AGP Executive Report

Gulf Aviation Shock: Iran-linked missile and drone attacks hit Kuwait International Airport, killing one Indian resident and injuring 63, with Terminal 1 damaged and flights briefly suspended—sparking wider travel disruption fears across the region. Bahrain Security Update: Bahrain’s air defence intercepted three missiles and several drones, says the Bahrain Defence Force, as officials urged the public to avoid suspicious remnants. Diplomatic Fallout: Bahrain has submitted UN letters over Iran’s strikes on GPIC facilities, while Kuwait expelled Iranian diplomats after the airport attack. Airline Disruption: flydubai cancelled all Kuwait flights for 3 June and said it will support affected passengers; meanwhile, British Airways has extended Middle East flight suspensions, including routes involving Bahrain, through late October. Tourism & City Life: A proposal aims to beautify the Karbabad coastline near Bahrain Fort with shaded seating, landscaping and solar lighting—designed to welcome families and tourists while protecting heritage. Travel Safety Watch: With Ebola travel advisories also circulating in the wider region, travellers are being urged to check official guidance before booking.

Gulf Travel Disruption: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has banned citizens from travelling to Iran and Iraq until further notice, citing a tense security situation and warning of legal action for violators. Air Travel Shockwaves: Kuwait suspended commercial flights after an Iranian drone attack hit Kuwait International Airport, with diversions and uncertainty on when services will resume; regional airspace disruptions also affected flights around the Gulf. Middle East Flight Cancellations: British Airways extended suspensions to many Middle East routes through the summer period, with Bahrain among affected destinations, while some Gulf services are set to restart in August. Tourism Numbers: Bahrain welcomed 16.04 million non-Bahraini arrivals in 2025, its highest total in nine years, with GCC visitors driving most of the growth. Health Advisory: Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry urged extra caution—and possible postponement—of travel to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to Ebola concerns. Local Road Safety: A Bahraini appeals court upheld a two-year prison sentence for a drink-driving case that led to a fatal crash. Fuel Watch: Oil prices jumped on renewed Middle East tensions, raising the risk of higher fuel costs for drivers.

Travel Alerts: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has banned Bahraini citizens from travelling to Iran and Iraq until further notice, citing escalating regional security tensions and risks to public safety, with legal action promised for violators. Air Travel Disruption: British Airways has delayed its Middle East flight restart, extending suspensions to routes including Bahrain and Dubai until late October, while other airlines keep adjusting schedules amid the fragile US-Iran situation. Tourism Update: Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority says Eid Al Adha visitors boosted hospitality, with the “We Miss You” campaign and renewed tourism activities driving stronger arrivals from GCC markets. Local Access for Visitors: Northern Municipal Council members backed a push for directional and identification signs for Ramli District, arguing residents and delivery/service providers struggle to find the area despite homes being handed over years ago. Business & Tourism Links: Bahrain EDB is on a five-day investor roadshow in Spain, Zurich and Geneva, highlighting Bahrain’s investment-friendly ecosystem and growing appeal as a regional hub. What’s On: BTEA has launched a June summer events calendar, including The Big Bounce Arabia and a Nancy Ajram concert at Exhibition World Bahrain.

Travel Restrictions: Bahrain has told citizens to stop travelling to Iran and Iraq until further notice, warning legal action for violators as regional security alerts stay elevated. Tourism Boost: Eid Al Adha visitors helped lift Bahrain’s hospitality sector, with Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi citing growth since the “We Miss You” campaign and renewed tourism and entertainment activity, especially from GCC arrivals. Summer What’s On: Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) rolled out a packed June events calendar, including family-friendly attractions like The Big Bounce Arabia and major concerts such as Nancy Ajram on June 5. Sports & