The new banknotes will be provided for two days, from 25th to 26th of May 2026, starting from 9:00 AM until stocks run out. Customers will be able to withdraw BHD 5 notes from ATMs located at Seef Mall Branch, Muharraq Souq Branch, Souq Waqif Branch, Bu Kowarah Riffa Branch, and Marassi Galleria Mall, with a limit of BHD 200 per customer. Meanwhile, BHD 1 notes will be available through ATMs located at Seef Mall Branch, Muharraq Souq Branch, Souq Waqif Branch, and Sitra Branch, offering withdrawals of up to BHD 50 per customer.

Through this service, NBB continues to deliver seamless banking solutions that support families and communities as they come together to celebrate occasions.

Part of SFME’s Decarbonisation Roundtable Series, the session will bring together senior representatives from multilateral organisations, government entities, utilities, developers, and banks to examine how Bahrain can accelerate the implementation of energy efficiency objectives as part of its broader energy transition agenda.

The session will kick off with a fireside chat on “The Global Cooling Challenge: Advancing Energy Efficiency and Climate Resilience,” featuring Lily Riahi, Head – Buildings and Cooling Unit, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and will be moderated by Pablo Avogadri, Partner and Director – Energy, BCG.

The event will also feature a panel discussion moderated by Lukas C. Jochem, Project Leader at BCG, with participation of Ali AlRumaihi, Country Manager, Tabreed Bahrain Mohamed Elfayoumy, General Manager, Bahrain Bay Utilities Timothy O’Donnell, Head of Master Planning, Bareeq Al Retaj Real Estate Services, Wesam Baqer, Head of Coverage – Wholesale Banking Group, Gulf International Bank.

The central focus of the discussion will be the role of district cooling and integrated demand-side infrastructure solutions in reducing cooling-related electricity consumption and peak demand pressures. The session will also explore how Bahrain can balance supply-side investment with scalable demand-side approaches while advancing broader sustainability and climate commitments.

SFME’s Decarbonisation Roundtable Series takes place throughout the year in cities across the region, taking an in-depth look at topics critical to MENA’s net-zero journey and broader sustainability priorities.

The Forum’s 2026 edition is supported by Lead Partners: BBK, SAFA and Tabreed Bahrain; Strategic Partners: United Nations Development Programme, Bank ABC, Standard Chartered Bank and Gulf International Bank; Forum Partners: Aluminium Bahrain, National Bank of Bahrain, Boston Consulting Group, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY), Bahrain Ship Repair & Engineering Company (BASREC), Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill Company (GARMCO), American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) and Gulf Air; Supporting Partners: Tamkeen, Hassan Radhi & Associates, GFH Bank, and United Enterprises; Learning Partner: Strathclyde University and Impact for Learning & Development; and Media Partners: Arab News, Al Ayam, OGN, Trade Arabia, BFT Media, and The Butterfly Effect.

Manama: Dragon City Bahrain, the largest wholesale and retail shopping centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced its special entertainment programme for Eid Al Adha, taking place from May 27 to 31, 2026, in a distinctive family atmosphere that brings together shopping, entertainment, hospitality and interactive activities suitable for all family members.

Visitors to Dragon City Bahrain will also enjoy the “Find the Eideya” activity, which will take place daily from May 27 to 31. A total of 12 winners will be selected each day over five days, with each winner receiving shopping vouchers worth BD10. This activity is designed to add more excitement and engagement to the Eid atmosphere and encourage visitors to enjoy a shopping experience full of surprises. The mall will also host oud performances from May 27-29, 2026, adding an artistic touch that reflects the spirit of the occasion and offers visitors a warmer and more memorable experience.

Meanwhile, and in conjunction with the Eid Al Adha celebrations, the “Dragon Gallery” experience will continue at Dragon City Bahrain during mall opening hours. This innovative concept serves as a mini exhibition within the mall, bringing together in one place a curated selection of some of the most distinctive and in-demand products from across Dragon City Bahrain’s various sections. The experience allows visitors to explore the wide variety of options available across the mall more easily, discover the displayed products and reach the stores offering them in a clear and seamless way, making their shopping journey shorter, more enjoyable and more efficient during the Eid period.

