AGP Executive Report

World Environment Day push in Bahrain: Bahrain’s Shura Council Public Utilities and Environment Committee says the kingdom is strengthening its environmental and climate framework, citing renewable energy expansion, biodiversity protection, water sustainability and the net-zero 2060 pledge. Local action on the ground: National Bank of Bahrain and NIAD held a tree-planting drive at Isa Town Jogging Track, while the Transport Ministry promoted cycling through a Cyclethon and highlighted new cycling infrastructure. Climate and oceans spotlight: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment President Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad said climate reporting and planning are progressing, including submissions to the UNFCCC; Bahrain also led at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, focusing on marine biodiversity and resilient coastal policy. Global climate warning: UN chief António Guterres urged urgent emissions cuts as record global heat and climate stress intensify. Bahrain-linked conservation science: New research suggests dugongs around the Hawar Islands may support “blue carbon” storage in seagrass meadows. Regional risk backdrop: U.S. security alerts keep Bahrain in “Reconsider Travel” as tensions tied to the Iran conflict continue.

World Environment Day push in Bahrain: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment leadership marked June 5 by stressing steady progress on climate reporting and targets, including submission of its Biennial Transparency Report and a roadmap for climate commitments to 2035. Marine biodiversity spotlight: Bahrain’s Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed bin Daina led the country at Japan’s Island States Ocean Summit, focusing on protecting marine biodiversity and managing risks like sea-level rise. Local action on greenery: National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and NIAD held a tree-planting event at Isa Town Jogging Track to boost afforestation and public environmental awareness. Coastal development near heritage site: Karbabad coast next to Bahrain Fort is set for development under an approved plan, with landscaping and solar lighting aimed at improving visitor experience while preserving cultural integrity. Sustainability through mobility: Bahrain marked World Bicycle Day with a cyclothon and renewed plans for cycling lanes to support carbon neutrality by 2060. Nature-based climate research: A new study suggests dugongs around the Hawar Islands may help seagrass meadows store more “blue carbon,” linking wildlife protection with climate benefits.

Coastal Heritage Upgrade: The Capital Trustees Board has approved a development plan for the Karbabad coast next to Bahrain Fort, with landscaping, shaded seating, and solar-powered lighting aimed at boosting tourism while protecting the UNESCO site’s visual character. Energy Efficiency Push: Bahrain’s Sustainability Forum Middle East roundtable, with Tabreed Bahrain and BCG, focused on accelerating energy efficiency delivery under the National Energy Strategy, including sustainable cooling and district cooling to cut electricity demand and peak loads. Water & Sanitation Progress: The Ministry of Works says a sewerage upgrade project in Al Qadam and Jibla Habshi is 52% complete, including a new pumping station, main pipelines, and secondary networks serving about 414 properties. Local Environment & Livelihoods: A rise in informal roadside fish sales is squeezing licensed fishermen and traders, with municipal officials urging action to protect legal operators and reduce unfair competition. Safety & Risk Around Industry: Bahrain’s UN letters over the GPIC ammonia-tank strike warn the drone attack could have triggered a major environmental and humanitarian crisis if hazardous chemicals leaked. Business With a Sustainability Angle: Bahrain Chamber welcomed Cabinet approval of an updated MSME classification framework, expanding targeted support for the sector that makes up 93.4% of active commercial registrations.

Energy & Climate Policy: Experts at SFME 2026 discussed how district cooling and demand-side efficiency can speed up delivery of Bahrain’s National Energy Strategy, cutting electricity use and carbon footprint while easing peak pressure on the grid. Water & Public Health: The Ministry of Works says a sewerage upgrade in Al Qadam and Jibla Habshi has reached 52% completion, including a new pumping station, main pipelines and inspection chambers serving about 414 properties. Coastal Heritage & Environment: A proposal for the Karbabad coastline near Bahrain Fort would add trees, solar-powered lighting, shaded seating and landscaped, softly lit walkways—aimed at boosting visitor comfort without harming the historic character. Marine & Livelihoods: Northern Municipal Council flagged informal “street shark” fish selling along major roads as unfair competition hurting licensed fishermen and traders, urging action from relevant ministries. Regional Security With Environmental Risk: Bahrain’s UN mission submitted letters over the April 5 drone strike on GPIC ammonia tanks, warning it could have triggered a major humanitarian and environmental crisis. Finance & Sustainability: Bahrain and the UAE central banks discussed deeper financial and banking cooperation to support sustainable growth, alongside BIBF’s top “Confidence” ratings for reviewed bachelor’s and master’s programmes.

