The participants praised the Supreme Council for Women’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the presence of Bahraini women in decision-making positions. This came during an awareness-raising meeting organized by the Council at its headquarters, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Bahrain Bourse, the Labor Fund (Tamkeen), and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, on the importance of Bahraini women’s participation on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies.

Participants reaffirmed that the awareness and training programs and the partnership between the Council and the public and private sectors have contributed to raising the readiness of qualified women to assume leadership positions, which supports governance and enhances the competitiveness of the national economy. They stressed the importance of continuing these efforts in the coming phase. The Kingdom of Bahrain possesses a leading model for women’s empowerment.

The Chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, MP Ahmed Al-Salloum, pointed out that enhancing women’s participation on company boards of directors represents an investment in national talent. He noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain possesses a leading model for women’s empowerment thanks to the support it receives from the wise leadership and the initiatives of the Supreme Council for Women. He added that the continuation of awareness and training programs contributes to raising the readiness of Bahraini women to assume leadership positions and strengthens the principles of governance and competitiveness in the private sector.

Yousef Salahuddin, First Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, affirmed that enhancing the presence of Bahraini women on company boards of directors is a fundamental pillar for developing the private sector and raising the level of governance and innovation in the business environment. He explained that the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports all national initiatives aimed at empowering women economically and believes that Bahraini women have proven their ability to contribute effectively to leading companies and making decisions. He added that continued cooperation between the Supreme Council for Women and the private sector would expand opportunities for women’s participation on boards of directors, positively impacting the competitiveness of Bahraini companies and the sustainability of national economic growth.

Businessman Nabil Ajjour also praised the Supreme Council for Women’s efforts, in collaboration with relevant partners, to enhance the presence of Bahraini women on company boards of directors. He considered the private sector a key partner in achieving these goals, and stated that women’s presence on boards adds real value to the decision-making process through the diversity of experiences and perspectives. He added that Bahraini companies are encouraged to benefit from qualified female talent, which will positively impact institutional performance and sustainable growth. The Bahraini Experience Represents a Pioneering Model in Women’s Empowerment

Narjis Al-Mousawi, Acting CEO of Bahrain Ship Repairing and Engineering Company (BASREC), said that the Bahraini experience represents a pioneering model in women’s empowerment. She noted that women have proven their ability to lead major institutions and achieve outstanding results and accomplishments across various sectors. She explained that the national initiatives led by the Supreme Council for Women have contributed to preparing and qualifying a generation of female leaders capable of competing effectively for board memberships and assuming leadership positions. She emphasized that continuous investment in training, development, and capacity building is a fundamental pillar for ensuring the sustainability of this success and enhancing women’s presence and active contribution to supporting economic growth and sustainable development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dr. Luluah Al-Mutlaq affirmed that empowering women on corporate boards is no longer an option, but rather a necessity to strengthen governance, enhance institutional efficiency, and increase their capacity for innovation and sustainability. She noted that Bahrain has made significant strides in this area thanks to initiatives led by the Supreme Council for Women and effective partnerships with government entities and the private sector. She emphasized that the next phase requires continued investment in developing female leaders and expanding opportunities for Bahraini talent to reach decision-making positions, in line with global best practices and to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy.

Hanouf Al-Dosari, Head of Human Resources at Esterad Bank, considered the meeting a reflection of the integrated national efforts between the Supreme Council for Women and its partners to promote women’s participation in decision-making positions. She pointed out that raising awareness of legal requirements, governance, and nomination mechanisms is an important step towards increasing the number of female candidates and winners of board memberships.

This new service allows users to fund their PayPal wallets from their stc pay accounts and withdraw funds from PayPal back into their stc pay wallets, providing greater flexibility to manage international transactions.

Designed for shoppers, freelancers, creators and SMEs the integration simplifies cross-border payments and expands access to global digital commerce for users in Bahrain.

“We are proud to partner with a global pioneer like PayPal to enhance our service portfolio. This integration is a significant step in our mission to provide innovative financial solutions. By connecting our customers to PayPal’s vast global network, we are not only supporting the needs of the digital-first consumer but also reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a dynamic hub for fintech innovation,” Metin Zavrak, CEO of stc pay Bahrain, said.

“At PayPal, we are focused on expanding access to the global digital economy by making cross-border payments simpler and more secure,” Otto Williams, SVP, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa, PayPal, said. “Our partnership with stc pay helps connect more consumers and businesses in Bahrain to international commerce, unlocking greater flexibility and opportunity.”

The service allows verified stc pay Bahrain customers to securely link their PayPal accounts and transfer funds between the two platforms. Once linked, users can withdraw their available PayPal balance in USD directly into their stc pay wallet in BHD. The service reflects stc pay’s continued commitment to expanding international payment solutions while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and security.

This partnership addresses the growing demand for convenient ways to manage digital earnings and payments, offering a practical solution for local entrepreneurs, freelancers and creators to receive payments from international clients, as well as for consumers to shop from global e-commerce sites with greater ease.

This decision was taken following the US Federal Reserve’s announcement today to keep the Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB) unchanged.

