AGP Executive Report

Digital Land Services: Bahrain’s Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) has upgraded its Positioning Reference Network (PRN) online service, cutting application processing from two working days to one and moving steps to a fully electronic flow. Public-Sector HR Tech: The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and Beyon Solutions signed a strategic HR digital transformation deal using Oracle Fusion Cloud, delivered via Beyon’s sovereign Hyper Cloud services. Smart Parking Expansion: Parkin (Dubai) and Bahrain Car Parks Company (Amakin) signed an MoU to explore parking technology integration, digital payments across apps, and mobility data analytics for GCC-wide smarter parking. Cybersecurity & Banking Risk: A new Android banking Trojan variant, ToxicPanda 2.0, is expanding targeting and persistence tactics, while a separate report warns banks that deeper AI and digitalisation raise the stakes when systems fail or are attacked. Space & Earth Monitoring: Bahrain Space Agency leadership joined a seminar on satellite-based climate and dust monitoring, highlighting AI-enabled earth observation for environmental risk tracking. Fintech & Women: Benefit reaffirmed its equal-opportunity push for Bahraini women in fintech, focusing on training and leadership pathways.

Bahrain Fintech & Women: Benefit reaffirms equal-opportunity push for Bahraini women in fintech, citing training, leadership pathways and digital payments/data roles as the Supreme Council for Women marks its 25th anniversary. Cybersecurity: Zimperium zLabs reports ToxicPanda 2.0, an Android banking Trojan that expands targeting to hundreds of apps and adds deeper device takeover plus long-term persistence. Space & Earth Monitoring: Bahrain Space Agency CEO Dr Mohammed Al Aseeri joins a seminar on satellite-based climate and dust monitoring, highlighting AI-enabled earth observation for MENA environmental risk management. Healthcare Tech: Royal Medical Services says it has completed about 180 Hugo robotic-assisted surgeries since launching the Medtronic platform in 2024, expanding local advanced care. Digital Public Services: Bahrain’s primary health centres continue digital transformation, including electronic appointment booking and AI trials for services, alongside expanded around-the-clock coverage. Local Research Spotlight: FinSight Bahrain captures rare footage of the critically endangered Smoothnose Wedgefish using non-invasive underwater cameras. Regional Trade Talks: India and the GCC review progress on a free trade agreement in Riyadh, including preparations for a ministerial meeting next month. Energy Transition: A GCC-focused report points to rapid solar and wind growth and frames hydrogen as the next big clean-energy bet for the region. Geopolitics Watch: Iran warns of ship seizures in the Strait of Hormuz as the US prepares further economic pressure measures.

Lunar Science: China’s Chang’e-7 is moving toward launch for a bold south-pole mission, aiming to confirm water ice near Shackleton Crater with a lander, rover and a hopping craft, plus 21 payloads including instruments from Bahrain and other partners. Bahrain Health Tech: Royal Medical Services says it has completed about 180 robotic surgeries using Medtronic’s Hugo system since launching in 2024, expanding minimally invasive care locally. Digital Government HR: Bahrain’s Civil Service Bureau signs with Beyon Solutions to roll out Oracle Fusion Cloud for a more integrated, flexible government HR system on a sovereign cloud platform. Primary Care Upgrade: Bahrain’s primary health centres highlight 24/7 urgent services expansion, “Choose Your Doctor” continuity, and faster appointment and test-result access through electronic systems, with AI being studied for some services. Fintech & Inclusion: BENEFIT leaders mark the Supreme Council for Women’s 25 years, pointing to Bahraini women’s growing role in digital payments, data and fintech platforms. Local Wildlife Research: FinSight Bahrain records rare footage of the critically endangered Smoothnose Wedgefish using non-invasive underwater cameras. Space-to-Climate Angle: A Bahrain-focused climate piece argues the country can scale up carbon removal and other tech to cut emissions faster. Consumer Tech Payments: Zain Bahrain partners with Sharaf DG to let customers buy devices via installment vouchers redeemable through the Zain app. Healthcare Awareness: A Bahrain study flags low follow-through on regular mammogram screening and calls for reminders, physician involvement and better public awareness.

