AGP Executive Report

F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Max Verstappen called Friday’s start “positive” despite extreme heat and tyre wear at Sepang, where he topped FP1 and finished fourth in FP2; Ferrari spotlight: Charles Leclerc bounced back to lead FP2, while Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur insisted he has full support from CEO Benedetto Vigna and chairman John Elkann amid leadership gossip; Race-week logistics & safety: Malaysia deployed 155 fire and rescue personnel plus helicopters and ambulances for the Bahrain GP weekend; Broadcast push: Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry said RTM’s live broadcast is set to boost public interest and youth engagement; Bahrain finance: Al Salam Bank says it has adopted J.P. Morgan Payments’ Overnight Murabaha liquidity solution, highlighting Islamic finance innovation during the Bahrain GP; Abraham Accords diplomacy: Israel and Morocco agreed to upgrade relations and exchange ambassadors, while Accords partners including Bahrain met in New York to expand cooperation.

F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Bahrain’s race weekend at Sepang kicks off with major fan access moves, as Malaysia’s RTM will broadcast the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix live, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined Bahrain’s Crown Prince and PM Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for pit-lane preparations. Regional economy & resilience: In Manama, Bahrain’s Finance Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa chaired GCC finance talks with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, stressing joint Gulf action as a strategic necessity amid shocks to shipping and energy routes. Housing & infrastructure: The GCC Housing Award winners were honoured during Gulf Housing Week, and Bahrain’s Bani Jamra sewage network project has reached the tender stage, aiming to modernise services while protecting the village’s weaving heritage. Health tech: Bahrain Diabetes Society launched Sukari AI, an app offering diabetes guidance in English and Arabic with quick consultation support. Business & governance: Al Salam Bank announced ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for its AI management system and said it financed first Danat Sanad social housing units. Youth skills: A proposal would turn Youth City 2030 into a year-round training hub for future skills including AI and cyber security.

F1 & Bahrain GP logistics: Malaysia’s Sepang circuit is hosting the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, with traffic screening at five KLIA-to-Sepang routes, 365 officers on duty, and parking for 9,000 vehicles plus 100 buses; KLIA is urging fans to use public transport and e-hailing, with free shuttles to SIC and daily traffic diversions. Royal Bahrain ties & event build-up: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined a pit-lane walk at Sepang and shared updates with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman, as preparations ramp up for the Oct 2-4 race. On-track storylines: Lewis Hamilton backed Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur while calling for leadership change higher up; Max Verstappen returns to Sepang after nine years, and George Russell warned Sepang’s heat could push tyres to overheat. Regional finance diplomacy: Qatar and Oman took part in GCC finance and central bank meetings in Manama with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, focusing on GCC resilience, diversification, and stability amid geopolitics. Bahrain business & development: CrediMax appointed Andrew Mark Hocking as CEO, while Naseej signed consultants for its Amwaj Avenue mixed-use waterfront project. Crypto in Bahrain: Binance Bahrain said it is simplifying fiat-to-crypto access with supported bank/card funding and zero deposit fees on eligible channels.

Tamkeen Digital Push: Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has launched an enhanced Digital Enablement and AI Programme for micro, small and medium firms, covering up to 50% of eligible costs for software and services to boost productivity and competitiveness. Housing Tech Showcase: iGA is displaying digital housing and real estate services at the Innovation in Social Housing Summit, including eKey 2.0 access to housing apps, financing requests, contract registration and property title transfers. Capital Markets Update: Bahrain Bourse reviewed progress on its 2026-2028 “Elevate” plan and approved updated internal policies to strengthen governance and risk management. Social Housing Finance: KFH-Bahrain and KFH-Bahrain also backed the Innovation in Social Housing Conference and Exhibition 2026 with Sharia-compliant financing support. F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Sepang is gearing up for the relocated “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” with nearly 100,000 tickets sold and new traffic rules, while fans and travel searches surge across Kuala Lumpur and Sepang. Sports Spotlight: Bahrain junior billiards player Haider Maroum reclaimed the national nine-ball title, beating Ibrahim Al Qaed 11-9 in the final. Breast Cancer Awareness: Bahrain Rugby Club and Cycling Bees are set to stage Think Pink events in October to support Bahrain Breast Cancer Society.

