AGP Executive Report

Bahrain Digital Infrastructure: Seef Properties has signed a strategic agreement with Bahrain Network (BNET) to deploy and operate an integrated fiber network across Seef Mall–Seef District, supporting smart retail connectivity and future digital services. Bahrain Tech & Finance: FOO and BENEFIT say their BenefitPay partnership has completed 100 change requests, including a smoother QR-code access flow and added security for Bahrain’s widely used national digital wallet. Bahrain Industry Events: Bahrain has opened online registration for the Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition (6–8 Oct), aiming to boost Gulf manufacturing links through a major B2B meetings programme. Bahrain Leadership in Tech/Heritage: DANAT appointed Safa Sharif Abdul Khaliq as CEO effective 31 Aug, bringing experience from Export Bahrain and Tamkeen to the pearls and gemstones institute. Regional Tech/Logistics: China is accelerating smarter, connected logistics, highlighted by the Pinglu Canal project using BeiDou positioning, drones, sensors, fiber, 5G and edge computing to cut shipping time and cost. Space/Defense Innovation: Y Combinator-backed IMPACT Drones claims it built a working SABLE interceptor prototype in two weeks, targeting high-speed drone threats. Global Risk Watch: Reports say Iran’s strikes caused unprecedented damage to US CIA facilities across West Asia, including surveillance and communications systems.

Fiber for Smart Retail: Seef Properties signed with Bahrain Network (BNET) to deploy and operate an integrated fiber network across Seef Mall–Seef District, aiming to boost connectivity for tenants and visitors and support smart retail and digital transformation. Exhibition & Business Growth: Bahrain opened online registration for the Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition (6–8 Oct 2026, Exhibition World Bahrain), pairing a strategic forum with an industrial exhibition and B2B meetings to strengthen Gulf manufacturing and market access. Digital Wallet Upgrade: FOO and BENEFIT expanded their partnership for BenefitPay, completing 100 change requests and adding features like a QR code shortcut on the homepage, supporting Bahrain’s widely used national digital wallet. Smart Parking MoU: Parkin and Bahrain Car Parks Company (Amakin) signed an MoU to collaborate on parking tech, digital mobility services, platform integration, and digital payments across UAE–Bahrain. Leadership at DANAT: Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) appointed Safa Sharif Abdul Khaliq as CEO effective 31 Aug, succeeding Noora Abdulrahman Jamsheer. Women’s Policy Milestone: Bahraini lawmakers marked 25 years since the Supreme Council for Women, highlighting legislative and rights-based gains and women’s expanding role in national development. UFI Global Congress in Bahrain: Exhibition World Bahrain will host the 93rd UFI Global Congress (2–5 Nov), bringing global exhibition and business-events leaders to Bahrain.

US–Saudi Nuclear Deal: Trump’s administration has submitted a proposed civil nuclear cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia to Congress, but insists it can only move forward if Riyadh normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Regional Maritime Security: Iran–Oman talks are exploring a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, while mine-clearing and reduced tanker traffic keep the area tense after a tanker was hit near Oman. Bahrain Digital Services: Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) upgraded its Positioning Reference Network subscription and enquiry service, cutting processing time from two days to one and moving applications to a fully digital flow. Fintech & Finance in Bahrain: Zain Bahrain teamed up with Sharaf DG Bahrain to offer post-paid customers flexible instalments via app-linked vouchers up to BHD 600. AI in Banking: A new report warns banks that deeper AI and digital reliance raises the stakes when outages and cyber incidents hit. Education Tech (Bahrain): Arabian Gulf University research highlights metaverse adoption for teaching students with autism, pointing to training, tailored Arabic content, institutional support and parental buy-in. Local Innovation Awards: The Bahrain Association of Banks launched the second Digital Innovation Awards 2026 to spotlight measurable digital solutions for individuals, SMEs and corporates.

