Eligibility for this exceptional raffle requires raising the balance to a minimum of BD5,000 to join the “Al Waffer Club”, besides investing an additional amount of at least BD5,000 during the offer period, which runs until July 10, 2026. This grants clients the chance to qualify for this exclusive prize, which reflects Khaleeji’s commitment to rewarding clients who are keen to grow their savings, thus providing added value that enhances their banking experience.

This July also holds special significance for “Al Waffer” Account holders, as the opportunities extend beyond this special “Al Waffer Club” raffle to include the highly anticipated July Grand Prize, amounting to USD250,000. Clients continue to qualify for this prize until July 31, 2026, giving them an additional chance to win one of the largest savings prizes in the Kingdom.

The “Al Waffer” Account is one of the leading savings solutions offered by Khaleeji Bank. This year, it includes four Grand Prizes of USD250,000 each, in addition to three Grand Prizes of USD1 million each, to be raffled in December. There are also monthly prizes for members of the “Al Waffer Club” and “Ajyal Al Waffer” program, giving clients multiple chances to win throughout the year while promoting a culture of saving within an Islamic banking framework compliant with Shari’a Principles.

“This exceptional ‘Al Waffer Club’ raffle reflects our commitment to rewarding clients who continue to grow their savings and benefit from the exclusive benefits offered by the club. We encourage clients to take advantage of the remaining days before the 10th July deadline and seize this exceptional opportunity to win a cash prize worth BD50,000,” Ameera Ahmed Al Abbasi, Head of Retail Banking at Khaleeji Bank, said.

“July offers even more exciting opportunities for ‘Al Waffer’ Account holders, as this special ‘Al Waffer Club’ raffle coincides with the ongoing qualification period for the ‘Al Waffer’ July Grand Prize of USD250,000. This reflects Khaleeji’s commitment to providing a comprehensive savings system that offers clients rewarding prizes and renewed opportunities to achieve their financial goals, alongside an innovative banking experience built on trust and added value.”

The “Al Waffer” Account allows clients to enter raffles for every BD25 deposited, with just a minimum opening balance of BD50. Clients can further increase their chances of winning prizes by maintaining their balances and benefiting from the double points system, subject to Terms & Conditions. Opening an account or topping up balances is convenient through the “Khaleeji Mobile App” or at any of the bank’s branches.

Khaleeji Bank is a leading Islamic Bank that strives to achieve clients’ ambitions through an Islamic Banking model that offers a comprehensive range of high quality Shari’a-complaint banking services and investment opportunities to individuals and companies, alongside its community and development initiatives aimed at supporting national talent, empowering the youth, and promoting sustainable development in the Kingdom.

The upgraded service enables private surveying offices to manage their applications electronically, from submission and tracking through to receiving the required surveying certificates and maps.

Under the enhanced service, the processing time has been reduced from five working days to just one working day. The service procedures have also been streamlined from four main stages to two by enabling transactions to be sent to surveying offices electronically and allowing survey work to be completed through the digital system. As a result, the service is now fully automated, with application steps reduced from four to a maximum of two, improving procedural efficiency and expediting request processing.

Bassem bin Yaqoub Al Hamer, President of the SLRB, said that the enhancement of the Private Surveying Offices Management Service reflects the bureau’s continued efforts to develop government services through business process re-engineering, in line with the government’s digital transformation agenda and its commitment to improving the efficiency of public services by simplifying procedures, accelerating request processing, and delivering higher-quality services.

He added that the upgraded service strengthens the bureau’s partnership with the private sector, represented by private surveying offices, which serve as key partners in carrying out surveying activities. The integrated electronic system enables offices to manage and monitor their work more efficiently, enhancing the speed of service delivery, increasing transparency, and providing real-time tracking of applications and implementation stages. This contributes to improving the quality of outputs, streamlining workflows, and supporting the efficiency of the real estate sector.

As part of the government’s ongoing programme to develop and re-engineer public services, more than 1,300 government services have been documented, translated and published. Of these, 800 services have undergone development and process re-engineering across various government sectors, based on proposals and feedback received through the national suggestions and complaints system, Tawasul, investor feedback, and secret shopper reports evaluating government services. The programme has also included the introduction of guidance manuals and service level agreements to improve procedural efficiency, enhance service quality, strengthen the customer experience, and support the government’s digital transformation journey.

The meeting discussed cooperation between the GCC and UNCTAD and ways to further develop it across trade and economic domains.

The GCC Secretary General reviewed joint GCC customs efforts and their role in strengthening economic integration among GCC states. He also referred to future economic initiatives planned by the GCC.