The CBUAE has also decided to maintain the interest rate applicable to borrowing short-term liquidity from the CBUAE at 50 basis points above the Base Rate for all standing credit facilities.

The Base Rate, which is anchored to the US Federal Reserve’s IORB, signals the general stance of monetary policy and provides an effective floor for overnight money market interest rates in the UAE.

Across five days, leaders from government, manufacturers, investors, start-ups, academia, media and future talent from 136 countries gathered at the birthplace of British Aviation. Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, LEAP and Pratt & Whitney led the commercial announcements, while the likes of BAE Systems, MBDA and Anduril Industries unveiled new defence technologies. In total, 353 firm commercial aircraft orders have been placed alongside 904 firm engine orders.

In a global first, Vertical Aerospace made history by completing the first public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight at Farnborough International Airshow, switching from helicopter mode to aeroplane mode and back again. Fursn Al Emarat – UAE National Air Display Team also made their Farnborough debut with their renowned seven-jet aerial display.

The airshow also provided an important forum for government and industry engagement, with attendance from the newly formed government including Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence; Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister of State (Minister for Artificial Intelligence); and Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Pioneers of Tomorrow sold-out ahead of the event and once again placed future talent at the centre of the airshow, with thousands of members of the public welcomed through the gates on Friday 24 July. Through careers activity, live demonstrations and opportunities to meet employers and educators, the dedicated programme inspired young people to explore pathways into aerospace, engineering and STEM, while helping industry engage directly with its future workforce.

“Farnborough International Airshow 2026 has once again shown what can be achieved when the global aerospace community comes together with purpose. Across the week, we have seen business getting done, partnerships strengthened, and ideas turned into action, all against the backdrop of an industry focused on innovation and long-term progress,” Discussing the success of the show, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said.

“From the organisations defining aerospace today to the pioneers building its future, the energy across the show has been exceptional. We are proud to provide a platform that drives commercial success, supports international collaboration and inspires the next generation. It has been a privilege to welcome the industry to Farnborough, and we look forward to building on the momentum created here.”

Farnborough International Airshow returns to the industry calendar 17-21 July 2028 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK.

As part of its programme in France, Bahrain EDB held a series of meetings and discussions with strategic partners and business leaders. This included participation in activities surrounding Tour de France 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious annual cycling events, where the Kingdom’s pavilion provided a valuable platform to connect with a distinguished network of international investors and executives.

In the Principality of Monaco, Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif and the delegation met with H.E. Mrs. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mrs. Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Monaco; as well as key representatives from the Department of Finance and Economy. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral economic ties, exploring opportunities for greater collaboration, and identifying areas of mutual interest that support sustainable economic growth.

Alongside these activities, Bahrain EDB held working meetings with leading Monegasque companies operating across the tourism, hospitality, and education sectors, additionally participating in a dedicated business event attended by over 20 companies. The discussions highlighted the complementary strengths of Bahrain and Monaco and identified pathways to expand commercial ties and encourage greater investment flows. Most recently, the opening of APM Monaco’s first flagship store in Bahrain marked another positive milestone in the growing commercial relationship between the two markets.

The visit represents another important milestone in the growing relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and France, and the Kingdom of Bahrain and Principality of Monaco; reaffirming Bahrain EDB’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships that support investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. Through a series of high-level meetings and strategic discussions held throughout the visit, the delegation exchanged perspectives, expanded relationships, and identified new avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

With 177 years of diplomatic relations, Bahrain and France enjoy a partnership underpinned by trade and investment. French companies have played an important role in the Kingdom’s economy, with leading firms such as BNP Paribas and Vinci Energies maintaining a presence in Bahrain. From major infrastructure and energy projects to financial services, advanced manufacturing, aviation, education, and cultural cooperation, the relationship continues to deepen through sustained high-level engagement and a shared commitment to long-term growth. Most recently, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, partnered with French investment firm TRAIL to invest in the SLAM Fund, the first private equity fund dedicated to the sports, luxury, art, and music sectors. The Kingdom of Bahrain and Principality of Monaco additionally maintain robust diplomatic and economic relations sharing a commitment to diversification, sustainability, and high-value economic sectors, actively exploring new opportunities for collaboration across tourism, hospitality, and financial services.

Led by NBB’s Retail Digital team, the ‘Future Digital Banker’ workshop was designed for participants aged 9 to 14. The interactive session covered the fundamentals of digital banking, financial planning and budget management, while giving attendees the opportunity to test their understanding through practical challenges and real-life financial scenarios.

The workshop helped participants build an early understanding of money management and explore how technology is shaping modern financial services. It forms part of NBB’s platinum sponsorship of Youth City 2030 and the Bank’s broader contribution to initiatives aim to develop the knowledge and capabilities of Bahraini youth across a range of disciplines relevant to their personal and professional development.

Two further NBB sessions and additional initiatives will be announced in due course. Please follow NBB and Youth City 2030 on Instagram for the latest updates and register through the announced channels when applications open.

