Premium Mobility in Bahrain: Bahrain’s Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry has launched a trial “Uber Black” service with Uber and licensed local chauffeur companies, with coverage shown in the app and a phased rollout after performance checks. Startup Boom: Bahrain’s tech startup ecosystem hit $1.6bn in value, up 759% versus five years ago, landing the kingdom in the Top 5 MENA ecosystems for performance and Top 10 for AI-native activity, with Tamkeen backing. AI & Investment Links: Rawdat Capital signed a strategic MoU with Guolian Industry Investment Fund Management to back Chinese AI and deep-tech firms and help them expand into the GCC and MENA. Bahrain’s Business Climate: Bahrain climbed into the world’s top 20 economies in the 2026 IMD competitiveness ranking, with strong scores in economic performance and government efficiency. Capital Markets Push: Bahrain Bourse held “Capital Market Day 2026” at LSEG to unveil its 2026–2028 “Elevate” roadmap for market infrastructure and investor engagement. Health Tech Breakthrough: Bahrain Society for Sickle Cell Disease Patient Care honoured two gene-edited “Casgevy” patients, highlighting gene-editing progress in the kingdom. Regulation & Infrastructure: Bahrain is speeding building and investment permit processes by letting licensed engineering offices carry out final inspections under a 2026 decision. Global Spy Tech Watch: Human Rights Watch says Bulgaria licensed a surveillance firm tied to NSO to export phone-tracking and interception tools to Bahrain and other rights-criticized states, raising EU control concerns.