The Acting Secretary General of UNCTAD commended the efforts of GCC states to secure and strengthen supply chains amid the current regional situation.

The two sides discussed proposals to hold workshops on customs related matters, exchange expertise, organise training courses in trade and the blue economy, and hold joint events.

They also reviewed the latest regional and international developments and their implications for economic and trade sectors, particularly freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and supply chain challenges.

This came as His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies, chaired the group’s Board of Directors meeting for the second quarter of 2026, and during the meeting, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad briefed the board on his recent visit to the United States, during which he held talks with Chris Wright, United States Secretary of Energy, to discuss cooperation in the energy sector and the impact of the regional conflict on the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bapco Energies Group.

The board reviewed the group’s financial and operational performance and approved Bapco Energies’ audited financial statements for the year ended 2025. It also endorsed the group’s consolidated adjusted budget for 2026 in support of its strategic objectives.

Mark Thomas, Bapco Energies Group Chief Executive Officer, presented an update on the group’s performance, key growth indicators and progress on major strategic initiatives, including the Bapco Modernisation Project and Bapco Upstream projects.

During the meeting, members reviewed and approved the Technical Board’s annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025. AWRIS delivered strong financial performance for the year, with net premiums rising by 22.4% and net profit increasing by 20.6% compared with the previous year. Results were further supported by improved investment returns — a 3.1% increase in return on investment — alongside the effective control of expenses. These results reflect the Syndicate’s continued financial strength, disciplined underwriting approach, and effective investment strategy.

The Assembly also approved several key items on its agenda, including the discharge of the Technical Board, the admission of new member companies — further expanding AWRIS’s membership base to more than 200 insurance and reinsurance companies across the Arab region. The meeting also saw the appointment of the Syndicate’s external auditor for the 2026 financial year. Members additionally elected the Technical Board for the coming term 2026 – 2029 comprising of: Dr. Ali Al Wazaney – Chairman, Sultan Alkhomashi, Vice Chairman and members: Alaa El-Zoheiry, Dr. Abdullah Sultan, Fateh Bekdash, Lamia Ben Mahmoud, Enas Fouad Naguib, Ali Al-Hendal and Jassim Ali Al-Moftah.

The Syndicate’s financial resilience was further underscored by AM Best, which, for the fourth consecutive year, has affirmed AWRIS’s strong ratings with a stable outlook, highlighting its financial solidity and sound underwriting practices.

AWRIS extends its sincere appreciation to all members for their continued trust and strong participation, reflecting their strong confidence and commitment to the Syndicate. Together with its members, AWRIS looks forward to building on the momentum of this year’s Assembly to further strengthen its war-risks insurance capabilities, deepen regional cooperation, and continue delivering value to its members across the Arab region.

“Iran continues its systematic hostile approach through missile and drone attacks targeting civilians in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the BDF in a statement, said.

The General Command said that the Bahrain Defence Force’s air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a number of the treacherous Iranian aerial attacks.

The General Command confirmed that all its services and units are at the highest levels of readiness and full defensive preparedness.

It urged the public to exercise caution regarding any unfamiliar or suspicious objects resulting from attacks and to avoid approaching or handling them.

The General Command said that personnel of the Royal Field Engineering Unit remain on full alert to safely handle and neutralise such objects, ensuring the safety of all citizens and residents.

The General Command stressed that the deliberate use of missiles and drones to target civilians and private property constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.

The General Command expressed pride in the advanced combat readiness and high vigilance demonstrated by its personnel in carrying out their national duties to defend the Kingdom and safeguard its achievements.

This came, as the Joint Economic Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Bahrain Chamber held its 51st meeting, marking the committee’s first session following the formation of the chamber’s new Board of Directors.

The meeting was co-chaired by Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Nabeel Khalid Kanoo, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, with officials from both sides in attendance.

The minister welcomed the chamber’s new board, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation with the private sector. He highlighted the committee’s role in enhancing coordination between the public and private sectors to support the commercial sector, improve the business environment, and advance Bahrain’s economic development goals.

Kanoo expressed appreciation for the ministry’s continued support and commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue with the private sector. He said the committee serves as a key platform for discussing priority economic issues, developing practical solutions to enhance the competitiveness of the business environment, and supporting private sector growth.

The committee reviewed agenda items and followed up on the implementation of recommendations and initiatives agreed at previous meetings to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of joint efforts.