Bahrain Digital Finance: Zain Bahrain teamed up with Sharaf DG to let post-paid customers generate app-linked shopping vouchers up to BHD 600 for electronics and home appliances, with flexible instalments. Public-Sector Tech: Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) upgraded its Positioning Reference Network (PRN) service, cutting processing from two days to one and moving applications to a fully digital flow. HR Transformation: The Civil Service Bureau and Beyon Solutions signed a digital transformation deal for government HR, adopting Oracle Fusion Cloud and running it on a sovereign hyper-cloud platform. Smart Parking Expansion: Parkin (Dubai) and Amakin (Bahrain) signed an MoU to integrate parking platforms, enable cross-network mobile payments, and use mobility data for smarter services across the GCC. Cybersecurity Watch: A new Android banking Trojan variant, ToxicPanda 2.0, has expanded targeting and added stronger device takeover and persistence tactics. Space Race: China’s Chang’e-7 lunar mission to hunt water ice at the south pole was postponed after a tropical storm, reshuffling the Moon race with the US. Health & Sleep Science: A peer-reviewed review challenges the “eight-hour” ancestral sleep myth, arguing industrialization changed sleep timing more than total hours. Islamic Finance Upgrade: Bahrain is pushing a more tech-driven Islamic finance ecosystem by combining Sharia banking with fintech, digital payments, open banking, AI and alternative financing. Local Leadership: DANAT appointed Safa Abdul Khaliq as CEO to drive global partnerships and expand pearl and gemstone certification and research.

Digital Land Services: Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) has upgraded its Positioning Reference Network (PRN) online service, cutting application processing from two working days to one and moving steps to a fully electronic flow. Public-Sector HR Tech: The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and Beyon Solutions signed a strategic HR digital transformation deal using Oracle Fusion Cloud, delivered via Beyon’s sovereign Hyper Cloud services. Smart Parking Expansion: Parkin (Dubai) and Bahrain Car Parks Company (Amakin) signed an MoU to explore parking technology integration, digital payments across apps, and mobility data analytics for GCC-wide smarter parking. Cybersecurity & Banking Risk: A new Android banking Trojan variant, ToxicPanda 2.0, is expanding targeting and persistence tactics, while a separate report warns banks that deeper AI and digitalisation raise the stakes when systems fail or are attacked. Space & Earth Monitoring: Bahrain Space Agency leadership joined a seminar on satellite-based climate and dust monitoring, highlighting AI-enabled earth observation for environmental risk tracking. Fintech & Women: Benefit reaffirmed its equal-opportunity push for Bahraini women in fintech, focusing on training and leadership pathways.

Bahrain Fintech & Women: Benefit reaffirms equal-opportunity push for Bahraini women in fintech, citing training, leadership pathways and digital payments/data roles as the Supreme Council for Women marks its 25th anniversary. Cybersecurity: Zimperium zLabs reports ToxicPanda 2.0, an Android banking Trojan that expands targeting to hundreds of apps and adds deeper device takeover plus long-term persistence. Space & Earth Monitoring: Bahrain Space Agency CEO Dr Mohammed Al Aseeri joins a seminar on satellite-based climate and dust monitoring, highlighting AI-enabled earth observation for MENA environmental risk management. Healthcare Tech: Royal Medical Services says it has completed about 180 Hugo robotic-assisted surgeries since launching the Medtronic platform in 2024, expanding local advanced care. Digital Public Services: Bahrain’s primary health centres continue digital transformation, including electronic appointment booking and AI trials for services, alongside expanded around-the-clock coverage. Local Research Spotlight: FinSight Bahrain captures rare footage of the critically endangered Smoothnose Wedgefish using non-invasive underwater cameras. Regional Trade Talks: India and the GCC review progress on a free trade agreement in Riyadh, including preparations for a ministerial meeting next month. Energy Transition: A GCC-focused report points to rapid solar and wind growth and frames hydrogen as the next big clean-energy bet for the region. Geopolitics Watch: Iran warns of ship seizures in the Strait of Hormuz as the US prepares further economic pressure measures.

Lunar Science: China’s Chang’e-7 is moving toward launch for a bold south-pole mission, aiming to confirm water ice near Shackleton Crater with a lander, rover and a hopping craft, plus 21 payloads including instruments from Bahrain and other partners. Bahrain Health Tech: Royal Medical Services says it has completed about 180 robotic surgeries using Medtronic’s Hugo system since launching in 2024, expanding minimally invasive care locally. Digital Government HR: Bahrain’s Civil Service Bureau signs with Beyon Solutions to roll out Oracle Fusion Cloud for a more integrated, flexible government HR system on a sovereign cloud platform. Primary Care Upgrade: Bahrain’s primary health centres highlight 24/7 urgent services expansion, “Choose Your Doctor” continuity, and faster appointment and test-result access through electronic systems, with AI being studied for some services. Fintech & Inclusion: BENEFIT leaders mark the Supreme Council for Women’s 25 years, pointing to Bahraini women’s growing role in digital payments, data and fintech platforms. Local Wildlife Research: FinSight Bahrain records rare footage of the critically endangered Smoothnose Wedgefish using non-invasive underwater cameras. Space-to-Climate Angle: A Bahrain-focused climate piece argues the country can scale up carbon removal and other tech to cut emissions faster. Consumer Tech Payments: Zain Bahrain partners with Sharaf DG to let customers buy devices via installment vouchers redeemable through the Zain app. Healthcare Awareness: A Bahrain study flags low follow-through on regular mammogram screening and calls for reminders, physician involvement and better public awareness.