Regional Security & Environment: Iran-linked missile and drone attacks again hit Bahrain and Kuwait, with US “self-defence” strikes reported near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz—raising fresh concerns for regional stability that can quickly spill into energy, air travel, and local risk planning. Local Energy Governance: Bahrain’s Electricity Privatisation Bill has been delayed after MPs and government disagreed on tariff controls and how multi-family households should be treated, keeping key public-cost questions unresolved. Sustainable Finance: BBK released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting ESG progress and climate-related initiatives as the bank pushes a more resilient, responsible banking model. Education & Capacity Building: The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) earned the top “Confidence” rating from BQA across its bachelor’s and master’s programmes, reinforcing Bahrain’s push for higher-quality, internationally benchmarked training. Industry & Decarbonisation: Aluminium Bahrain signed with Bpifrance to coinvest in Aluminium Dunkerque, aiming to strengthen low-carbon industrial reach and supply-chain security. Community & Nature: World Environment Day activities in Bahrain are set for 5 June, with recycled-material art workshops aimed at making sustainability fun and hands-on.

Bahrain Wildlife & Biodiversity: A Bahraini environmentalist rescued a spiny-tailed lizard from a Riffa home and released it back into the Sakhir desert, highlighting the need to treat wildlife with care. Blue Carbon & Marine Life: A new study flags Bahrain’s dugongs and seagrass beds as key to “blue carbon” and biodiversity, warning that coastal development and human activity could alter dugong habitats. Public Health & Urban Livestock: Bahrain is moving to regulate animal pens and rooftop breeding in residential areas after a ministry response backed a Capital Trustees Board proposal aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Regional Security & Energy Risks: Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani met UN chief António Guterres, stressing the impact of Iranian attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on energy security and global trade. Sustainable Finance: BBK reported BD188m in sustainable finance assets and major paper-use cuts, alongside expanded climate risk tracking. Digital Cooperation: Bahrain’s iGA signed an MoU with the Comoros to boost eGovernment know-how under the Global Digital Twinning Initiative. Green Finance & Governance: BBK also expanded ESG governance, including Scope 3 emissions tracking and a climate risk position statement.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: A spiny-tailed lizard was safely rescued from a Riffa home and released back into the desert habitat, highlighting how quick action and respect for wildlife can protect Bahrain’s native species. Blue Carbon & Climate: A new study points to Bahrain’s dugongs (“sea cows”) and seagrass beds as key to carbon capture, biodiversity and food systems—while warning that coastal development and human activity could threaten dugong habitats. Urban Health & Environment: Bahrain is moving to regulate animal pens, poultry cages and rooftop breeding sites in residential areas, aiming to reduce unsafe practices and protect public health and the environment. Regional Security & Environment: Bahrain’s foreign minister met UN chief António Guterres to discuss de-escalation and the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the impact of its closure on energy security and global trade. Industry & Low-Carbon Growth: Alba signed a $2.2bn deal to acquire EU’s largest smelter, Aluminium Dunkerque, as part of a push toward a global low-carbon aluminium platform.

Extreme Heat Watch: Bahrain is seeing dangerously high temperatures, with health experts warning of heat illness risks as World Heat Response Day nears and highs have reached about 49.6°C. Humanitarian Volunteering: Bahrain Red Crescent Society held a “Volunteer with Impact” orientation to prepare new volunteers on humanitarian principles and active programme participation. Wildlife Rescue: An environmentalist’s viral rescue of a spiny-tailed lizard in Bahrain ended with the animal released back into the wild. Sustainable Land Use: Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau shared how reliable property and spatial data can drive development at the Global Land Forum in Russia. Local Safety Milestone: Bahrain Network (BNET) reported over 1,008,873 safe work hours without a Lost Time Injury, citing strong HSE culture. Investor Outreach (EDB): Bahrain EDB launched a five-day Europe roadshow in Barcelona, Zurich and Geneva to attract investment across finance, manufacturing, logistics and tourism. Regional Rights Pressure: Gulf rights groups say authorities across GCC states have intensified crackdowns on war-related expression, including arrests and citizenship revocations.