These remarks were made during the SME Fund Advisory Board meeting held on 8th July at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce headquarters. During the meeting, His Excellency noted that the recent adoption of the updated classification for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) represent an important step in further regulating the sector as it allows businesses to better benefit from programmes offered by national entities. He also emphasised the vital role of SMEs in strengthening the private sector’s contribution as a major driver of the Kingdom’s economy, thereby supporting the wider economic diversification objectives in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

The SME Fund was established in November last year with a total value of USD 185 million through a strategic partnership between Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) and Al Salam Bank, with support from the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” and under the management of BDB. The Fund also benefits from the support and guidance of the SME Development Council at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, reinforcing its alignment with national priorities aimed at supporting the growth and development of SMEs.

Since its establishment, the SME Fund has continued to support MSMEs across sectors of national importance. It provides financing solutions designed to meet business needs, including working capital financing, liquidity management, coverage of operating expenses and support for business continuity. Since March 2026, 46 enterprises have benefited from the Fund’s financing, with total funding reaching BD2.879 million. Small enterprises received the largest share of financing at 72%, followed by medium enterprises at 22% and micro enterprises at 6%. In terms of sectoral distribution, the trade sector accounted for 59% of total financing, followed by services at 27% and manufacturing at 9%, in addition to financing extended to the transportation, technology, media and telecommunications sectors, reflecting the diversity of economic activity supported by the Fund.

Through these financing solutions, the SME Fund enables businesses to sustain their operations, enhance their capacity for expansion and contribute to job creation. This supports national efforts to increase the private sector’s role in driving development, advancing economic diversification and fostering a more competitive and sustainable business environment.

“The SME Fund is one of the leading national initiatives that embodies the integration of public and private sector efforts to support Bahraini enterprises and enable their growth and sustainability. The achievements recorded since the Fund’s inception demonstrate the strength of this model in delivering financing solutions that respond to the needs of SMEs, while supporting their ability to expand, create employment opportunities and encourage innovation,” Ghassan Ghaleb Abdulaal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BDB, said.

“We believe that investing in this sector is an investment in the future of the national economy, given the pivotal role of SMEs in advancing economic diversification and enhancing the competitiveness of the Kingdom of Bahrain. We will continue working with our partners to develop a more efficient and flexible financing ecosystem that meets the aspirations of entrepreneurs and institutions, while contributing to the objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.”

 “The Fund plays an important role in enabling SMEs to access the financing they need to sustain their operations, expand their businesses and pursue growth opportunities. It also supports entrepreneurs and companies across different stages of development, positively impacting job creation, innovation, and the contribution of this vital sector to economic development. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify the economy, build a sustainable business environment and develop financing solutions that meet market needs and support long-term growth,” Dalal Al Qais, Group Chief Executive Officer of BDB; Director of the SME Fund and one of the Fund’s investors, said.

The SME Fund is a national initiative under the #TeamBahrain umbrella, aimed at providing financing to eligible enterprises operating across tourism, industry, logistics, information technology and the digital economy, financial services, healthcare, education and other priority economic sectors.

The Board also discussed the topics on the agenda and reviewed the operational plan progress report as of June 2026, in addition to updates on ongoing strategic projects and initiatives. These included the Investor Relations Guidelines, which aims to enhance transparency levels and enable listed companies to strengthen and develop their relations with investors.

As part of Bahrain Bourse’s commitment to strengthening governance and risk management frameworks, the Board approved updates to internal policies related to risk management to ensure alignment with business requirements and institutional best practices. The Board also endorsed a proposed amendment to the Bourse’s organizational structure to support operational efficiency and enhance its ability to execute strategic priorities during the next phase.

The Board of Directors reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the implementation of initiatives and projects that support the growth and development of the Bahraini capital market and further strengthen Bahrain Bourse’s position as an attractive regional financial and investment hub.

As per the new schedule, the Bank’s Airport branch will operate every day from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. The Atrium Mall branch will be open from Sunday to Wednesday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and on Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Seef Mall branch will operate from Saturday to Tuesday between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, and on Wednesday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

NBB’s Main Branch, along with the Hidd, Madinat Khalifa, Al Estiqlal Highway, Jidhafs, Souq Waqef, Riffa Souq, and Salmaniya branches will serve customers from Sunday to Wednesday between 7:30 am and 3:00 pm, and on Thursday from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Meanwhile, the Bank’s Budaiya Highway, Sitra, Al Muthanna Road, Isa Town, Central Market, Hamad Town, Riffa Bokowarah, Muharraq Souq, and Exhibition Avenue branches will operate from Saturday to Tuesday between 7:30 am and 3:00 pm, and on Wednesday from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Customers are encouraged to check NBB’s official website and digital channels for the latest branch timings before visiting.