opened its first dedicated public skate park, while Zain Bahrain launched new Wiyana postpaid plans with roaming and lifestyle perks. Health awareness: “Love Your Skin 2” returned to Marassi Galleria, promoting skin-health prevention and early diagnosis. Hijri New Year holiday: Bahrain declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday for Islamic Hijri New Year (1448 AH).

Hijri New Year Holiday: Bahrain has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (1 Muharram, 1448 AH) a public holiday, with government ministries and public institutions closing and work schedules adjusted after crescent sighting. Education & Youth: Bahrain’s MPs backed a proposal for structured Arabic debate, poetry and literature competitions in schools and universities, while the Ministry of Education signed an MoU with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain to prepare students for medical and healthcare studies. Healthcare Workforce: A parliamentary committee approved plans for a dedicated Nursing and Midwifery College to train more Bahraini nurses and reduce reliance on expatriates. Culture & Community: A Bahraini designer is turning art into everyday fashion and home pieces in her 2026 collection, and a Bahraini adventurer shared how his son carried the national flag across Nepal’s Himalayas—using travel as a life lesson. Lifestyle & Connectivity: Zain Bahrain launched new Wiyana postpaid plans with enhanced roaming and lifestyle perks, including hotspot sharing. Public Health: “Love Your Skin 2” kicked off at Marassi Galleria to promote skin health, prevention and early diagnosis. Arts in Bahrain: Timeout Market Bahrain and Micro Art Center launched “Beyond the Canvas,” a month-long initiative spotlighting local artists, including those with special needs.

Bahrain-Philippines ties: On June 12, the Philippines marked 128 years of independence with a message highlighting long-standing Bahrain links built on trade, investment and people-to-people cooperation. Environment & youth: The Supreme Council for Environment, with Bahrain’s Education Ministry and Zain Bahrain, wrapped up the 5th E-Waste Competition, bringing together 18 secondary schools to push safer, responsible electronics recycling. Local lifestyle for workers: Mysk Al Mouj in Muscat launched a summer hydration stop for delivery riders, offering chilled water and lemonade to help them cope with extreme heat. Maritime safety in the Gulf: Three Indian seafarers were reported killed after a Palau-flagged tanker was attacked by US forces near Oman, underscoring risks for crews operating around the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf labour rights under pressure: Human Rights Watch and Amnesty say GCC governments have tightened restrictions on expression and assembly, with migrant workers facing more surveillance and fear. Tech & security: Liquibase released a free CVE library for community users, aiming to help identify vulnerabilities in older versions. Regional tension watch: US-Iran strikes were followed by Iran’s warnings and retaliatory actions involving Gulf bases, keeping peace talks uncertain.

US-Iran Escalation in the Gulf: Fresh US strikes on Iran were met with Iranian attacks on US-linked sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, with Bahrain reporting sirens and minor injuries while the Strait of Hormuz remains a key pressure point. Regional Rights Under Strain: Human Rights Watch and Amnesty say GCC governments have tightened restrictions on expression and assembly, with migrant workers in Bahrain among those facing more surveillance and fear. Bahrain Education & Health Milestones: RCSI Medical University of Bahrain held its 17th conferring ceremony for 285 doctors and nurses, while the Education Ministry set the 2026–2027 school calendar (classes from Sept 3, summer camps from June 27). Privacy Reminder for Smartphone Culture: Bahrain police urged residents to respect privacy laws—no filming or sharing people’s images without consent. Lifestyle Picks: Hilton Bahrain is running Eid dining specials, and CLAW BBQ at Hilton Bahrain is promoting themed nights and brunch for weekend plans. AI in Daily Life: A Bahrain-focused explainer highlights how AI is already shaping work, learning and communication, alongside ethics and privacy concerns.

GCC-Canada Security Talks: GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the GCC-Canada strategic dialogue in Manama is key to boosting cooperation as Iran’s attacks disrupt navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran-US Escalation: The US launched another round of strikes on “multiple targets” in Iran after Trump warned Tehran would “pay the price,” with Bahrain and Kuwait reporting incoming strikes as the ceasefire wobbles. Privacy & Phones: Bahrain police urged residents to respect privacy laws—don’t film or share people’s images without consent, and remember agreeing to be recorded doesn’t mean agreeing to publish. Education Calendar: Bahrain’s Education Ministry set the 2026-2027 school year: classes start Sept 3, end June 30, with term dates and exams published. RCSI Bahrain Graduates: RCSI Bahrain held a conferring ceremony for 285 doctors and nurses, marking the start of their careers. Youth Empowerment: Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa backed the graduation of 179 students from Nasser Centre pathways, stressing skills for the knowledge economy. Women of Determination Support: SCW Secretary General Lulwa Al Awadhi highlighted tax and VAT incentives easing access to assistive and rehabilitation services. Culture Spotlight: GulfWeekly covered Bahrain’s hip-hop celebration, Foundation Jam, marking over 20 years of the scene. Eid Dining at Hilton Bahrain: Hilton Bahrain promoted Eid extended breakfast, lunch, dinner and family activities at Origin Kitchen and Culture.

Education Spotlight: Bahrain MPs praised the Kingdom’s 96% secondary school pass rate, crediting students, families, educators and the Education Minister, while noting preparations for the 2026–2027 academic year and a new academic calendar. Inspiring Bahraini Voices: A Bahraini-Egyptian dentist, Dr. Esraa Al Babli—born with total hearing loss—was highlighted for breaking barriers across healthcare, academia and UN advocacy. Student Creativity: A sixth-grade Karrana Primary Girls’ student is turning self-taught dramatic, theatrical and cinematic makeup into a growing talent, supported by school and family. Youth & Skills Partnerships: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education and INJAZ Bahrain signed an MoU to build leadership and entrepreneurship skills through training, volunteering and teamwork. Community & Culture: Bahrain is hosting a GCC ministerial council meeting to review regional and international developments, with a GCC-Canada strategic dialogue session on the sidelines. Weekend Life in Bahrain: A fresh guide lists family-friendly plans—from clothing swaps and art workshops to run-and-kayak sessions, kayak tours and big inflatables—plus FIFA World Cup screening venues. Women’s Recognition: Nominations are open for Bahrain’s Woman of the Year Awards 2026, spanning business, innovation, creative industries, health, education, social impact, media and advocacy.

Regional Security: Bahrain’s Cabinet backed Royal directives and condemned renewed hostile Iranian actions, urging Iran to stop hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and respect maritime navigation. US-Iran Escalation: The US launched airstrikes after an Apache helicopter crash near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating and claiming drone attacks toward the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Women & Community: Nominations are open for Bahrain’s Woman of the Year Awards 2026, spanning business, tech, creative industries, health/education/social impact, hospitality/sports, and media/advocacy, with a lifetime achievement honour. Education & Youth: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education is finalising the 2026–2027 academic year; secondary pass rates were approved at about 96%. School Spotlights: Bhavans Bahrain Indian School topped CBSE Cluster Sports Meet 2026–27 in chess, table tennis, and badminton; Al Noor International School held graduation for its 26th A-Level batch. Culture & Lifestyle: A Bangladesh art showcase is on in Bahrain, while the first smart bus station push continues with a future digital Sitra station. Tech & Health: Huawei’s ICT competition wrapped with student winners from 49 countries and 220,000 participants; Bahrain’s MS centre marked World MS Day with patient art and awareness.

Regional Security: Bahrain’s Cabinet backed Royal directives and strongly condemned renewed hostile Iranian actions against Bahrain and Kuwait, urging Iran to stop hostilities and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe navigation. Education & Youth: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education says the 2026–2027 school year is on track, approving an academic calendar and reporting about a 96% secondary pass rate. School Spotlights: Bhavans Bahrain Indian School topped a CBSE cluster meet in chess, table tennis and more, while Al Noor International School held graduation for 78 A-Level British Section students. Smart Mobility: Sitra’s new digital bus station is set to become Bahrain’s first fully digital hub, with officials inspecting progress. Lifestyle & Sports: Al Salam Bank and Visa launched a football-themed campaign with Lamine Yamal, plus a Marassi Galleria Fan Zone. Culture Exchange: Bahrain hosted a Bangladesh art showcase bringing Dhaka’s everyday life to local audiences. Health Awareness: World Multiple Sclerosis Day saw patients at Bahrain’s NBB MS Centre share art and resilience. Global Tech: Huawei ICT Competition wrapped with student winners from 49 countries and a record 220,000 participants.

Education Update: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education has finalised preparations for the 2026–2027 academic year, with the committee approving the academic calendar and reporting a ~96% pass rate for secondary students. Admissions & Language Skills: The ministry also visited testing centres for APTIS English proficiency exams for the IB Middle Years Programme, with 559 students advancing after initial assessments. School Milestones: Riffa Views International School marked the graduation of its Class of 2026 at Bahrain National Theatre, celebrating students’ next steps. Higher Education Partnerships: University of Bahrain and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain signed an MoU to boost collaboration in teaching, research, faculty development and community service. Digital Lifestyle & Sports: stc Bahrain teamed up with TOD by beIN to offer eligible subscribers complimentary FIFA World Cup 2026 access. Sustainability in Focus: KFH–B reaffirmed its sustainability push, backing environmental initiatives aligned with Bahrain’s net-zero goals. Culture & Heritage: New Dilmun-era clay tokens were studied, offering fresh insights into ancient governance and administration in Bahrain. Local Business & Events: Royal Bahrain Concours added Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons as sponsor and exhibitor for the 2026 edition.

Islamic Finance & Dispute Resolution: Cibafi-OIC Arbitration Centre signed an Islamic finance pact in Istanbul to boost alternative dispute resolution, improve dispute management, and strengthen legal certainty across the sector. Education & Student Rights: India’s Supreme Court issued notices to CBSE over a Saudi-based student’s withheld Class 12 improvement result, with judges stressing the case is “about the career of a child” and urging timely action. Higher Education Partnerships: University of Bahrain and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain signed an MoU to expand collaboration in teaching, research, faculty development, and community service. IB Admissions in Bahrain: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education, with the British Council, advanced 559 students to the final stage of IB Middle Years Programme admissions after APTIS English proficiency testing. Culture & Heritage: New research on Dilmun-era governance follows the discovery of three inscribed clay tokens found in Bahrain. Lifestyle & Community: Government Hospitals will host “Love Your Skin 2” at Marassi Galleria (June 11–13) with free dermatology consultations and awareness sessions. Luxury Events: Royal Bahrain Concours announced Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons as sponsor and exhibitor for the 2026 edition at Royal Golf Club (Nov 6–7).

Higher Education Partnerships: Bahrain’s University of Bahrain and RCSI Medical University of Bahrain signed an MoU to boost education, research, faculty development and community service. Education on the Global Stage: Higher Education Council chief Dr. Diana Al Jahromi represented Bahrain at the Education World Forum 2026 in the UK, highlighting local higher-ed achievements and meeting international partners. Tourism Boost for Summer: Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority discussed new summer initiatives with hotels, including joint shopping, entertainment and accommodation packages to attract more visitors. Local Culture Abroad: A former Bahraini banker, Fatema Janahi, is bringing “the taste of Bahrain” to Sri Lanka with her café in Galle Fort. Dilmun Heritage Finds: Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities shared new study insights from Dilmun-era clay tokens, deepening understanding of the ancient civilisation. Community & Religious Neutrality: Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met Community Centres officials ahead of Ashura, while MPs stressed keeping religious platforms free from political agendas. Public Health Awareness: Government Hospitals and Education Plus launched “Love Your Skin 2” (June 11–13) at Marassi Galleria with free dermatology consultations and talks. Climate Awareness: Supreme Council for Environment held a World Environment Day online lecture on climate change impacts and Bahrain’s emissions-reduction efforts. Arts & Craft Spotlight: A Bahraini weaver, Shaikha Showaiter, learned weaving through a BACA programme and now creates textiles on a loom at home.

Higher Education Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Higher Education Council Secretary General Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahromi represented the Kingdom at the Education World Forum 2026 in the UK, highlighting local higher education progress and meeting international partners to boost research and academic innovation. Public Health & Lifestyle: Government Hospitals and Education Plus are set to run “Love Your Skin 2” from June 11–13 at Marassi Galleria, offering free dermatology consultations and sessions on conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, vitiligo and hair loss. Community & Faith: The Interior Minister met Community Centres (Mattams) officials ahead of Ashoora season events, stressing coordination amid regional security tension. Education Milestones: RVIS celebrated its Class of 2026 graduation at Bahrain National Theatre, while the 30th Bahrain Grand Holy Quran Award honoured winners under HRH Princess Sabeeka’s patronage. Culture & Arts: A Bahraini handloom weaver shared her journey through traditional textile craft, and an exhibition at BACA Art Centre with the Bangladesh Embassy runs until June 17. Environment & Volunteering: Coast Guard and Northern Governorate led a Badiya Beach cleanup campaign to cut marine waste and promote volunteerism. Regional Tensions: Reports say the US is weighing redirecting Iranian assets to compensate Gulf allies for damage, as Iran-linked attacks and interceptions continue to raise strain.

