AGP Executive Report

Renewable Energy Push: Arab renewable capacity jumped about 36% in 2025 to 39.2 GW, with solar making up 72.3% of the total; Bahrain added 0.05 GW as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE led new installations. Bahrain Climate Awareness: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment held a World Environment Day virtual lecture on climate change, focusing on greenhouse-gas sources, national initiatives, and the need for coordinated public action. Lawmakers Review Green Rules: Bahrain’s Shura Council Public Utilities and Environment Committee completed 12 reports, including draft amendments touching the Environment Law and proposals linked to renewable energy and endangered species trade. Microplastics Focus: A Bahrain op-ed highlights tougher measures aimed at microplastics, including moves to curb plastic packaging and ultra-thin single-use bags that fragment in harsh conditions. Energy Market Stability: Bahrain’s oil and environment minister joined OPEC+ talks via video conference, urging continued coordination to keep global energy markets stable. Regional Shockwaves: Coverage notes Strait of Hormuz disruption cutting seaborne oil and LNG flows to near-zero, with knock-on impacts for regional shipping and trade. World Environment Day Finance: KFH–Bahrain reaffirmed sustainability commitments, citing energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable financing aligned with net-zero goals.

Microplastics Push: Bahrain is stepping up its environmental fight against microplastics, shifting from basic litter control to health-focused prevention, including moves to curb plastic fragmentation and reduce exposure risks. Climate Awareness: The Supreme Council for Environment held a World Environment Day virtual lecture on climate change in Bahrain, stressing greenhouse-gas sources and the need for coordinated national action. Food Security & Waste: Bahrain’s agriculture minister joined an Istanbul meeting on cutting post-harvest losses, highlighting storage, supply diversification, and stronger food-system resilience. VAT Relief Study: MPs are studying a bill that would make payment receipt the VAT “tax point” for supplies to government bodies, aiming to ease cash-flow pressure on businesses. Business Resilience: Analysts say Bahraini firms are restructuring supply chains and moving away from single-source procurement to survive trade-route disruptions and rising costs. Investor Outreach: Bahrain EDB wrapped a five-day Spain and Switzerland roadshow, pitching sectors like finance, logistics, tourism, and fintech/digital assets. Gulf Youth Day: Bahrain marked Gulf Youth Day with renewed focus on youth roles in development, security, and sustainable progress across the GCC. Regional Tensions: Coverage continues on US-Iran strikes and retaliatory drone/missile activity affecting the Gulf, with Bahrain repeatedly mentioned in the security fallout.

Microplastics Policy: Bahrain is tightening rules to cut microplastic exposure, including a ban on plastic wrappers for hot bread and fresh baked goods and a 2026 decision restricting very thin single-use plastic bags that fragment fast in the Gulf sun. Coastal Clean-Up: World Environment Day efforts continued with a Malikiya coastline clean-up led by the Enforcement of Judgments and Alternative Sentencing, plus a Badiya Beach cleanup organised by the Coast Guard and Northern Governorate to reduce marine waste. Marine & Climate Cooperation: Bahrain’s Oil and Environment minister met Japanese officials in Tokyo to advance energy and industry ties, plus knowledge-sharing on marine risk monitoring and climate resilience. Youth & Sustainability: Bahrain marked Gulf Youth Day with leaders praising young people’s role in innovation and sustainable development, including GCC youth initiatives tied to peace and SDGs. Green Finance & ESG: NBB highlighted “responsible banking” as governance-led strategy, while Boursa Kuwait released its fifth Sustainability Report, aligning ESG reporting with major global frameworks. Investor Outreach: Bahrain EDB wrapped up a Spain and Switzerland roadshow, pitching sectors from fintech and digital assets to logistics and tourism.

Youth & Innovation: Bahrain’s Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawfiqi said Gulf Youth Day highlights young people’s role in innovation, entrepreneurship and the digital economy, pointing to an enabling environment backed by King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman. Food Security & Waste: Bahrain joined an Istanbul meeting on cutting post-harvest losses, with ministers stressing long-term sustainability, storage capacity and stronger supply partnerships to protect food flows. World Environment Day Clean-Ups: Bahrain marked World Environment Day with multiple coastal actions, including Malikiya and coastline clean-ups led by enforcement and open-prisons beneficiaries, plus a Badiya Beach campaign by the Coast Guard and Northern Governorate to reduce marine waste. Bahrain–Japan Climate Cooperation: Oil and Environment Minister Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina met Japanese officials in Tokyo to expand energy, marine monitoring and climate resilience cooperation, including scientific research and regulatory know-how. Jobs at Risk: A Bahrain business leader warned escalating Middle East tensions could jeopardize around 36 million jobs globally by 2027, urging coordinated action to protect trade, investment and SMEs. EDB Investor Push: The Bahrain Economic Development Board wrapped up a Europe roadshow in Spain and Switzerland, pitching Bahrain as a resilient hub for finance, logistics, tourism and fintech/digital assets.

Bahrain-Japan Climate Talks: Bahrain’s Oil and Environment Minister Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina met Japanese officials in Tokyo to deepen cooperation on energy transition, marine risk monitoring, climate resilience, and scientific research, including discussions with Japan’s environment ministry and the Nippon Foundation. World Environment Day Cleanups: Bahrain marked World Environment Day with coastal action—open-prison beneficiaries joined a Malikiya coastline clean-up, while the Coast Guard and Northern Governorate ran a Badiya Beach cleanup to cut marine waste and boost volunteerism. Food Security Push: Bahrain’s agriculture minister joined an Istanbul meeting focused on reducing post-harvest losses, stressing long-term food security planning, storage capacity, and supply diversification. Gulf Youth Spotlight: Bahrain’s foreign minister praised Gulf youth solidarity on Gulf Youth Day, linking youth empowerment to sustainable development and regional stability. Regional Tensions and Hormuz Risk: Amid renewed US-Iran clashes, Bahrain reported interceptions of Iranian drones and missiles, underscoring ongoing threats to Gulf maritime safety and energy flows.

World Environment Day in Bahrain: Bahrain marked June 5 with a flurry of local action, from beach clean-ups in Budaiya, Malkiya and Buhair Valley to tree-planting at Isa Town Jogging Track, as community groups and institutions pushed waste reduction and greener public spaces. Climate policy spotlight: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for the Environment and the Shura Council’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee highlighted progress on renewable energy, biodiversity protection, water reuse and the net-zero 2060 pledge, while UN chief António Guterres urged urgent global emissions cuts and faster renewables. Sustainable transport push: Bahrain promoted cycling through World Bicycle Day events, including a “Cyclethon” and new/expanded cycling infrastructure plans aimed at cleaner mobility. Bahrain-Japan cooperation: Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed bin Daina met Japanese officials in Tokyo to discuss joint work on marine monitoring, climate resilience and environmental research. Marine life & desert biodiversity: Coverage also spotlighted desert monitor lizards as key desert ecosystem players, alongside Bahrain-linked conservation themes. Regional security with environmental stakes: Amid Gulf tensions, reports of attacks around Hormuz and renewed warnings around nuclear safety underscored risks to civilians and the environment, including concerns over operational nuclear facilities.

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.