F1 in Malaysia: Sepang International Circuit says it is 100% ready for the “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” this weekend, with nearly 100,000 tickets sold and only about 3,000 left, while a new traffic plan bans motorcyclists around the circuit and limits entry to vehicles with valid passes. Haze and event status: Malaysia’s communications minister says the F1 race, Le Tour de Langkawi and the Kuala Lumpur marathon are expected to go ahead despite haze, with decisions taken day by day. Bahrain tech and services: Tamkeen launched an enhanced Digital Enablement and AI programme covering up to 50% of eligible software costs for SMEs, and iGA upgraded its personal record data update service to cut steps and time. Labour rules: Bahrain allows foreign workers to temporarily work for a second employer for up to three months under LMRA conditions and approvals. Housing push: Bahrain unveiled a major expansion of social housing, with new homes in Khalifa City and banks offering housing finance deals at the Social Housing Innovation Conference. Public safety: Bahrain’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate arrested five Asian nationals in drug cases, seizing over 2.5kg worth more than BD40,000. Business spotlight: Arab Bank won “Best Corporate Digital Bank in Bahrain” for 2026.

Asian Games Spotlight: India’s women’s 4x400m relay team won gold in Nagoya with a 3:29.69 finish, with Bahrain taking silver (3:30.21) and China bronze (3:31.02), as rain-slick conditions didn’t stop the “golden girls” from delivering a historic win. Bahrain in Athletics: Bahrain’s Nelly Korir secured silver in the women’s 800m final at the Asian Games, finishing behind China’s Wu Hongjiao as Victoria Bossong of the Philippines took bronze. Bahrain Sports & F1 Build-up: With the Bahrain GP heading to Malaysia’s Sepang this weekend, F1 teams and drivers have been posting from Kuala Lumpur, while Mercedes is tipped as the team to beat ahead of the race. Bahrain Housing & Social Policy: Bahrain says 17,000 families have benefited from housing financing programmes since 2022, and the government will keep supporting social housing as it evolves with private partners. Health Drive: Bahrain’s Health Ministry is set to launch “Nahtam” cancer awareness campaigns, starting with breast and cervical screening outreach in October. Security & Justice: A man was jailed for 10 years for endorsing Iranian attacks on Bahrain, and Bahrain’s Interior Minister hosted GCC anti-corruption cooperation talks. Digital Recognition: Solidarity Bahrain was named “Best Digital Transformation Company Bahrain 2026” for expanding AI-powered, fully digital motor inspections.

GCC Housing Cooperation: Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met senior GCC housing officials at the Innovation Summit in the Social Housing Sector 2026, stressing policy alignment to speed up delivery of sustainable, family-focused housing communities. Homeownership Finance: The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) signed agreements with Union Real Estate and Effects Real Estate to expand developer partnerships and give Bahraini buyers more financing options. Coexistence and Dialogue: KHGC Chairman Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa met Egypt’s Al Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, discussing stronger action against hate speech and extremism, while also meeting Pope Tawadros II to boost interfaith understanding. Women’s Leadership: HRH Princess Sabeeka chaired the SCW’s second meeting in its ninth term, marking the council’s Silver Jubilee and outlining a new phase to build on gains for Bahraini women. Regional Politics: Reports say Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret Abu Dhabi meeting with representatives from several countries including Bahrain, focusing on Iran and Gulf ties. F1 in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Grand Prix is set for Sepang after a nine-year gap, with organisers confident of ticket sales near 100,000 and warnings of stormy, humid weather. Business Signals: Primark opened its first Bahrain store at City Centre Bahrain, with partners saying “business as usual” and plans for a second outlet at the Avenues Mall. Trade and Services: Bahrain streamlined commercial registration transfer services via Sijilat and launched government service kiosks, aiming to make procedures faster for residents.

F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Grand Prix weekend at Sepang (Oct 2-4) is drawing huge demand, with SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif saying ticket sales for the three-day event could reach 100,000, with international visitors making up about half. Local Business & Industry: Hidd HQ in Hidd Industrial Area is adding new industrial capacity with an integrated complex of 80+ units for manufacturing, warehouses and offices, as officials visited the project. Housing Focus: The second Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2026 opens today, with new housing projects, financing options and digital transformation on the agenda. Banking & Social Housing: KFH–Bahrain and NBB are both backing the Social Housing Innovation Summit as platinum sponsors, offering Shari’a-compliant financing and long repayment options for eligible beneficiaries. Healthcare Milestone: The Eye Infirmary received NHRA Diamond Accreditation for its Seef and Janabiya branches, marking its 10th anniversary. Regional Diplomacy: Bahrain’s FM joined an 80-country push at the UN Security Council calling for full restoration of Strait of Hormuz shipping access without tolls.

