Bahrain Education & Skills: Bahrain’s first cohort of government school students has been accepted into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, starting September 2026, with the Ministry of Education partnering the IB Organisation to push inquiry-based learning in science and maths. Bahrain Economy & Investment: The Bahrain Economic Development Board wrapped a five-day visit to China and Hong Kong, meeting investors and partners and showcasing Bahrain’s priority sectors to strengthen GCC–Asia ties. Bahrain Innovation & Digital Push: Bahrain is positioning itself around digital innovation and fintech cooperation, including efforts to build stronger regional capital-market links. Health Tech / Pharma R&D: AB Science says Phase 1 Step 3 is complete for AB8939 plus venetoclax in poor-prognosis AML, reporting a 67% overall response rate and no dose-limiting toxicities. Aviation Safety: EASA extended its conflict-zone advisory, urging airlines to avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese airspace while staying cautious when flying over Bahrain and nearby Gulf states. Regional Tech & Infrastructure: South Korea announced an $880bn AI and chip spending package, boosting chip-linked sentiment across Asian markets. Funding for War-Affected SMEs: UNIDO’s Bahrain ITPO executive backed a proposed BD40m international fund to support startups and MSMEs in conflict-affected countries. Middle East Tech Risk (Hormuz): US-Iran tensions remain fragile after a reported halt in strikes and talks in Qatar, keeping shipping and energy-linked tech and logistics risk in focus.