These activities come as part of Dragon City Bahrain’s commitment to offering renewed experiences for its visitors on various occasions and strengthening its position as a family destination that combines shopping and entertainment in one place. These initiatives also reaffirm the mall’s commitment to providing a complete festive atmosphere that meets the expectations of citizens, residents and visitors, while giving families a suitable space to spend enjoyable moments during the Eid Al Adha holiday.

Dragon City Bahrain invites all families and visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad to visit the mall during Eid and enjoy its activities and interactive experiences, alongside a wide range of shopping options that meet various needs. The mall also reaffirms its continued commitment to organising

events that add value to the visitor experience and provide a distinctive atmosphere across different seasons and occasions.

Dragon City Bahrain is among the Kingdom’s leading family shopping destinations, having welcomed more than 70 million visitors since its opening in 2015. The mall offers a wide range of products catering to diverse needs and interests, from fashion, apparel, and accessories to electronics, toys and household goods, as well as building materials, décor, furniture, landscaping and gardening tools and equipment, in addition to a variety of dining options that add an entertainment dimension and make the shopping experience complete for all family members.

At the upcoming Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, Gasly will debut a helmet designed by Qatari artist Ghada Al Suwaidi—a layered work that reflects her signature style: playful, culturally rooted, and unmistakably contemporary. The helmet marks the opening of this year’s creative series and highlights Qatar’s commitment to elevating emerging voices on international stages. Further artist collaborations are planned for races in Mexico City and Doha, extending the initiative’s global reach across the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture.

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Al Suwaidi has built a practice that moves easily between large-scale murals, illustration, and digital work. Her projects often draw on everyday life in Qatar, from nostalgia, neighbourhoods, to shared visual memories, reinterpreted through bold colour and contemporary form. She’s previously contributed to international platforms like the World Wide Walls Street art festival and national initiatives including Posts of Qatar, bringing local narratives into public space.

Her design for Gasly’s Montreal helmet reflects this multidisciplinary approach, translating her distinctive visual language into a new medium that will be seen by millions of fans worldwide. Translating that language onto a Formula 1® helmet, a compact, highly technical object seen by millions, adds a new layer of complexity. But it also reinforces the point of collaboration: culture is everything.

Al Suwaidi explained her excitement about being part of the project, “I’ve followed this collaboration since the beginning, so being part of it feels a bit surreal. What excites me most is the scale—knowing something so personal will be seen by millions, in a completely unexpected setting. A helmet moves so fast, but I hope it still makes people pause, even for a second, and wonder about the story behind it. That moment of curiosity is where connection starts. It reminds us that creativity, nature, and visual language are things we all share, no matter where we’re from.”

For the Qatar Grand Prix later this year, Gasly will wear two additional helmets designed by artists from Canada and Mexico, aligning with the three-country partnership and reinforcing the initiative’s emphasis on shared storytelling and cultural exchange across borders.

The collaboration underscores how Years of Culture continues to harness sport as a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy, connecting audiences beyond traditional cultural spaces and introducing new voices through unexpected and high-profile moments. By integrating artistic expression into global sporting events, the initiative creates opportunities for artists to engage with international audiences while reinforcing the role of creativity in building lasting human connections.

The event was attended by representatives of the Shari’a Supervisory Board, members of the Board of Directors, the Group Chief Executive Officer, and employees from across the Bank’s various departments and divisions.

This national initiative reflects the sincere feelings of loyalty and belonging that KFH-Bahrain employees hold towards the Wise Leadership. It also embodies the deep-rooted spirit of national unity between the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its leadership, while reaffirming their continued support for the Kingdom’s comprehensive development journey under the prosperous reign of His Majesty the King, with the support and guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

As part of the event, a dedicated platform was set up at the Bank’s headquarters for signing the Loyalty and Support Pledge. Representatives of the Shari’a Supervisory Board, members of the Board of Directors, the Group Chief Executive Officer, executive management, and employees signed the pledge, expressing their pride in the security, stability, and progress enjoyed by the Kingdom of Bahrain, and affirming their commitment to continuing to contribute to the national development journey and strengthening the Kingdom’s economic and financial standing.

