AGP Executive Report

Plastic Ban Watch: Bahrain’s Chamber backs the new ban on single-use plastic bags thinner than 57 microns, with implementation set for August 20—pushing eco-friendly alternatives and greener business practices. Water Security: EWA says Acwa is the sole bidder for the Hidd Independent Water Project, a seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility aimed at boosting potable water capacity. Climate & Education: Bapco Energies marks the 18th Green School Award ceremony, spotlighting student-led environmental projects with the Ministry of Education and the Supreme Council for Environment. Sustainability Planning: Sustainability Forum Middle East names an advisory committee for its January 2027 Bahrain edition, bringing together regional leaders on climate action and the energy transition. Housing Delivery: Eskan Bank signs a consultancy deal for 72 residential units in Askar and Hamad Town, supporting the push to accelerate Bahrain’s housing projects. Community Inclusion: Zain Bahrain completes its GROW programme, graduating university students with disabilities after training and rotational internships. Regional Energy Tensions: Iran signals it may charge “service fees” for Hormuz transit after a 60-day MoU, while India seeks assurances for “friendly nations” exemptions.

Afforestation & Climate Action: Nepali cyclist and environmental activist Shuva Prasad Sharma says Bahrain stands out for afforestation, after planting about 70 trees and cycling 28,000km across Asia and Africa as part of a climate mission. School Sustainability: Bapco Energies celebrated the 18th Green School Award with 23 secondary schools competing on environmental projects, with Al Noor Secondary Girls’ School taking first place. Water & Public Health: Hamad Town residents are calling for urgent drainage clean-up after stagnant water, waste and overgrown vegetation were found in a rainwater channel, raising mosquito-breeding and health risks. Plastic Reduction: Bahrain moves to enforce a ban on thin single-use plastic bags from August 20, tightening waste controls. SMEs & Green Digital Economy: Bahrain’s model for UN World MSME Day is set to be showcased in Sarajevo, with this year’s theme focused on MSMEs in a green digital economy and shifting supply chains. Clean Energy Finance: A new report highlights major clean industry financing momentum in MENA, pointing to large investment pipelines in areas like clean fuels and low-carbon materials.

Green Schools Award: Bapco Energies held its 18th annual Green School Award ceremony for the 2025–2026 year, with 23+ secondary schools presenting environmental projects in partnership with Bahrain’s Education Ministry and the Supreme Council for Environment. Youth & Sustainability Mindset: On Arab Youth Day (July 5), Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Youth Affairs Minister Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi praised Arab youth as drivers of development, urging ambition, skills, and turning ideas into real initiatives. Local Environment Watch: A Hamad Town drainage channel is drawing urgent calls after inspections found stagnant water, waste, and overgrown vegetation—raising mosquito and rodent breeding concerns and public health risks. Circular Economy Push: Bahrain is studying smart reverse vending machines that would reward residents with instant points for recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans, as part of smarter, more sustainable city plans. Marine Biodiversity & Pearls: DANAT released updates on its pearl oyster work, including testing 32m+ pearls and gemstones and reporting sustainability efforts tied to marine biodiversity and responsible operations. Regional Climate Risk Lens: A new analysis highlights how El Niño is heightening economic risk across the Gulf, with knock-on effects for food prices, budgets, and supply chains.

Water Stress Watch: A new UN-linked map shows Bahrain among the world’s most water-stressed countries, ranking around 133.7% water stress as freshwater withdrawals outstrip renewable supplies—highlighting pressure on agriculture, industry and daily life. Smart Recycling Push: Bahrain is exploring smart reverse vending machines that pay residents instant cash points for recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans, with officials saying local legal and technical details still need work. Marine Life & Pearls: DANAT released its 2025 Sustainability and GHG reports, saying it has tested over 32 million pearls and gemstones since 2017, while a related study finds Bahrain’s pearl oyster beds largely stable with improved natural pearl yield. Local Environment Concern: Hamad Town residents are calling for urgent drainage clean-up after stagnant water, waste and overgrown vegetation were found in a rainwater channel, raising mosquito-breeding and health risks. Climate Action Spotlight: The Supreme Council for Environment honoured Bahrain resident Peter Lee for a climate action video urging personal responsibility for sustainability. Regional Security Context: Bahrain condemned a Damascus cafe bombing and, amid wider Gulf tensions, Bahrain also featured in regional air-defense and security dialogue coverage.

