AGP Executive Report

Digital Payments: Bede Bahrain launched a multi-currency Mastercard with SINNAD and Mastercard, letting customers manage six currencies and access a virtual card through its app. KFH-Bahrain has also integrated live foreign-exchange rates into Bede’s service. Small-Scale Finance: BENEFIT and Bede signed an MoU to explore offering instant, small-ticket loans through BenefitPay; the proposal is still under assessment. Gaming Skills: The University of Technology Bahrain and Savvy Games Group will work together on gaming and esports education, aiming to align training with industry needs. Fintech Infrastructure: NBB named INFINIOS a preferred banking partner in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with possible expansion to the UAE. AI Talent: NBB and Bahrain FinTech Bay opened applications for a programme where Bahraini founders will develop AI and fintech products for banking needs.

Fintech Partnerships: NBB’s new deal with Bahrain-licensed INFINIOS will provide banking support as the fintech expands in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with possible UAE expansion. AI Innovation: NBB and Bahrain FinTech Bay opened applications for a programme challenging five teams to build deployable AI or fintech products for banking. Digital Finance: Bahrain’s Fintech Forward forum showcased a wave of new services, including stc pay self-service kiosks that let customers make payments and transfers using cash, and KFH’s digital liquidity tools for corporate clients. Safer Trade: BENEFIT’s planned registry will let banks check invoices in real time to help prevent duplicate financing and fraud. Regulated Crypto Access: CFI Bahrain received central bank approval for clients to fund trading accounts with USDT and USDC through a licensed partner, which handles conversion and settlement.

AI Innovation: NBB and Bahrain FinTech Bay opened applications for a programme that will help five teams turn AI or fintech ideas into products for the bank, with the four-week bootcamp set for January. Digital Finance: NBB is the first bank to join BENEFIT’s trade finance registry, which will check invoices in real time to help prevent duplicate lending. At Fintech Forward, stc pay also announced self-service kiosks for cash top-ups, remittances and bill payments, while CFI Bahrain won approval to accept stablecoin-funded trading accounts through a licensed partner. Corporate Banking: KFH launched a digital liquidity tool for businesses and agreed with Alba to explore supply-chain finance. Tarabut and Khaleeji Bank will work together on open-banking features and financial insights. AI Rules: Bahrain lawmakers are considering a framework covering high-risk AI, accountability and compensation, while the government has called for the proposal to be reconsidered. Renewable Energy: Bahrain’s Capital Trustees Board wants a feasibility study on turning discarded fruit and vegetables into biogas and fertiliser.

AI Rules: Bahrain’s proposed AI law may establish a specialist oversight unit and give people a route to seek compensation for harm. Shura Council member Ali Al Shehabi says the framework must protect the public without stifling innovation. Digital Finance: NBB is the first bank to join Bahrain’s Trade Finance Registry, which will let lenders check invoices in real time to flag possible duplicate financing. Fintech Forward also showcased BBK’s Google Cloud digital-ledger pilot, exploring tokenised payments and programmable settlement. Cybersecurity: Attacks on data centres in Bahrain and the UAE reportedly disrupted banking and payment services, underscoring the risks to vital digital infrastructure as cyber threats and drone warfare evolve. Greener Industry: Bahrain’s Industry Ministry and sustainability firm SAFA will use a digital platform to measure emissions and support manufacturers’ efforts to cut waste, conserve water and reduce carbon footprints.

Fintech: Fintech Forward 2026 closed in Bahrain with more than 60 agreements and 2,900 participants. BBK also showcased a Google Cloud digital-ledger pilot, while BENEFIT and FLOOSS agreed to explore small digital loans through BenefitPay. Green Industry: Bahrain’s Industry Ministry and BisB signed a deal to expand manufacturers’ access to financing, alongside $32 million in Sharia-compliant funding for local, green and resilient production. A separate pact with SAFA will use digital tools to track emissions and support the Green Factory Seal. Building Technology: A new Daikin Experience Centre brings the company’s latest cooling technologies and technical services to Bahrain’s construction sector. Space Technology: MBRSC and the UN opened applications for PHI-3, offering countries a chance to test technologies aboard a CubeSat; applications close April 6, 2027. Smart Public Spaces: Bahrain is exploring AI, sensors and autonomous equipment to improve park management, from tracking visitor patterns to maintenance.