Extreme Heat Watch: Bahrain is warning residents and outdoor workers as temperatures near 50°C, ahead of World Heat Response Day on June 2 and the annual midday outdoor work ban (June 15–Aug 31). Protected Nature Under Pressure: Eid crowds have been accused of trespassing and damaging Buhair Valley’s protected wetlands and rock areas, with officials saying legal action is coming. Wildlife Moment: An environmentalist’s viral rescue of a spiny-tailed lizard in Bahrain is drawing attention to local wildlife care. Sustainability in Action: Skal Bahrain Club 370 held a tree-planting event to promote responsible tourism and greener community projects. Local Environment & Health Infrastructure: A new Village Park opened in Complex 551 in the Northern Governorate, adding green space and smart irrigation. Regional Environment & Trade Risks: Bahrain’s UN talks highlighted Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its knock-on effects for energy security and global trade. Business & Safety: BNET marked over 1,008,873 safe work hours without a lost-time injury, citing strong HSE culture. Regional Shipping Alert: A cargo ship off Iraq was hit by an unidentified projectile; authorities reported no known environmental damage so far.

Buhair Valley Protection: Officials in East Riffa say Eid crowds are trespassing in Bahrain’s protected Buhair Valley nature reserve, with reports of people driving into restricted areas, climbing rocky formations, littering, feeding fish and trampling wetlands—prompting warnings of legal action. Heat Safety: Bahrain’s Labour Ministry outdoor midday work ban (June 15–Aug 31) is back, with doctors urging workers to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stress and employers to enforce the rules. Sustainability on the Ground: Skal Bahrain held a tree-planting event to back responsible tourism and sustainability. Waste Sorting Push: The Southern Municipal Council wants to revive Bahrain’s long-delayed coloured waste bag plan, arguing mixed black-bag waste is wasting recycling value and landfill space. Wildlife Moment: A rare black-faced spoonbill was spotted in Sanad wetlands, delighting local birdwatchers. Healthcare Upgrade: Kuwait Health Centre in Karzakan has been fully completed and expanded, adding dental clinics, a larger lab, and more treatment capacity. Community Green Space: A new Village Park opened in Complex 551 with smart irrigation and safer play areas. Health Data Progress: Bahrain launched a sickle cell disease registry to track patient data and improve treatment planning.

Marine Conservation & Fisheries: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment has ended the seasonal ban on catching Shaari, Safi and Andaq fish in territorial waters, effective June 1, saying the move supports long-term marine biodiversity while keeping fishing regulated. Waste & Recycling Policy: The Southern Municipal Council wants Bahrain to revive the long-delayed coloured waste bag plan, arguing that using black sacks still sends most recyclables to landfill and is costing “millions of dinars” in lost recycling value. Water & Sanitation Infrastructure: Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj inspected a major new sewage network project in Al Lawzi and Hamad City, connecting 968 properties with about 15km of main lines, 10km of branch lines, 754 inspection chambers and a new pumping station; the work is 70% complete. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A rare black-faced spoonbill was spotted in Sanad wetlands, delighting birdwatchers and highlighting how unusual migratory visitors can turn local wetlands into hotspots for nature. Healthcare Data: Bahrain launched a new national sickle cell disease registry, aiming to track patient data across 92 categories to improve treatment planning and research. Tourism Growth: Bahrain recorded about 16.04 million non-Bahraini arrivals in 2025, up 41% from 2022, signalling steadier, more sustainable visitor growth. Green Public Space: A new 3,400 sq m village park in Complex 551 (Northern Governorate) was inaugurated, featuring smart irrigation, play areas, football pitch and tree planting aligned with the national afforestation plan.

Sewage Upgrade in Bahrain: The Ministry of Works says a major new sewage network for Lawzi and Hamad City is 70% complete, with 968 homes set to connect to about 15km of main lines, 10km of branches, 754 inspection chambers and a new pumping station. Marine Protection Update: The Supreme Council for Environment has ended the seasonal ban on catching Shaari, Safi and Andaq fish, effective June 1, aiming to protect stocks and restore Bahrain’s marine ecosystem. Wildlife Spotting: A rare black-faced spoonbill was spotted in Sanad, delighting local birdwatchers and highlighting how unusual migratory visitors can still turn up in Bahrain’s wetlands. Public Health Data Move: Bahrain launched a new sickle cell disease patient registry to track 6,700 registered patients and improve treatment planning and research. Mosquito Control Push: Residents are being urged to report mosquito breeding hotspots and remove standing water, especially after rainfall and in humid conditions. Smart Parking Pressure: Bahrain’s solar-powered smart parking meter rollout is still limited beyond Old Muharraq Suq, with calls to speed up the cashless modernization drive. Regional Water Security: Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Affairs Minister stressed water security at a Tajikistan summit and warned about the impact of attacks on desalination and water infrastructure.