Mumtalakat Leadership: Mumtalakat has appointed Noora Abdulrahman Jamsheer as CEO of Synergy Shared Services, a portfolio support company, as it pushes for operational excellence across its holdings. Telecom Retail Tech: Zain Bahrain teamed up with Sharaf DG Bahrain to let customers buy phones and electronics via installment vouchers through the Zain app (up to BD600), repaid on monthly bills. Health Tech & Data: Bahrain’s NHRA got a fresh review of its digital healthcare upgrades, including updates to the “Madar” system and a Drug Tracking System, plus performance indicators for its contact centre. Government HR Cloud: Bahrain’s Civil Service Bureau signed with Beyon Solutions to implement Oracle Fusion Cloud for a more integrated, sovereign HR system. Wireless Rules: Bahrain’s telecom regulator set new licence-exempt rules for low-power devices like Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, with limits and enforcement including seizure and fines for non-compliance. Robotic Surgery in Bahrain: Royal Medical Services says it has completed about 180 robotic procedures using Medtronic’s Hugo platform since launching in 2024. Space Science Link: Chang’e-7 is set to launch Aug 24 to hunt water ice at the Moon’s south pole, with an international science payload that includes Bahrain. Public Health Screening: A Bahrain study flags low follow-through on regular mammogram screening among women and calls for reminders, more physician involvement, and better awareness. AI & Climate Angle: A Bahrain-focused piece argues the country can scale climate tech like carbon removal and direct air capture to speed net-zero progress.

Bahrain Health Tech: Bahrain’s NHRA got a fresh push for digital healthcare, with SCH and the Health Minister reviewing upgrades to the Madar system, a Drug Tracking System, and NHRA contact-centre and accreditation data to improve monitoring and decision-making. Wireless Rules: Bahrain’s telecom regulator set new licence-free rules for low-power devices like Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and IoT bands, with limits on interference and powers, plus seizure and fines for rogue equipment. Women’s Health: A Bahrain study found fewer than half of women who start mammogram screening keep up regular checks, pointing to beliefs that screening isn’t needed without symptoms, fear, and lack of time—urging reminders and more physician involvement. Robotics in Care: Royal Medical Services highlighted its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery programme, now used for about 180 procedures across urology, general surgery and gynaecology. Local Industry & Food Security: The Northern Municipal Council visited Awal Dairy to spotlight how Bahraini manufacturing and technology adoption can strengthen food security and supply resilience. Sustainability Finance: Burgan Bank’s MSCI ESG rating rose from BB to BBB, citing stronger governance and sustainability integration. Space Watch: China’s Chang’e‑7 mission is gearing up to hunt water ice at the Moon’s south pole, using an orbiter, lander, rover and a hopper designed for shadowed craters. Climate Tech: A Bahrain-focused piece argues the country can scale up carbon removal and other clean-power technologies, including direct air capture, to speed net-zero progress. Digital Identity Payments: CrediMax rolled out eKey 2.0 via its app, using Bahrain’s digital identity authentication to speed up secure customer verification. AI & Customer Support: Zain Bahrain expanded its partner voucher programme with Sharaf DG and also advanced its OneCX AI-powered customer support partnership with Text Solution. Cyber & Security: France warned troops that everyday connected devices—cars, apps and wearables—can leak sensitive base information, while broader coverage flags how cyberattacks are increasingly shaping modern conflict.

Telecom & Digital Payments: Zain Bahrain has signed a partnership with Sharaf DG Bahrain to let customers buy tech and lifestyle products using installment vouchers redeemed via the Zain app, with repayments added to monthly Zain bills. Health Tech: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Health reviewed NHRA digital upgrades, including updates to the “Madar” system, a Drug Tracking System, and performance dashboards for accreditation and the NHRA contact centre. Wireless Rules: Bahrain’s telecom regulator issued new licence-free rules for low-power wireless devices (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and more), setting technical limits and allowing seizure and fines for non-compliant equipment. AI in Finance Identity: CrediMax Digital rolled out eKey 2.0, Bahrain’s digital identity authentication, to speed up trusted customer verification across selected services. Kids & Screens: A Bahrain-led systematic review warns some children are getting smartphones/tablets before age one and that heavy use is linked to disrupted sleep and reduced healthy activity time. Space Science: China’s Chang’e-7 mission is preparing for a lunar south-pole landing attempt near Shackleton crater, with international science teams including Bahrain. Education & Skills: Arabian Gulf University wrapped up a five-day medical summer camp for 60 GCC students, using hands-on simulation to help them explore medical careers. Bahrain Culture: Applications are open for Bahrain’s pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2027, themed “Making and Scarcity.” Gen Z & AI Risks: Young Bahrainis are raising concerns about Gen Z using AI for companionship and sharing sensitive info, while a study finds many don’t take protective steps. Logistics Investment: Investcorp acquired India contract logistics firm 20Cube 3PL Solutions to expand warehousing and supply-chain services using tech-enabled visibility and tracking.