Smart Public Spaces: Bahrain is exploring AI, sensors and autonomous maintenance to make parks, gardens and waterfronts more responsive to visitors. A proposal would work with universities to test systems that track usage patterns and help guide park management. Digital Finance: Fintech Forward 2026 closed in Bahrain with more than 60 agreements and announcements and over 2,900 participants. BBK showcased a Google Cloud digital-ledger pilot exploring tokenised payments and programmable settlement. Access to Payments: stc pay Bahrain is rolling out self-service kiosks that let customers top up wallets, collect cash and send remittances without a smartphone or app. Cross-Border Fintech: Beyon Connect and Benefit signed an MoU to explore international cooperation in digital identity, payments and financial services.

Smart Public Spaces: Bahrain is exploring AI, sensors, smart irrigation and autonomous maintenance for parks and waterfronts. A proposal would work with universities to test systems that track visitor patterns and help improve public spaces. Fintech Momentum: Fintech Forward 2026 closed with more than 60 agreements and 2,900 participants. BBK showcased a Google Cloud and Array pilot exploring tokenised payments and programmable settlement, while Beyon Connect and Benefit agreed to explore international fintech projects. Digital Finance Access: stc pay Bahrain is rolling out self-service kiosks for cash top-ups, bill payments and remittances, including for people without a smartphone. Payment Safety: MPs want BenefitPay to let users block unwanted payment requests, after reports that the feature is being used to harass people who have blocked senders elsewhere.

Fintech Forward: Bahrain’s 2026 forum wrapped up with more than 60 agreements and announcements and over 2,900 participants, spotlighting AI, digital payments and financial infrastructure. Digital Banking: BBK demonstrated a Google Cloud ledger pilot with Array Innovation for tokenised payments and round-the-clock programmable settlement. Financial Access: stc pay Bahrain is launching self-service kiosks for wallet top-ups, remittances and bill payments, extending digital services to people without smartphones. Tech Investment: The Central Bank of Bahrain plans to triple its fintech investment over the next three years, while local banks and technology firms used the forum to announce new digital partnerships.

Fintech Investment: Bahrain’s Central Bank plans to triple its technology investment over the next three years, with officials saying digital tools can support both financial growth and stability. Digital Payments: stc pay Bahrain is rolling out self-service kiosks for cash top-ups, remittances and bill payments, making wallet services accessible without a smartphone. Mastercard is also expanding its digital payments support for local SMEs. AI in Finance: Bahrain FinTech Bay is shifting towards building AI products with partners for financial institutions, alongside training and access to cloud infrastructure. Tamkeen is backing six Bahraini fintech startups at Fintech Forward 2026. Regional Tech Partnerships: Beyon has agreed to bring Beyon Money into barq’s wider fintech platform, subject to regulatory approval, while Cloudera and stc Group plan to support digital transformation in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Fintech Forward: Bahrain’s financial technology forum drew global industry leaders, with Tamkeen backing six local startups — Tanami, Aman, ARP Digital, Shield Insurtech, Soor and ME Platforms. New deals include Mastercard expanding its digital-payment work with stc pay Bahrain, BDB partnering with SINNAD to improve SME services, and Beyon Connect launching an anti-money-laundering referral programme with AMAN. Industrial Technology: At Manama’s Made in GCC forum, Gulf officials discussed smart manufacturing, AI and stronger regional supply chains; Tamkeen highlighted efforts to prepare Bahrainis for industrial jobs. Digital Infrastructure: Cloudera and stc group plan to combine data, cloud, IoT and cybersecurity capabilities, with stc Bahrain among the delivery partners for projects across Bahrain and Kuwait. AI Rules: Bahraini MPs have proposed penalties of up to five years in prison and BD50,000 for serious misuse of AI-generated deepfakes; the measure is a bill, not yet law.