“This national initiative reflects the deep sense of belonging and loyalty held by KFH-Bahrain employees towards His Majesty the King. It also embodies the appreciation and pride felt by the people of Bahrain towards the Wise Leadership, which has laid the foundations for security, stability, and sustainable development in the Kingdom,” Dr Shadi Zahran, Group Chief Executive Officer KFH-B, said.

“At KFH-Bahrain, we are proud to take part in this national moment, which reflects the spirit of unity and cohesion with the leadership. We reaffirm our continued commitment to supporting national efforts and actively contributing to the achievement of the Kingdom’s ambitious development visions, in line with the civilised approach led by His Majesty the King with wisdom and determination.”

This initiative by KFH-Bahrain stems from its national and social responsibility, as well as its ongoing commitment to participating in various national events and occasions that embody the values of loyalty and belonging and strengthen the spirit of national unity that distinguishes Bahraini society.

The new BHD 1 and BHD 5 notes will be available exclusively to BisB customers for two days only through eight ATMs located across four financial malls (Riffa Innovation hub, Budaiya Financial Mall, Hamad Town Financial Mall and Arad Financial mall). ensuring convenient accessibility from key locations in Bahrain. The Bank’s customer service teams will also continue to provide new banknote disbursement services at branches during regular working hours.

This initiative reflects BisB’s ongoing efforts to provide banking services that support customer convenience and respond to seasonal requirements, particularly during special occasions that witness increased demand for new banknotes. BisB noted that quantities will be limited and disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information on participating branches, financial malls and ATMs, customers may visit www.bisb.com or follow BisB’s official social media accounts.

Owned by S Eleven Educational, a leading investment company dedicated to the development of innovative educational projects in Bahrain, and operated by EduCluster Finland, the Preschool delivers the Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) approach, which emphasizes child-centred and play-based learning, wellbeing, creativity, and holistic child development within a modern and nurturing educational environment.  

“This milestone represents an important step in our vision to introduce high-quality international education models that contribute to the development of Bahrain’s educational ecosystem. Through our partnership with EduCluster Finland we aim to provide a progressive learning environment that focuses on creativity, wellbeing, future skills, and holistic child development from the early years,” Dr. Abdulla Bader AlSada, General Manager of S Eleven Educational, stated: Dr. Abdulla Bader AlSada, General Manager of S Eleven Educational, said.

“The graduation of the first cohort of preschool children represents a beautiful achievement and reflects the joint efforts of the institution, parents, and all those involved in laying a strong educational foundation that contributes to nurturing children’s growth and shaping their future. This achievement also reflects the significant impact of the strategic partnership and the continuous support from the relevant entities, including the Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Education, and the Education and Training Quality Authority.”

“Our first graduating KG2 class holds a very special place in our school,” said Leena Merikallio, Principal of Um Nasser Finland Preschool. “We opened our doors a year ago and we have seen the children develop into confident, curious, and independent learners. Their progress reflects the core values of Finnish early childhood education – learning through play, exploration, collaboration, and joy. We are proud to support the children of Bahrain by nurturing lifelong learners through a modern, child-centred approach to early learning.”

It is worth noting that the preshool has now opened its doors to receive enrollment applications for the upcoming academic year, amid strong interest from parents seeking a world-class educational experience that ensures a bright future.

The initiative is part of stc Bahrain’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its role in driving Bahrain’s national afforestation efforts. By partnering with one of the Kingdom’s most visited destinations, stc Bahrain will deliver a visible and lasting positive impact, by improving air quality, increasing biodiversity, and supporting Bahrain’s vision to double the number of trees in the country by 2035 as part of its net-zero emissions target for 2060.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with The Avenues – Bahrain on this vital ‘Trees for Life’ initiative, which aligns with our vision for a sustainable future for Bahrain. Planting 5,000 trees is more than just an environmental act; it’s an investment in the health and well-being of our community, contributing to cleaner air, reduced carbon footprint, and enhanced natural beauty. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving environmental change and supporting Bahrain’s sustainability goals for generations to come,” Shaikh Zeyad bin Faisal Al Khalifa, Chief Government Affairs Officer at stc Bahrain, said.