Mumtalakat Leadership: Mumtalakat has appointed Noora Abdulrahman Jamsheer as CEO of Synergy Shared Services, a portfolio support company, as it pushes for operational excellence across its holdings. Telecom Retail Tech: Zain Bahrain teamed up with Sharaf DG Bahrain to let customers buy phones and electronics via installment vouchers through the Zain app (up to BD600), repaid on monthly bills. Health Tech & Data: Bahrain’s NHRA got a fresh review of its digital healthcare upgrades, including updates to the “Madar” system and a Drug Tracking System, plus performance indicators for its contact centre. Government HR Cloud: Bahrain’s Civil Service Bureau signed with Beyon Solutions to implement Oracle Fusion Cloud for a more integrated, sovereign HR system. Wireless Rules: Bahrain’s telecom regulator set new licence-exempt rules for low-power devices like Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, with limits and enforcement including seizure and fines for non-compliance. Robotic Surgery in Bahrain: Royal Medical Services says it has completed about 180 robotic procedures using Medtronic’s Hugo platform since launching in 2024. Space Science Link: Chang’e-7 is set to launch Aug 24 to hunt water ice at the Moon’s south pole, with an international science payload that includes Bahrain. Public Health Screening: A Bahrain study flags low follow-through on regular mammogram screening among women and calls for reminders, more physician involvement, and better awareness. AI & Climate Angle: A Bahrain-focused piece argues the country can scale climate tech like carbon removal and direct air capture to speed net-zero progress.

Bahrain Health Tech: Bahrain’s NHRA got a fresh push for digital healthcare, with SCH and the Health Minister reviewing upgrades to the Madar system, a Drug Tracking System, and NHRA contact-centre and accreditation data to improve monitoring and decision-making. Wireless Rules: Bahrain’s telecom regulator set new licence-free rules for low-power devices like Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and IoT bands, with limits on interference and powers, plus seizure and fines for rogue equipment. Women’s Health: A Bahrain study found fewer than half of women who start mammogram screening keep up regular checks, pointing to beliefs that screening isn’t needed without symptoms, fear, and lack of time—urging reminders and more physician involvement. Robotics in Care: Royal Medical Services highlighted its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery programme, now used for about 180 procedures across urology, general surgery and gynaecology. Local Industry & Food Security: The Northern Municipal Council visited Awal Dairy to spotlight how Bahraini manufacturing and technology adoption can strengthen food security and supply resilience. Sustainability Finance: Burgan Bank’s MSCI ESG rating rose from BB to BBB, citing stronger governance and sustainability integration. Space Watch: China’s Chang’e‑7 mission is gearing up to hunt water ice at the Moon’s south pole, using an orbiter, lander, rover and a hopper designed for shadowed craters. Climate Tech: A Bahrain-focused piece argues the country can scale up carbon removal and other clean-power technologies, including direct air capture, to speed net-zero progress. Digital Identity Payments: CrediMax rolled out eKey 2.0 via its app, using Bahrain’s digital identity authentication to speed up secure customer verification. AI & Customer Support: Zain Bahrain expanded its partner voucher programme with Sharaf DG and also advanced its OneCX AI-powered customer support partnership with Text Solution. Cyber & Security: France warned troops that everyday connected devices—cars, apps and wearables—can leak sensitive base information, while broader coverage flags how cyberattacks are increasingly shaping modern conflict.