The Healthy Pinoy Campaign Season 3 will officially launch on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Al Hilal Medical Center Manama Central Branch. Following the launch, the campaign will run from August 1 to August 31, 2026, across all Al Hilal Healthcare Group branches in Bahrain, excluding Al Hilal Premier Hospital. Throughout the campaign, Filipino nationals will have access to complimentary preventive health screenings and medical consultations.

The press conference was led by Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Bahrain, alongside Dr. Sharath Chandran, CEO of Al Hilal Healthcare.

“The Healthy Pinoy Campaign has become a meaningful initiative that reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare of the Filipino community in Bahrain. As we prepare to launch Season 3, we sincerely appreciate Al Hilal Healthcare Group for its continued support in making quality healthcare more accessible to our nationals. This partnership stands as a strong example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together for the benefit of the community.

“The Healthy Pinoy Campaign has become a meaningful initiative that reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare of the Filipino community in Bahrain. As we are preparing to launch Season 3, we sincerely appreciate Al Hilal Healthcare Group for its continued support in making quality healthcare more accessible to our nationals. This partnership stands as a strong example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together for the benefit of the community,” Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Bahrain, said.

“At Al Hilal Healthcare Group, we firmly believe that healthcare should be accessible to everyone. We are proud to join hands with the Philippine Embassy once again to announce the third season of the Healthy Pinoy Campaign. Our commitment extends beyond providing medical services—we are dedicated to promoting preventive healthcare, early detection, and healthier communities. We sincerely thank His Excellency Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga and the entire Philippine Embassy for their continued trust and collaboration,” Dr. Sharath Chandran, CEO of Al Hilal Healthcare Group, said.

 Asif Mohammed, Vice President Business and Strategy, and Sahal Jamaludheen, Finance Manager, reaffirmed Al Hilal Healthcare Group’s commitment to supporting community health initiatives and strengthening strategic public-private partnerships for the welfare of expatriates in Bahrain.

“Since its inception, the Healthy Pinoy Campaign has grown into one of Bahrain’s most impactful community healthcare initiatives for Filipino expatriates, encouraging early detection, preventive healthcare, and greater health awareness. Through this continued collaboration, Al Hilal Healthcare Group and the Philippine Embassy remain committed to empowering the community with accessible, high-quality medical services.”

“The participation reflects the Khaleeji Bank’s commitment to supporting national youth-focused initiatives, strengthening young people’s participation across various fields and promoting financial literacy from an early age,” the bank in a statement said.

Khaleeji Bank’s participation in Youth City 2030, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, stems from its belief in the importance of engaging directly with younger generations and gaining a deeper understanding of their aspirations and needs. This supports the Bank’s role in providing banking solutions that help them develop sound financial habits and prepare more effectively for the different stages of their future.

The Bank’s pavilion at Youth City, which will remain open for one week, provides an opportunity to engage directly with young people and visitors and introduce them to the Bank’s “Ajyal” accounts, which have been designed specifically for customers aged 21 and under, with the aim of encouraging positive financial habits and promoting a culture of saving and financial awareness.

The “Ajyal” accounts are available through a range of options tailored to the different needs and age groups of young customers, including “Ajyal” Savings, “Ajyal” Deposit and “Ajyal Al Waffer”. These accounts provide young customers with a variety of opportunities to save, grow their funds and benefit from the features and incentives associated with each account, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Through its presence at Youth City 2030, Khaleeji Bank aims to provide an interactive space where young people can learn more about these banking solutions, ask questions about the accounts and their benefits, and strengthen their understanding of essential financial concepts. The initiative also seeks to encourage participants to adopt responsible and sound financial practices from an early age.

“We are proud to participate in Youth City 2030, an important national platform for engaging with Bahraini youth and gaining a better understanding of their aspirations. Through our presence at this initiative, we aim to remain close to the younger generation and provide them with banking solutions that help them build a positive relationship with saving and financial planning from an early age,” Ameera Ahmed Al Abbasi, Head of Retail Banking at Khaleeji Bank, said.

“The ‘Ajyal’ accounts represent one of Khaleeji Bank’s initiatives dedicated to this important age group. Their purpose extends beyond providing a banking product to encourage children and young people to develop sound financial habits and strengthen their awareness of saving and responsible money management. We hope our participation in Youth City 2030 will introduce more young people to the benefits offered by these accounts and mark the beginning of a long-term banking relationship that develops alongside their future needs and aspirations.”

Khaleeji Bank’s participation in Youth City 2030 reflects its continued commitment to supporting national initiatives that empower young people, enhance their financial awareness and provide banking solutions that evolve with them throughout the different stages of their lives. This approach reflects the Bank’s focus on building sustainable relationships with younger generations and contributing to their readiness for the future.

Khaleeji 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 youth, and promoting sustainable development in the Kingdom.

Gulf Air announced its intention to introduce direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, further strengthening air connectivity between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Malaysia while offering motorsports fans and passengers a seamless gateway to the excitement of the 2026 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX.

The  airline’s partnership with Formula 1 dates back to the first Grand Prix in the Arabian Gulf region in 2004, reflecting the strength and continuity of that relationship. As title sponsor of the race, Gulf Air remains proud to stand behind the event and bring the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hospitality to Malaysia.