Water & AI Infrastructure: Gulf states are pouring billions into water security to keep pace with AI and data-centre growth, highlighting how cooling and industrial demand make water the real bottleneck for the region’s next tech economy. Child Health & Screens: Bahrain doctors reviewed smartphone use in children and flagged early exposure and heavy daily use, linking it to disrupted sleep and reduced healthy activity. Bahrain Digital Health: Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health reviewed NHRA digital upgrades, including updates to the Madar system and drug tracking, plus performance dashboards for accreditation and regulation. Customer Service AI in Bahrain: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX joined Text Solution’s partner programme to bring AI-powered omnichannel support and unified customer interaction analytics to local enterprises. Space Science: China’s Chang’e-7 mission is set to launch on Aug. 24 to hunt water ice near the Moon’s south pole, with international instruments including Bahrain-linked participation. Moonshot Tech & Research: The mission’s rover, hopper and deep-space navigation aim to enable first-of-their-kind science, including new views of the Milky Way from lunar orbit. Logistics Investment: Investcorp acquired 20Cube 3PL Solutions to expand technology-supported contract logistics in India, with plans to grow warehousing and add bolt-on deals. Fintech & Compliance: SOLOWIN HOLDINGS (AXG) marked a decade focused on compliance-first token finance and AI-enabled token services. Deepfake Law Push: Calls are growing for tougher deepfake laws as AI-generated media spreads faster than safeguards. Venice Architecture Call: Bahrain opened applications to represent the country at the Venice Architecture Biennale, with the pavilion theme “Making and Scarcity.”

Bahrain Health Tech: Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) got a fresh digital push as the Supreme Council of Health reviewed upgrades to the Madar system, the Drug Tracking System, and accreditation and contact-centre dashboards—aimed at better access to health data and smarter decision-making. AI Customer Service in Bahrain: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX joined Text Solution’s partner programme to bring AI-powered omnichannel support (chat, tickets, email) plus automation and analytics for businesses across Bahrain. Deepfake Law Push: Bahrain’s MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen called for deepfake-specific rules in local law to tackle fake video and cloned voice scams that can fuel identity theft and panic during crises. Space Science: China’s Chang’e-7 is gearing up for a complex lunar south-pole mission to hunt water ice near Shackleton crater, with international instruments including Bahrain-linked research teams. Cybersecurity & Data Centres: A warning on India’s data-centre boom highlights rising risks from cyberattacks and physical disruption as critical workloads increasingly move online. Solar Supply Chain: United Solar says it has started polysilicon production in Oman, aiming to diversify supply beyond China and ramp output for solar-grade material. Fintech & Logistics Moves: Investcorp bought 20Cube’s India contract logistics arm to expand warehousing and tech-enabled supply-chain services, while Samsung Gulf rolled out its 2026 Vision AI TV lineup across Bahrain and the region.

AI Safety for Youth: Bahrain-based young people are raising alarms after a global study found Gen Z uses AI daily, treats it like a friend, and often shares personal details without consistently taking protective steps. Deepfake Law Push: MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen says Bahrain should add standalone rules for deepfake crimes as AI-made fake videos and cloned voices grow, warning of crisis-era misinformation and identity harm. Bahrain Enterprise AI Support: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX has joined Text Solutions’ partner programme to unify customer chats, tickets and emails, automate routine requests with AI, and turn service data into insights. Local Labour & Skills: Bahrain and ESCWA discussed labour market development, focusing on policy upgrades, skills improvement, and keeping pace with economic and technological change. Women in Stats Leadership: iGA reports women hold 72.7% of executive roles in its statistics sector, alongside strong workforce participation. Space Tech Watch: China’s Chang’e 7 is set for an Aug. 24 launch aiming to land near the lunar south pole to search for water ice. Lunar Science Benchmark: Experts say Chang’e 7 could set a new standard for robotic lunar missions, with international experiments onboard. Cyber Risk for Data Centres: India’s data-centre boom is flagged as a growing target for cyberattacks and disruptions, with ransomware and sensitive infrastructure concerns. Gulf Tech & Policy Events: Bahrain-linked regional forums and workshops highlight ongoing focus on technology, workforce readiness, and strategic planning across the Gulf.