F1 & Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Bahrain’s Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Sepang (Oct 2–4) after the Sakhir round was cancelled amid West Asia conflict, with Bahrain still the nominal host and Gulf Air retaining title sponsorship; Bahrain’s BIC says the event will showcase Bahraini food and culture, including ma’al-ward rose water. Bahrain governance & resilience: Crown Prince Salman chaired Cabinet reviewing full compensation for citizens hit by Iranian aggression, praising continuity efforts at Bapco Energies and Alba, and highlighting joint executive-legislative crisis coordination. Local labour rules: Bahrain’s LMRA allows foreign workers (non-domestic) to work for a second employer for up to three months with approvals, easing short-term staffing while keeping joint liability rules. Regional markets: Most Gulf bourses slipped as Trump dismissed an Iranian overture on reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Bahrain’s index eased slightly. Tourism entry rules: Qatar confirmed GCC citizens (including Bahrain) are exempt from tourist visa applications under 2026 rules. International security: UK police released five terror suspects on bail after a plot near RAF Fairford, with Iran denying involvement. Sports spotlight: Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi won Asian Games 5000m gold; Parul Chaudhary took bronze.

Banking Disruption Averted: India’s proposed three-day bank strike in late September was called off at the last minute after UFBU and the IBA agreed to keep talks going, including a push for a five-day banking week and a high-level committee on making remaining Saturdays holidays. Food Safety Update: GCC regulators notified the WTO of tougher rules for “gluten-free” claims, setting strict gluten limits and ingredient requirements across the region. Livestock Disease Controls: Bahrain issued new regulations requiring vets and animal owners to report suspected serious ruminant diseases within 24 hours, aiming to speed detection and prevent outbreaks. Iran Attack Readiness: Bahrain’s legislative and executive authorities held joint meetings to review the national response to Iranian attacks, stressing continued preparedness, coordination and protection of essential services. Lab Rules for Expat Work: LMRA rules now allow authorised expatriate workers to be deployed between establishments under strict conditions, including limits tied to Bahrainisation ratios. Farmers’ Support: Bahraini farmers can apply for subsidised GPIC-backed urea fertiliser until Oct. 8 under a community partnership scheme. GCC-Europe Dialogue: Bahrain joined discussions on strengthening GCC-EU ties in energy security, digital transformation and innovation during UNGA 81 in New York. Business & Skills: Bahrain Chamber and the Institute of Public Administration agreed to expand joint training and workforce development aligned with private-sector needs. Capital Markets: Bahrain Bourse began a strategic visit to Kuwait to boost investment cooperation and deepen GCC capital market links. Sports & Culture: Bahrain’s response to regional security and preparedness also featured in UNGA coverage, while local events included scholarship awards and World Heart Day activities.

LMRA Rules for Expat Work: Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority has approved new regulations allowing foreign workers to take a second job for up to three months while staying under their existing work permit, with written consent from the worker, approval from LMRA, and shared legal responsibility between the original and receiving employers. Haj Registration Opens: Online Haj registration for the 1448 AH/2027 season starts today at 3pm via the electronic Haj platform, running until midnight on October 3, with applicants needing a valid identity card and prior eKey 2.0 registration plus updated contact details through government services or the MyGov app. Tourism Push on World Tourism Day: Bahrain highlighted dialogue and digital transformation in tourism, aligning with this year’s theme on using digital agendas and AI to redesign travel, as the kingdom expands interactive platforms and service access. Digital Economy Boost: Bahrain placed third in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, ranking as a “Technological Sovereignty Leader” with strong scores in ICT spread, e-commerce legislation and AI strategy. Retail Growth: Primark opened its first store in Bahrain and Alshaya Group says a second outlet at The Avenues Mall will follow within six months. Sports & Community: Bahrain’s student art carnival Spectra (Faber-Castell) is set for November 13, while Indian athlete Sarvesh Kushare won Asian Games high jump silver and Parul Chaudhary took women’s 3000m steeplechase bronze.

Maritime Security at UN: India joined Bahrain and Gulf partners at the UN urging protection of international sea lanes as attacks on commercial vessels and Strait of Hormuz disruptions threaten energy, food security and global trade. Economic Resilience: Bahrain’s Industry and Commerce Minister said the kingdom is pushing a more competitive, resilient economy by empowering the private sector, boosting industrial output, and backing SMEs, with more digital transformation and streamlined procedures. Digital Economy Ranking: Bahrain placed third in the Arab Digital Economy Index 2026, scoring strongly on digital sovereignty, e-commerce rules and AI strategy. Tourism Push: Bahrain marked World Tourism Day by highlighting digital transformation and AI to redesign tourism while keeping sustainability front and centre. F1 Culture Spotlight: Bahrain Village will bring Bahraini heritage, food and crafts to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Public Safety: Bahrain issued guidance to protect children from cybercrime and online blackmail. Crime Update: Four teenagers were jailed for luring an expatriate via a dating app, assaulting him and stealing his scooter. Sports: George Russell edged Max Verstappen to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in a dramatic finish.