AI Safeguards: Bahrain MPs have proposed up to five years in prison and a BD50,000 fine for using AI-generated deepfakes to threaten, blackmail or harm someone. Gulf Industry: The Made in GCC forum in Bahrain is promoting smarter factories, advanced technology and stronger regional supply chains; six agreements between Omani and Bahraini firms aim to expand trade and share expertise in innovation and logistics. Digital Infrastructure: Cloudera and stc group plan to develop secure cloud, data and connected-infrastructure services in Bahrain and Kuwait. Cloud Resilience: AWS has acknowledged that Iranian strikes caused permanent loss of some customer data held at facilities in Bahrain and the UAE, underscoring the risks of relying on cloud systems without backups beyond the affected area. Banking AI: NBB Group says its AI programme is expanding into customer service, cybersecurity, auditing and risk management.

GCC Industrial Push: Bahrain hosted the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026, with leaders calling for deeper Gulf manufacturing integration, local capability building, and tech adoption to make the bloc more resilient and future-ready. Enterprise AI in Banking: NBB Group says its AI@NBB programme is moving from pilots and governance into wider rollout across customer service, productivity, risk, and operations. Cloud Security Shock: AWS acknowledged Iranian strikes caused permanent loss of some customer data stored in Bahrain and the UAE, underlining how physical damage can break cloud “resilience” promises. Energy Infrastructure Resilience: Saudi Arabia reported the East-West pipeline is back at 5.8 million bpd after attacks, while GCC energy ministers met in Bahrain to align policy and emergency planning. AI Governance via Parliament: Bahrain’s parliamentary division and the IPU signed funding to support AI legislation and oversight. Digital Services Upgrade: Bahrain’s LMRA launched a MyGov App service to let registered workers check work-permit status and validity via eKey 2.0. F1 Tech Controversy: Malaysia’s chaotic Sepang race reignited debate over 2026 software/power-unit behaviour in wet conditions, with drivers and teams demanding lessons learned.

GCC Energy Coordination: Bahrain’s Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed Bin Dinah chaired the 37th GCC Petroleum Co-operation Committee meeting, urging closer GCC alignment on oil and energy policies to protect global energy security and market stability amid fast economic, technological and geopolitical shifts. Made in GCC 2026: HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa launched the inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain, aiming to boost Gulf industrial integration, high-value investment and adoption of advanced production technologies. AI Governance in Bahrain: Bahrain’s parliamentary division and the IPU signed a funding agreement to support AI legislation and oversight, backing the idea that parliaments must set safe, responsible rules for AI. Digital Services Upgrade: Bahrain’s LMRA rolled out a MyGov App service letting registered workers check the status and validity of work permits via eKey 2.0. Healthcare Quality Research: Bahrain’s NHRA presented two accepted scientific papers at an ISQua conference, including a digital platform for hospital quality KPI reporting and a sustainability-focused shift in national accreditation. Academic Collaboration: IPA and Arabian Gulf University signed an MoU to expand joint research, training and institutional innovation in public administration. Renewables + Wildlife: Saudi Arabia’s “ReWildingVoltaics” initiative introduced sand gazelles into a 250MW solar park to support biodiversity restoration alongside clean power generation. Fintech & Business Links: Bahrain welcomed a Swiss fintech delegation for Fintech Forward 2026, with meetings planned across Bahrain’s payments and financial ecosystem. F1 Tech Glitches in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix returned to Sepang amid software-related power issues and race chaos, while Bahrain GP-related economic impact was framed as a Q4 tourism and services boost.