AI Customer Service in Bahrain: Zain Bahrain’s OneCX has joined Text Solutions’ partner program, integrating AI-powered omnichannel support to unify chats, tickets and emails, automate routine tasks and turn service data into actionable insights. Deepfake Law Push: Bahrain MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen says deepfakes should be written into local laws to curb fake video and cloned-voice crimes that can fuel impersonation, identity theft and panic during crises. Bahrain Bourse Upskilling: Bahrain Bourse ran an AI productivity workshop for staff, training them on tools like Microsoft Copilot and Claude to generate reports from workplace content. AI TV Rollout: Samsung Gulf announced its 2026 Vision AI TV lineup across UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, expanding AI features across OLED, Micro RGB and other models. Gulf Tech & Security Context: A week of coverage also highlighted how the Iran conflict is reshaping regional air routes and tech risk, including calls for tougher deepfake rules and concerns over AI’s role in conflict. Investcorp Logistics Move: Investcorp acquired India’s 20Cube 3PL Solutions for about $58m, aiming to scale warehousing and contract logistics across India.

Bahrain’s AI push in finance: Bahrain Bourse ran a 3-hour AI-powered productivity workshop for staff, training them on tools like Microsoft Copilot and Claude to turn everyday workplace content into business reports, as the exchange doubles down on a future-ready, tech-enabled workforce. Digital payments upgrade: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS services certification under the ISO 20022 MX standard, strengthening faster, more compliant electronic payments for retail and corporate customers. Tokenization lands in Abu Dhabi: Coinbase is setting up an Abu Dhabi tokenization hub at ADGM, licensed to arrange deals and securely hold tokenized securities backed by real shares—aimed at making digital investing more accessible. AI security in the region: Bluesky confirmed a second Iran-linked DDoS disruption in four months, knocking users offline and highlighting weaknesses even in “decentralized” platforms. Logistics tech investment: Investcorp (Bahrain-based) acquired India’s 20Cube 3PL Solutions for about US$58M to expand tech-enabled contract logistics and scale warehousing across India. Maritime tech & defense: A new Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition was launched with Bahrain among founding backers to coordinate regional maritime security across key Red Sea routes. Local science & education: Arabian Gulf University hosted medical simulation camp activities with Alba and INJAZ Bahrain, giving students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art simulation training.

AI at Bahrain Bourse: Bahrain Bourse ran a three-hour AI productivity workshop for staff, training them on tools like Microsoft Copilot and Claude to turn emails and meeting notes into business reports. Digital Payments Upgrade: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS services certification under the ISO 20022 MX messaging standard, strengthening digital payment compliance and speed. Logistics Tech Expansion: Investcorp, the Bahrain-based alternative investment firm, acquired India’s 20Cube 3PL Solutions for about US$58M, aiming to scale tech-enabled contract logistics across India. National Health Systems: Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health opened an Effective Vaccine Management workshop to improve vaccine storage and supply-chain capabilities. Sustainability Innovation: Ericsson and Hack for Earth launched the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge across the Gulf, inviting startups and students (including Bahrain) to build digital solutions for sustainability using AI and connectivity. Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia launched a Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition with Bahrain among founding states to protect key shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Coexistence Award: Nominations opened worldwide for the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, with entries due by Oct 10.