Malaysia-Bahrain Security Talks: Bahrain and Malaysia agreed to boost cooperation on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, drug enforcement, and border security during talks between Bahrain’s interior minister and Malaysia’s home minister in Abu Dhabi, with Bahrain also highlighting the Oct 2-4 Sepang hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Hajj Registration: Bahrain’s Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs said online Hajj registration for 1448 AH/2027 AD opens at 3pm tomorrow (Sept 27) and runs until midnight Oct 3 via the electronic Hajj platform. Court Ruling: Bahrain’s High Commercial Court ordered a trading company to pay a foreign bank about BD72,335 (US$191,361.81) over unpaid goods delivered more than seven years ago. Cyber Safety for Kids: Authorities urged parents to monitor children’s online activity and warn against exploitation and blackmail risks on games, social media and apps. F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Build-Up: Bahrain Village is set to launch at Sepang from Oct 2-4 to showcase tourism and culture for F1 fans, while Colapinto received a five-place grid drop for causing a multi-car crash in Baku. Gulf Cup Football: Bahrain’s protest over Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo was rejected, confirming he is eligible for Gulf Cup 27. Healthcare Focus: Global experts gathered in Bahrain to tackle antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases, with pandemic preparedness and AI also on the agenda.

Gulf Security & Airspace: Bahrain has committed to join the US Central Command’s Task Force Falcon Strike and to buy more US munitions and air defence systems, as regional tensions keep reshaping defence planning. Regional Diplomacy: India and GCC states reviewed their Joint Action Plan at a UNGA-linked Troika meeting in New York, with Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani among key participants, while shipping and West Asia challenges stayed on the agenda. UN Pressure on Navigation: Bahrain’s FM also read out an 80-state UN statement condemning Iran and Houthi attacks and calling for the Strait of Hormuz to stay fully open, warning that threats to Bab al-Mandeb could worsen global trade risks. Bahrain Sports: The Bahrain Football Association filed an official protest to the Gulf Football Federation over Qatar’s Assim Madibo, citing a FIFA ban affecting his eligibility for the Gulf Cup. Local Compliance & Finance: Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development backed AMAN Compliance Solutions’ partnership with Family Microfinance House to strengthen sanctions screening and financial-crime controls. Healthcare Standards: NHRA CEO Dr Ahmed Al Ansari presented accreditation certificates to top healthcare providers, including Diamond and Platinum classifications. Culture: Hindi Day celebrations marked the 100th meeting of Pratham Hindi Toastmasters Club in Bahrain.

Abraham Accords: Israel, the US and Bahrain joined a renewed multilateral meeting in New York to turn normalization into practical cooperation, with Bahrain among the key participants and Kazakhstan joining the framework. UN diplomacy on Hormuz: Bahrain’s foreign minister read out a joint statement as 80 states condemned Iran and Houthi attacks, urging the Strait of Hormuz stay fully open and warning of threats to trade and energy security. Bahrain domestic pressure points: MPs called for petrol quality and mileage tests after complaints that fuel seems to run out faster despite higher prices, while another proposal seeks to let families carry unused subsidised electricity and water from winter into summer to cut summer bills. Local services and culture: A self-service kiosk was launched for government transactions at the Capital Trustees Board, and an art exhibition in Sitra highlighted shared Bahrain-Saudi heritage ahead of Saudi National Day. Sports—Bahrain on the rise: Bahrain advanced to the Asian Games esports quarter-finals, and swimmer Michel Arkhangelskiy won Bahrain’s first Asian Games swimming gold.

Maritime Security at UN: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani read a joint statement backed by 80 countries condemning Iran and Houthi attacks and calling for the urgent, full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and safe Gulf navigation without tolls or “illegal charges,” warning disruption is threatening trade and energy security. Hormuz Pressure Point: Reports say around 60 commercial vessels transited Hormuz on Wednesday carrying about 22 million barrels of oil, while US and Iranian negotiators explore a phased path out of war that hinges on reopening Hormuz and lifting Washington’s blockade. Bahrain’s UN Push: Bahrain also urged full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and highlighted risks around Bab al-Mandeb as Houthi advances grow. Local Diplomacy & Governance: Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister visited Sitra and Hidd to follow up repairs for citizens’ homes and vehicles damaged by hostile Iranian aggression. Digital & Health Moves: Bahrain launched its National Health Strategy 2026–2030 and held awareness sessions on digital government services. Finance Spotlight: NBB will sponsor the Bahraini Banks Reception at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok on Oct 15. Sport & Business: Formula Trophy Malaysia will support the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP weekend in Malaysia, while Gulf hotel operators are slowing expansion plans amid regional disruption.