Marine Life Policy: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment has ended the seasonal fishing ban on shaari, safi and andaq fish, effective June 1, after the early-April restriction aimed at protecting fish stocks and restoring ecological balance. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Residents are being urged to report mosquito breeding hotspots as Bahrain tackles stagnant-water sources near construction and drainage sites, with the Health Ministry warning mosquito activity rises with rainfall, humidity and warm temperatures. Biodiversity on the Ground: A rare black-faced spoonbill was spotted in Sanad, delighting local birdwatchers and highlighting how Bahrain’s wetlands can still surprise even seasoned photographers. Urban Environment: The Northern Municipal Council says it’s expanding parks, protecting coastlines and boosting urban greenery as part of the “Acting locally for global impact” push for biodiversity protection. Smart Mobility (Local): Bahrain’s solar-powered smart parking meters rollout is still slow, with Muharraq seeing most of the replacements while other areas wait—prompting calls to speed up modernization. Regional Environment Link: The Strait of Hormuz is increasingly framed as both an energy and digital chokepoint, with concerns that conflict risk is spilling into global data and financial flows.

Mosquito Control Push: Bahrain residents are being urged to report mosquito breeding hotspots as authorities tackle stagnant water linked to construction and drainage, with the Health Ministry warning activity rises during rainfall, humidity and moderate temperatures. Marine Life Protection: The Supreme Council for Environment has ended the seasonal fishing ban on shoor, safi and andag fish in territorial waters from June 1, saying the move supports biodiversity and long-term marine stock recovery. Water Security Focus: Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Affairs Minister highlighted water resilience at a UN-linked summit, stressing the need to protect desalination and other water infrastructure amid regional risks. Urban Nature & Biodiversity: Northern Municipal Council officials marked International Day for Biological Diversity by backing more parks, walkways and tree-planting, linking local action to global impact. Local Governance & Housing: A Shura Council committee proposed a specialist panel to review housing application cancellations, aiming to protect eligible Bahrainis and preserve waiting-list rights. Smart Mobility Delay: Bahrain’s solar-powered smart parking meters rollout is still slow beyond parts of Muharraq, prompting calls to fast-track the kingdom-wide upgrade.

Marine Conservation Update: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment has lifted the seasonal fishing ban on shoor, safi and andag fish in territorial waters, effective June 1, after the early-April restriction aimed at restoring marine stocks and protecting biodiversity. Water Security & Resilience: Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Affairs Minister told a Tajikistan summit that water security is a national priority, warning that regional attacks have damaged key water infrastructure, including a major desalination plant, and calling for stronger protection of water systems. Biodiversity on the Ground: Northern Municipal Council officials marked International Day for Biological Diversity by highlighting local action—parks, walkways, tree-planting and coastal protection—to support the theme “Acting locally for global impact.” Smart Mobility Push: Bahrain’s solar-powered smart parking meters are still only partially rolled out (notably in Old Muharraq Suq), prompting calls to fast-track the kingdom-wide modernization drive. Animal Welfare: Police arrested six people over an illegal rooster fight in Arad after a complaint from an animal rights advocate, with injured birds taken for care. Governance & Housing: A parliamentary proposal would protect housing waiting-list places for Bahrainis whose applications are cancelled by creating a specialist review panel.

Biodiversity & Urban Greening: Bahrain’s Northern Municipal Council marked the International Day for Biological Diversity by pushing “acting locally for global impact,” with plans to expand parks, protect coastlines, and boost urban greenery through tree-planting, new walkways and public gardens, and coastal protection against erosion and pollution. Health & Sustainability in Infrastructure: Bahrain completed an expansion of the Kuwait Health Centre in Karzakan, adding specialist consultation areas and a fully integrated dental clinic, with the project redesigned to meet green building standards for energy efficiency and lower environmental impact. Water Security Diplomacy: Bahrain’s Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs took part in a UN-backed high-level conference in Tajikistan on sustainable water management, stressing water security as a national priority amid climate change and urging stronger international cooperation. Marine Environment & Governance: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister told the UN Security Council that navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz is a collective responsibility, linking regional peace to addressing nuclear, missile, and militia concerns—an issue with direct environmental and maritime implications for the Gulf. Local Community & Environment: Bahrain’s e-waste management needs more momentum, while local cultural and coastal initiatives continue to spotlight the kingdom’s natural landscapes and living heritage.