Digital Payments Upgrade (Bahrain): KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS services certification under the ISO 20022 MX messaging standard, following Benefit testing under Central Bank requirements—aimed at faster, more accurate electronic payments for retail and corporate clients. AI for Work (Bahrain): Bahrain Bourse ran a three-hour AI productivity workshop for staff, using tools like Microsoft Copilot and Claude to turn everyday workplace content into business reports. Vaccine Supply Skills (Bahrain): Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health opened an Effective Vaccine Management workshop to strengthen storage, distribution, and supply-chain capabilities through shared best practices. Smart TV Streaming (GCC): LG teamed with stc tv to add deeper webOS integration and a “Quick Access” shortcut on LG Smart TVs in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, plus a 3-month subscription offer for new users. Sustainability Innovation (GCC): Ericsson and Hack for Earth launched the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge for startups and young innovators across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, pushing digital solutions for sustainability using AI, IoT, and next-gen connectivity. Maritime Security (Region): Saudi Arabia launched a Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition headquartered in Riyadh, with Bahrain among 14 endorsers, to protect key Red Sea and Gulf shipping routes. Cyber Risk (Global): Researchers disclosed a two-stage exploit chain targeting Unisoc T612 modem firmware, where a modem flaw combined with a prior RCE could lead to privileged access on affected Android devices. Logistics Expansion (China): DHL nearly $205m expanded its Shenzhen air cargo hub, tripling parcel processing capacity and adding automated systems to boost direct Asia-Pacific and global outbound flights.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia launched the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC) in Riyadh to protect the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden, with Bahrain among 14 founding backers and a permanent command structure aimed at countering Houthi blockade and attacks. US-Iran Tech & Trade Risk: A US-Iran 60-day MoU on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz expired, with both sides blaming violations; the strait remains a flashpoint as shipping slows and tensions keep rising. Cybersecurity: Researchers disclosed a two-stage exploit chain targeting Unisoc T612 modem firmware, where a prior remote flaw plus a video-call interaction could grant privileged Android kernel access on affected devices. Smart TV & Streaming: LG and stc tv deepened integration on LG webOS, adding “Quick Access” for stc tv on compatible TVs across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Sustainability Innovation: Ericsson and Hack for Earth launched the Ericsson Sustainability Challenge for startups and students across the Gulf (including Bahrain), pushing digital solutions for climate action using AI, IoT and connectivity. Marine Conservation: Bahrain researchers highlighted shark and ray protection efforts using eDNA and underwater video, stressing gaps in baseline data and heavy gillnet capture. Youth & Skills: Bahrain’s “Try Working” programme expanded workplace exposure for 15–18-year-olds, partnering with Nasser Centre for Science and Technology and Youth City 2030. Local Industry: Alba announced managerial promotions as part of Bahrainisation, appointing leaders in calciner/marine and engineering/projects roles.

US-Iran Diplomacy: A 60-day MoU window on a peace deal expired Monday, with Washington and Tehran still far apart over how to move forward, after renewed Strait of Hormuz clashes and tit-for-tat strikes. Cybersecurity: Researchers warn of a two-stage exploit chain targeting Unisoc T612 modem firmware—pairing a prior remote code flaw with a video-call trigger that could lead to privileged Android kernel access. Bahrain Marine Tech: Conservationists in Bahrain are using eDNA and underwater video to map shark and ray diversity and tackle the lack of baseline data in local waters. Medical Education: Arabian Gulf University ran a five-day “Medical Student Experience” camp for 60 students, mixing lab and clinical skills with hospital tours. Smart TV in the GCC: LG and stc tv launched “Quick Access” on webOS, letting viewers jump straight to stc tv content from the TV home screen in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Payments & Compliance: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS services certification under ISO 20022 MX, aligning Bahrain’s digital transfers with updated international standards. Industry Reliability: John Crane renewed a six-year reliability deal for pumps at a Bahrain refinery, aiming to cut seal failures and stabilize maintenance costs. Workforce Skills: Bahrain Chamber’s “Try Working” programme expanded workplace exposure for 15–18-year-olds with hands-on career readiness. Strait-of-Hormuz Spillover: Reports also highlight how long deployments and supply-base shifts are stressing crews aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, with Bahrain’s Naval Support Activity cited as a key logistics hub hit early in the conflict.

Strava Security Warning: Reports say Iran may have used fitness-route data from Strava users at US bases to track troop movements, after the Pentagon reviewed and restricted such apps for creating a “pattern of life.” Bahrain Digital Payments: KFH-Bahrain renewed its EFTS services certification to the ISO 20022 MX standard, following BENEFIT compatibility tests, aiming for faster, safer transfers and better compliance. Fintech Lending Upgrade: Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) became the first in the Kingdom to offer Sharia’a-compliant financing via BenefitPay’s consumer lending marketplace, with BENEFIT providing the digital infrastructure. Health Tech Training: Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Health highlighted a new electronic training platform for doctors in residency programmes, focused on structured online content and improved supervision. Worker Safety Tech: talabat Bahrain won a Private Sector Excellence Award for combating trafficking in persons, citing its Rider App and telematics-based rider safety monitoring. Industry Reliability in Bahrain: John Crane renewed a six-year Managed Reliability Program for 1,833 pumps at a major Bahrain refinery to cut seal failures and stabilize maintenance costs. Alba Bahrainisation: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) promoted S. Abbas S. Baqer and Ali Aseeri to senior managerial roles, strengthening its internal leadership pipeline. Youth & Skills: Youth City 2030 activities continued, with ACME visiting training centres, while NHRA ran Bahrain’s first national dental assistant licensing exam.