Telecom & Digital Payments: Zain Bahrain has signed a partnership with Sharaf DG Bahrain to let customers buy tech and lifestyle products using installment vouchers redeemed via the Zain app, with repayments added to monthly Zain bills. Health Tech: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Health reviewed NHRA digital upgrades, including updates to the “Madar” system, a Drug Tracking System, and performance dashboards for accreditation and the NHRA contact centre. Wireless Rules: Bahrain’s telecom regulator issued new licence-free rules for low-power wireless devices (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and more), setting technical limits and allowing seizure and fines for non-compliant equipment. AI in Finance Identity: CrediMax Digital rolled out eKey 2.0, Bahrain’s digital identity authentication, to speed up trusted customer verification across selected services. Kids & Screens: A Bahrain-led systematic review warns some children are getting smartphones/tablets before age one and that heavy use is linked to disrupted sleep and reduced healthy activity time. Space Science: China’s Chang’e-7 mission is preparing for a lunar south-pole landing attempt near Shackleton crater, with international science teams including Bahrain. Education & Skills: Arabian Gulf University wrapped up a five-day medical summer camp for 60 GCC students, using hands-on simulation to help them explore medical careers. Bahrain Culture: Applications are open for Bahrain’s pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2027, themed “Making and Scarcity.” Gen Z & AI Risks: Young Bahrainis are raising concerns about Gen Z using AI for companionship and sharing sensitive info, while a study finds many don’t take protective steps. Logistics Investment: Investcorp acquired India contract logistics firm 20Cube 3PL Solutions to expand warehousing and supply-chain services using tech-enabled visibility and tracking.

Water & AI Infrastructure: Gulf states are pouring billions into water security to keep pace with AI and data-centre growth, highlighting how cooling and industrial demand make water the real bottleneck for the region’s next tech economy. Child Health & Screens: Bahrain doctors reviewed smartphone use in children and flagged early exposure and heavy daily use, linking it to disrupted sleep and reduced healthy activity. Bahrain Digital Health: Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health reviewed NHRA digital upgrades, including updates to the Madar system and drug tracking, plus performance dashboards for accreditation and regulation. Customer Service AI in Bahrain: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX joined Text Solution’s partner programme to bring AI-powered omnichannel support and unified customer interaction analytics to local enterprises. Space Science: China’s Chang’e-7 mission is set to launch on Aug. 24 to hunt water ice near the Moon’s south pole, with international instruments including Bahrain-linked participation. Moonshot Tech & Research: The mission’s rover, hopper and deep-space navigation aim to enable first-of-their-kind science, including new views of the Milky Way from lunar orbit. Logistics Investment: Investcorp acquired 20Cube 3PL Solutions to expand technology-supported contract logistics in India, with plans to grow warehousing and add bolt-on deals. Fintech & Compliance: SOLOWIN HOLDINGS (AXG) marked a decade focused on compliance-first token finance and AI-enabled token services. Deepfake Law Push: Calls are growing for tougher deepfake laws as AI-generated media spreads faster than safeguards. Venice Architecture Call: Bahrain opened applications to represent the country at the Venice Architecture Biennale, with the pavilion theme “Making and Scarcity.”

Bahrain Health Tech: Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) got a fresh digital push as the Supreme Council of Health reviewed upgrades to the Madar system, the Drug Tracking System, and accreditation and contact-centre dashboards—aimed at better access to health data and smarter decision-making. AI Customer Service in Bahrain: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX joined Text Solution’s partner programme to bring AI-powered omnichannel support (chat, tickets, email) plus automation and analytics for businesses across Bahrain. Deepfake Law Push: Bahrain’s MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen called for deepfake-specific rules in local law to tackle fake video and cloned voice scams that can fuel identity theft and panic during crises. Space Science: China’s Chang’e-7 is gearing up for a complex lunar south-pole mission to hunt water ice near Shackleton crater, with international instruments including Bahrain-linked research teams. Cybersecurity & Data Centres: A warning on India’s data-centre boom highlights rising risks from cyberattacks and physical disruption as critical workloads increasingly move online. Solar Supply Chain: United Solar says it has started polysilicon production in Oman, aiming to diversify supply beyond China and ramp output for solar-grade material. Fintech & Logistics Moves: Investcorp bought 20Cube’s India contract logistics arm to expand warehousing and tech-enabled supply-chain services, while Samsung Gulf rolled out its 2026 Vision AI TV lineup across Bahrain and the region.