AI Governance in Bahrain: Bahrain’s parliamentary division and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) signed a funding deal to support AI legislation and oversight, pushing parliaments to set rules that keep AI safe and accountable. Digital Labour Services: LMRA launched a MyGov App service letting registered workers check their work permit status and validity using ID/passport details and eKey 2.0. GCC Energy Talks in Manama: Bahrain hosted the 37th GCC Petroleum Cooperation Committee meeting, with ministers stressing energy security, innovation, and cleaner technologies. Electricity & Water Cooperation: GCC electricity and water ministers met in Bahrain, calling the sectors a strategic priority for resource sustainability and future readiness. Investor Relations Tech Recognition: Zain Group earned the 2026 MEIRA Gold Standard Certification for investor relations excellence across its region. F1 Tech Glitch Fallout (Malaysia): Bahrain Grand Prix events in Malaysia were hit by software-related power losses and delays, sparking driver criticism and renewed scrutiny of 2026 engine systems. Gulf Air Aviation Moment: Gulf Air flew a celebratory fly-past over Sepang, marking the first time the airline has done so outside Bahrain. Travel Connectivity Deal: stc Bahrain partnered with ila Bank to offer discounted rova eSIM data packages for cardholders. Golden Residency Salary Rule: Bahrain set the minimum basic salary threshold for Golden Residency eligibility at over BHD 2,000 per month (excluding bonuses/allowances). Quiz for Bahrain: KCA announced the Grandmaster India Quiz in Juffair on Oct 9, mixing India-focused questions with a small Bahrain segment.

GCC Energy Cooperation: GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said electricity and water are a strategic priority, stressing resource sustainability and stronger GCC interconnection as the 31st GCC Electricity and Water Cooperation Committee met in Manama. Golden Residency Rules: Bahrain set the Golden Residency salary floor for professionals: at least five years in Bahrain with continuous Social Insurance registration and an average basic monthly salary above BHD 2,000 (bonuses excluded). F1 Tech Glitch Hits Bahrain GP: At Sepang, 2026 cars lost power after a wet-weather software bug during formation laps, triggering an aborted start, an emergency update, and major driver frustration; Max Verstappen won a chaotic race while Lewis Hamilton and others criticised the electronic side. Transport Disruption in Bahrain: Cable theft near MRT Putrajaya Line’s Taman Equine station caused train turnbacks and shuttle buses until power was restored after a temporary fix. Fintech & Industry Networking: Bahrain’s Fintech Forward 2026 drew a UK delegation with meetings planned with CBB, Tamkeen and Bahrain Fintech Bay, while Safa (Mumtalakat) will host an industrial sustainability session at the Made in GCC Forum. Marine Impact Research: A study warned Iran-related attacks on oil infrastructure are compounding damage to Persian Gulf marine ecosystems, threatening fisheries and coastal habitats.

Industrial Sustainability: Safa, backed by Mumtalakat, will host a GCC session at Made in GCC Forum and Expo 2026 on “Sustainability Beyond Compliance,” bringing together Bahrain and regional industry leaders to turn manufacturing sustainability into investable projects. Fintech & UK Links: A UK delegation of 20+ fintech and VC firms is set to join Fintech Forward 2026 in Bahrain, meeting CBB, Tamkeen and Bahrain Fintech Bay as the forum pushes Bahrain’s role in regional innovation. GCC Justice Cooperation: Qatar participated in the 36th GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Manama, focusing on joint legal work and a unified framework to tackle information technology crimes. Persian Gulf Marine Impact: A new study warns Iran-war-related oil spills and coastal damage are compounding climate and development pressures, threatening coral reefs, mangroves and fisheries across the Gulf. Bahrain Tech Talent: Reboot01 (Reboot Coding Institute) is training Bahrain’s next software engineers with a tuition-free, peer-to-peer coding model aimed at strengthening the country’s tech workforce. Digital Banking Recognition: Arab Bank was named “Best Corporate Digital Bank in Bahrain” for 2026, highlighting its digital channels and trade finance services. F1 Tech Glitch Spotlight: Bahrain’s Grand Prix in Malaysia turned into a software-and-power-unit stress test, with drivers reporting wet-race failures and FIA scrutiny after a software patch was needed.