Marine Biodiversity & Pearls: Bahrain’s DANAT says it has tested more than 32 million pearls and gemstones since 2017, as it released its 2025 Sustainability and GHG reports plus the Hayrat Project to track pearl oyster beds and marine biodiversity health. Waste & Circular Economy: Bahrain is exploring smart reverse vending machines that would reward residents with instant cash points for recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans, with officials saying local legal and technical details are still being worked out. Climate Action Awareness: The Supreme Council for Environment honoured Bahrain resident Peter Lee for a climate-action video urging people to take personal responsibility for sustainability, featuring scenes from Bahrain Bay, green spaces and recycling efforts. Food Security (GCC): Kuwait, under Bahrain’s chairmanship, led a GCC agriculture and food security meeting on strategic storage zones for essential commodities and steps to strengthen regional readiness. Wildlife: A report highlights Kubbar Island’s tern breeding comeback, with tracking suggesting migration routes reaching India and Pakistan. Regional Security (Hormuz): CENTCOM held a 12-nation security dialogue in Manama focused on protecting the Strait of Hormuz and trade flow, drawing sharp criticism from Iran.

Marine Biodiversity & Climate Data: Bahrain’s Danat (Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones) released its 2025 Sustainability Report, plus a 2025 GHG Report and the Hayrat Project Initiative, saying it has tested over 32 million pearls and gemstones since 2017 while supporting research and conservation of natural pearl oyster beds. Waste & Circular Economy: Bahrain is studying Saudi Arabia’s reverse vending machines that pay residents instant cash points for plastic bottles and aluminium cans, with officials saying legal and technical details are still being worked out. Wildlife & Coasts: A Bahrain-linked pearl oyster bed study found most sites stable or improving, with natural pearl yield rising and water/sediment quality largely unchanged—supporting healthier habitats. Climate Action Awareness: The Supreme Council for Environment honoured winners of a climate action video contest, including a Bahraini resident whose message urged everyday sustainability like recycling and conserving electricity. Recycling Incentives: Municipal leaders discussed expanding recycling beyond plastics and aluminium to include paper and wood. Regional Security (Context for Trade): CENTCOM held a 12-nation security dialogue in Manama focused on keeping commerce moving through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing regional tensions.

Climate Action & Community: The Supreme Council for Environment honoured Bahrain video contest winners on climate action, including Peter Lee, whose message urged everyday responsibility for sustainability. Smart Waste & Recycling: Bahrain is studying Saudi-style reverse vending machines that could pay residents instantly for recycling plastic and aluminium, with legal and technical details still being worked out. Marine Life & Biodiversity: Kubbar Island’s tern colonies are rebounding, with new tracking showing migration routes reaching India and Pakistan, after fieldwork resumed during the war pause. Blue Economy & Heritage Science: DANAT launched its 2025 Sustainability Report and GHG Report, alongside the Hayrat Project Initiative, focusing on pearl oyster beds, marine biodiversity and emissions management. Food & Energy Security: Kuwait and other GCC states discussed strategic food storage zones under Bahrain’s chairmanship, while also reviewing steps to strengthen energy supply chains. Local Governance: Municipal councils began a 60-day summer recess, with project follow-ups and resident service requests continuing. Regional Security With Environmental Stakes: CENTCOM-led 12-nation talks in Bahrain reaffirmed efforts to keep Strait of Hormuz trade flowing, as Iran sharply criticised the summit.

Climate Action Spotlight: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment honoured resident Peter Lee for a climate video contest win, urging everyday sustainability—from planting and recycling to switching off unnecessary lights. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Kuwait Environmental Lens documented Kubbar Island’s tern breeding season, reporting encouraging signs of return and new migration links to India and Pakistan. Circular Economy: Continental Battery Systems says its exchange-and-recycling model keeps used batteries out of landfills by testing, reconditioning, and recycling materials for new production. Local Agriculture & Community: Bahrain Development Bank signed an MoU with Amakin to sponsor BDB’s Farmers Market, backing Bahraini produce through funding and joint promotion. Digital & Smart Cities: iGA officials highlighted Bahrain’s AI-driven digital government push at the Smart Cities Summit, citing a cloud-first, integrated national digital ecosystem. Maritime Security: US CENTCOM led a 12-nation security dialogue in Bahrain focused on keeping trade flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s deputy FM rejected the summit’s authority. Public Health & Heat: A dermatology specialist warned Bahrain residents about summer skin risks like heat rash, fungal infections, and sun damage, urging loose clothing, drying after showers, and SPF protection.