AI Safety for Youth: Bahrain-based young people are raising alarms after a global study found Gen Z uses AI daily, treats it like a friend, and often shares personal details without consistently taking protective steps. Deepfake Law Push: MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen says Bahrain should add standalone rules for deepfake crimes as AI-made fake videos and cloned voices grow, warning of crisis-era misinformation and identity harm. Bahrain Enterprise AI Support: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX has joined Text Solutions’ partner programme to unify customer chats, tickets and emails, automate routine requests with AI, and turn service data into insights. Local Labour & Skills: Bahrain and ESCWA discussed labour market development, focusing on policy upgrades, skills improvement, and keeping pace with economic and technological change. Women in Stats Leadership: iGA reports women hold 72.7% of executive roles in its statistics sector, alongside strong workforce participation. Space Tech Watch: China’s Chang’e 7 is set for an Aug. 24 launch aiming to land near the lunar south pole to search for water ice. Lunar Science Benchmark: Experts say Chang’e 7 could set a new standard for robotic lunar missions, with international experiments onboard. Cyber Risk for Data Centres: India’s data-centre boom is flagged as a growing target for cyberattacks and disruptions, with ransomware and sensitive infrastructure concerns. Gulf Tech & Policy Events: Bahrain-linked regional forums and workshops highlight ongoing focus on technology, workforce readiness, and strategic planning across the Gulf.

AI Customer Service in Bahrain: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX has joined Text Solutions’ partner program, integrating AI-powered omnichannel support to unify chats, tickets and emails, automate routine tasks and turn service data into actionable insights. Deepfake Law Push: Bahrain MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen says deepfakes should be written into local laws to curb fake video and cloned-voice crimes that can fuel impersonation, identity theft and panic during crises. Bahrain Bourse Upskilling: Bahrain Bourse ran an AI productivity workshop for staff, training them on tools like Microsoft Copilot and Claude to generate reports from workplace content. AI TV Rollout: Samsung Gulf announced its 2026 Vision AI TV lineup across UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, expanding AI features across OLED, Micro RGB and other models. Gulf Tech & Security Context: A week of coverage also highlighted how the Iran conflict is reshaping regional air routes and tech risk, including calls for tougher deepfake rules and concerns over AI’s role in conflict. Investcorp Logistics Move: Investcorp acquired India’s 20Cube 3PL Solutions for about $58m, aiming to scale warehousing and contract logistics across India.

Bahrain’s AI push in finance: Bahrain Bourse ran a 3-hour AI-powered productivity workshop for staff, training them on tools like Microsoft Copilot and Claude to turn everyday workplace content into business reports, as the exchange doubles down on a future-ready, tech-enabled workforce. Digital payments upgrade: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS services certification under the ISO 20022 MX standard, strengthening faster, more compliant electronic payments for retail and corporate customers. Tokenization lands in Abu Dhabi: Coinbase is setting up an Abu Dhabi tokenization hub at ADGM, licensed to arrange deals and securely hold tokenized securities backed by real shares—aimed at making digital investing more accessible. AI security in the region: Bluesky confirmed a second Iran-linked DDoS disruption in four months, knocking users offline and highlighting weaknesses even in “decentralized” platforms. Logistics tech investment: Investcorp (Bahrain-based) acquired India’s 20Cube 3PL Solutions for about US$58M to expand tech-enabled contract logistics and scale warehousing across India. Maritime tech & defense: A new Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition was launched with Bahrain among founding backers to coordinate regional maritime security across key Red Sea routes. Local science & education: Arabian Gulf University hosted medical simulation camp activities with Alba and INJAZ Bahrain, giving students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art simulation training.

AI at Bahrain Bourse: Bahrain Bourse ran a three-hour AI productivity workshop for staff, training them on tools like Microsoft Copilot and Claude to turn emails and meeting notes into business reports. Digital Payments Upgrade: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS services certification under the ISO 20022 MX messaging standard, strengthening digital payment compliance and speed. Logistics Tech Expansion: Investcorp, the Bahrain-based alternative investment firm, acquired India’s 20Cube 3PL Solutions for about US$58M, aiming to scale tech-enabled contract logistics across India. National Health Systems: Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health opened an Effective Vaccine Management workshop to improve vaccine storage and supply-chain capabilities. Sustainability Innovation: Ericsson and Hack for Earth launched the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge across the Gulf, inviting startups and students (including Bahrain) to build digital solutions for sustainability using AI and connectivity. Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia launched a Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition with Bahrain among founding states to protect key shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Coexistence Award: Nominations opened worldwide for the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, with entries due by Oct 10.