“At The Avenues – Bahrain, we are committed to supporting initiatives that create a positive and lasting impact on the community and environment. Our partnership with stc Bahrain on the ‘Trees for Life’ campaign reflects our shared vision of creating greener and more sustainable spaces for future generations. We are proud to contribute to Bahrain’s environmental goals while enhancing the visitor experience through greener surroundings across The Avenues – Bahrain,” Firas Barakat, Mall Director at The Avenues, said.

This project builds on the success of “Trees for Life,” which has already planted tens of thousands of trees across schools, parks, main roads, hotels, and other locations since its launch in 2021. stc Bahrain continues to lead impactful environmental initiatives, encouraging organizations and individuals to join its mission in creating a greener, healthier Bahrain.

Kanoo emphasized that this achievement comes during the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the GCC, commending the efforts led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, , with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, , as well as the role played by Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, alongside the national and GCC negotiating teams. He noted that the agreement strengthens Gulf economic integration and reinforces the international presence of GCC countries.

He highlighted that the agreement is among the GCC’s most significant economic achievements in recent years, creating promising opportunities to boost trade and investment, expand Gulf exports to British markets, attract quality investments, and develop partnerships in future-focused sectors. It also supports Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 by strengthening private sector contribution to growth and creating new expansion opportunities for Bahraini companies.

 Kanoo added that Bahrain’s private sector is well-positioned to benefit from the agreement, particularly in the industrial, financial services, logistics, technology, and digital economy sectors, amid growing economic ties between Bahrain and the United Kingdom. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 544.4 million in 2025. He stressed the importance of strengthening export capabilities, enhancing the value of Bahraini products and services, and enabling SMEs to access new markets and opportunities.

He said explained that the Bahrain Chamber will work with government entities and the private sector to organize awareness sessions and workshops highlighting the agreement’s advantages, identify emerging trade and investment opportunities, and provide business owners with the tools needed to benefit from them, helping translate the agreement into tangible partnerships, investments, and sustainable economic growth.

Kanoo concluded by affirming that this partnership marks an important step toward strengthening Gulf-British relations and expanding trade and investment cooperation, expressing confidence that it will create new opportunities for Bahrain’s business community and further reinforce Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for trade, investment, and financial services.

The partnership will commence with Gulf Air welcoming the first cohort of students from Vatel Bahrain for practical training. The programme will give students a hands-on insight into the working standards of a leading regional carrier, while allowing them to build field experience that combines Vatel Bahrain’s international approach to hospitality education with the operational excellence of Gulf Air.

“Our collaboration with Gulf Air marks an important step in strengthening the applied learning model at Vatel Bahrain and broadening our students’ horizons within the wider tourism sector. It gives them the opportunity to gain professional experience within a leading national airline with a long-standing legacy and advanced operational expertise in aviation. Hospitality today extends beyond traditional hotel environments, with its principles and service standards applied across several sectors, including aviation, travel and customer experience. We are pleased that this partnership begins with the first group of interns from Vatel Bahrain, reflecting the shared belief of both organisations in preparing young talent with practical skills that meet the expectations of the hospitality and aviation sectors,” Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, said.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Vatel Bahrain, which reflects the importance of collaboration between the national carrier and national educational institutions in the Kingdom to achieve workplace readiness. Gulf Air provides a training environment that gives students insight into the aviation sector and the precision, discipline and attentiveness it requires. Hospitality is a central part of the travel experience, and specialised training in this field supports Bahrain’s position as a recognised hub for aviation and hospitality,” Captain Qasim AlBastaki, Chief Operating Officer at Gulf Air, said.

Under the MoU, the two organisations will work together to support professional training, applied learning and future collaborative initiatives. The agreement will help align specialised education with the needs of the aviation and hospitality sectors, giving students the opportunity to develop their practical skills, discipline and industry awareness required for a successful career.