Smart Cities & Sustainability: Bahrain is pushing a tech-led urban shift, with the Smart Cities Summit highlighting digital infrastructure, sustainability, and better resource management. Clean Mobility: Public transport use is surging, hitting up to 73,000 trips on major occasions, as authorities plan feeder services and a future metro to cut car dependency. AI for Public Cleanliness: AI-powered surveillance cameras are being tested to curb littering and vandalism across 200+ public sites. Local Environment Health: A Hamad Town stormwater drainage site has reportedly gone uncleaned for four years, leaving waste-blocked drains and stagnant water that officials warn could boost insect, rodent, and snake risks. Regional Shipping Security: US CENTCOM hosted a 12-nation security dialogue in Bahrain focused on keeping Strait of Hormuz commerce flowing, as US-Iran talks continue amid ongoing tensions. Plastic Policy: Bahrain announced it will ban thin single-use plastic bags from August 20.

Smart Cities & Sustainability: Bahrain kicked off the 9th Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026 with a push for AI, digital infrastructure and smarter urban planning, framed as a path to sustainability and better quality of life. Public Transport Revolution: Commuting habits are shifting fast, with public transport trips hitting record levels—about 33,000 on weekdays, 50,000 on weekends and up to 73,000 on major occasions—alongside plans to expand feeder services and build toward a metro. AI for Cleaner Public Spaces: Authorities are testing AI-powered surveillance cameras to curb littering and vandalism, with a gradual rollout planned across more than 200 public sites. Digital Government Backbone: iGA highlighted Bahrain’s integrated national digital ecosystem, including the national portal, cloud-first approach and hundreds of eServices. Green Port Operations: Khalifa Bin Salman Port improved cargo flow and cut emissions after introducing an electric reach stacker, avoiding up to 12,060 kg of CO₂ monthly. Autonomous Mobility Rules: Bahrain is set to introduce regulations for testing and operating self-driving vehicles, aiming to attract transport-tech investment. Local Environment Concern: A Hamad Town councillor raised urgent calls for a four-year-old polluted stormwater drainage clean-up, warning of blocked drains and health risks. Regional Security & Trade Pressure: CENTCOM hosted a regional security dialogue in Bahrain, with leaders stressing the need to keep commerce flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Port Decarbonisation: Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) has introduced a new electric reach stacker, cutting up to 12,060 kg of CO₂ each month (over 144 tonnes a year) while improving cargo flow and reducing delays. Aviation Governance: Gulf Air Group Holding named a new board of directors for Gulf Air and Bahrain Airport Company, chaired by Khalid Hussain Taqi, underscoring “sustainable growth” across Bahrain’s aviation assets. Plastic Reduction: Bahrain is moving ahead with a ban on thin single-use plastic bags from August 20, with enforcement steps underway. Water & Public Health Enforcement: Bahrain’s Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture clarified that harmful animal and bird keeping in residential areas can be handled under the Public Health Law, with fines, imprisonment, or removal of the cause of harm. Smart Cities & Sustainability: Oman is participating in Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026 with papers on sustainable urban development, resource-efficient buildings, and green infrastructure/afforestation. Digital Security: Beyon Cyber achieved CREST accreditation for its Security Operations Center, strengthening protection for Bahrain’s digital environment. Blue Economy: A regional push for luxury yacht tourism highlights new marinas and waterfront investments across the GCC, positioning marine leisure as a diversification opportunity. Regional Shipping Risk: Strait of Hormuz talks remain tense as Iran and the US send conflicting delegations to Qatar, keeping pressure on maritime security and trade routes.

Plastic Policy: Bahrain will ban the manufacture, import and sale of thin single-use plastic bags under 57 microns from August 20, with exemptions for items like household waste and certain food/medical packaging, and businesses urged to clear non-compliant stock and switch to approved alternatives. Health & Environment Enforcement: The Ministry of Health will take legal and administrative action over harmful animal and bird keeping in residential areas, citing Public Health Law 34/2018 and penalties up to BD3,000 or removal of the cause of harm. Blue Economy & Marine Tourism: GCC countries are investing heavily in marinas, waterfront projects and cruise infrastructure, positioning luxury yacht tourism as a fast-growing blue economy opportunity for jobs and coastal diversification. Maritime Security & Trade Risks: Iran-US talks continue amid renewed Strait of Hormuz tensions, with shipping and energy flows still a concern for the region’s environment and air/sea trade stability. Smart Cities & Sustainability: Oman is participating in Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026 with papers on sustainable urban development, resource-efficient buildings and green infrastructure/afforestation under Oman Vision 2040. Digital Health Expansion: Government Hospitals approved expanding the Tammini “Reassure Me” platform, starting with 16 critical departments and adding patient communication and support services.