Graduation & Youth: Riffa Views International School (RVIS) marked the Class of 2026 graduation at Bahrain National Theatre, celebrating 23 students with diplomas, speeches and milestone videos as they prepare for the next step. Faith & Community: Under HRH Princess Sabeeka’s patronage, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Endowments Ministry honoured winners of the 30th Bahrain Grand Holy Quran Award, highlighting growing participation and support for women’s Quran memorisation. Culture & Craft: A Bahraini handloom weaver in Busaiteen, Shaikha Showaiter, is keeping traditional techniques alive—learning through a BACA programme and turning weaving into a personal “safe space.” Design & Identity: Artist Esraa Ayoob is drawing attention with Matryoshka figurines that fuse Russian nesting-doll craft with Khaleeji Arab aesthetics, now showcased at Bahrain’s National Museum. Learning & Language: Bahrain’s Russian Language Day celebrations are boosting interest in Russian culture, with events at Gulf University’s Russian Language Hub and local groups. Public Health & Safety: Government Hospitals launched a colorectal awareness platform at Marassi Galleria to push early screening and clear misconceptions, while Civil Defence and partners rolled out a summer vehicle-fire prevention campaign. Environment & Volunteering: Coast Guard and Northern Governorate led Badiya Beach clean-ups, joining volunteers to cut marine waste and strengthen community responsibility. Business & Jobs: Bahrain business leader Sonia Janahi warned at the ILO conference that escalating Middle East tensions could put around 36 million jobs at risk globally by 2027.

Community & Environment: Bahrain’s Coast Guard and Northern Governorate ran a big beach cleanup at Badiya Beach, with volunteers and partners joining to cut marine waste and boost volunteerism. Public Health: Government Hospitals launched a colorectal awareness platform at Marassi Galleria in Diyar Al Muharraq, pushing early screening and myth-busting with specialist Q&As. Road Safety: Civil Defence kicked off a summer vehicle-fire prevention campaign, urging motorists to check cooling systems, tyres, fluids, and avoid heat-sensitive items left inside cars. Culture & Arts: Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities’ Art Centre hosts a Bangladesh Embassy exhibition, while Bahraini artist Esraa Ayoob draws attention for Matryoshka figurines blending Russian craft with Khaleeji Arab aesthetics. Education & Youth: New Millennium School named an IAAC Ambassador, and students at Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Institute of Technology showcased smart, sustainability-focused projects. Women & Politics: Dr Jameela Al Salman urged turning women’s political participation pledges into measurable parliamentary steps. Economy & Jobs: Bahrain business leader Sonya Janahi warned that escalating Middle East tensions could threaten around 36 million jobs globally by 2027. Workplace Wellbeing: Motorcity Bahrain held a free health drive with Al Hilal Hospital for 200+ employees.

Culture & Art: Bahraini artist Esraa Ayoob is turning heads with Matryoshka dolls that fuse Russian craftsmanship with Khaleeji Arab style, with pieces now showcased at Bahrain National Museum and Qatar’s National Museum. Arts Diplomacy: Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) Art Centre in Manama hosts a Bangladesh Embassy exhibition, “From the Core to the Periphery,” running until June 17. Health & Community: Government Hospitals launched a public colorectal awareness platform at Marassi Galleria, while Motorcity Bahrain held a free health drive for 200+ employees with Al Hilal Hospital. Lifestyle & Safety: Civil Defence kicked off a summer campaign urging motorists to prevent vehicle fires with simple checks like cooling systems, tyres, and avoiding heat-sensitive items in parked cars. Environment: World Environment Day saw beach clean-ups across Bahrain, including Budaiya and Malkiya, with volunteers and community groups collecting waste. Women & Politics: Dr Jameela Al Salman urged turning women’s political participation pledges into measurable steps at the Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians 2026. Education & Books: A proposal to bring back Bahrain’s international book fair yearly is now before Parliament, and a student from New Millennium School was named an IAAC ambassador. Sports & Youth: Gulf Youth Day celebrations highlighted Bahraini youth achievements, including medals at the GCC Games. Local Security: Shafaqna English reports Bahrain has arrested 20 Shia scholars and activists in a widening crackdown.