Plastic Policy: Bahrain will ban the manufacture, import and sale of single-use plastic bags thinner than 57 microns from August 20, with exemptions for household waste, hazardous healthcare waste, and certain food packaging; the Ministry of Industry and Commerce says firms must clear non-compliant stock and switch to approved alternatives. Strait of Hormuz & Marine Safety: After renewed US-Iran tensions, reports say attacks damaged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz; Filipino seafarers on the Singapore-flagged MV Ever Lovely were reported safe, while the wider shipping corridor remains under strain. Local Environment & Water Security: Bahrain reaffirmed water security efforts at Saudi Water Week, and separate coverage notes ongoing monitoring of potential pollutants in Buhair Valley. Bahrain’s SDG Push: The Sustainable Development Ministry published Bahrain’s third voluntary national review on progress toward the SDGs, alongside reporting that the country is on track for 2030 targets. Community & Food Security: Bahrain Development Bank’s Farmers Market gets a sponsor boost from Amakin, supporting local farmers and resilient supply chains. Regional Resilience: UNIDO talks in Vienna discussed private-sector-led industrial recovery in war-affected Syria, Palestine and Sudan, with Bahrain’s Royal Humanitarian Foundation participating.

Plastic Waste Crackdown: Bahrain has started enforcing a ban on single-use plastic bags thinner than 57 microns from August 20, with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce urging businesses to clear non-compliant stock and switch to approved alternatives like thicker reusable bags, paper, cloth, and fully biodegradable options. Local Enforcement Watch: In Budaiya, a Northern Municipal Council member says illegal wall posters and rental flyers are still appearing two years after complaints, calling for tighter action under Bahrain’s advertising rules. Strait of Hormuz Risk for Bahrain: Fresh US-Iran exchanges have again put the Strait of Hormuz in focus, with Iran warning it must govern the waterway and threatening a “complete halt” to talks if attacks continue—an issue that directly affects Bahrain’s maritime environment and shipping safety. UNIDO & Bahrain Support for Recovery: The Royal Humanitarian Foundation joined UNIDO discussions on private-sector-led industrial recovery for war-affected countries, while an ITPO UNIDO proposal points to a BD40 million international fund to back startups and MSMEs in conflict zones.

Strait of Hormuz Security: Fresh US-Iran strikes have pushed the Strait of Hormuz ceasefire “into collapse,” with Iran blaming the US for renewed attacks and warning of a “complete halt” to negotiations; Iran’s drone strike on the Panama-flagged oil tanker Kiku damaged the bridge (crew safe, no environmental damage reported), while the US hit Iranian military sites and Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait. Marine Pollution Watch: A new Bahrain-focused study finds microplastics are widespread in marine ecosystems, especially in oyster bed habitats, urging standardised long-term monitoring and stronger national management to protect seafood safety. Bahrain Water Security: Bahrain’s electricity and water minister highlighted the kingdom’s push for water security at Saudi Water Week, stressing treated wastewater use, groundwater protection, and climate-linked demand pressures. Local Economy & Investment: Bahrain EDB wrapped a five-day China and Hong Kong visit to attract investment and strengthen GCC–Asia ties, spotlighting priority sectors for new partnerships. Support for SMEs: UNIDO’s Bahrain office backed a proposed BD40m international fund to help war-affected startups and MSMEs sustain operations.

Gulf Security & Environment: Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after new U.S. strikes, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warning of a “complete halt” to talks and insisting it must oversee the Strait of Hormuz—an energy lifeline that also affects regional air, water, and marine safety. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said a residential building was hit, while Kuwait reported intercepts of incoming missiles. The renewed crossfire has also complicated efforts to reopen sea routes, with a U.S.-linked maritime plan to expand an Oman-side route raising fresh tensions. Water Security: Bahrain’s Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to water security at Saudi Water Week, highlighting treated wastewater use, groundwater protection, and AI-enabled solutions. Local Community & Resilience: Muharraq and Northern Governorates praised the smooth, secure organisation of Ashoora commemorations, crediting coordination across authorities and community leaders. Islamic Finance: Bahrain’s sukuk sale drew massive demand, underscoring liquidity pressures in Islamic banks.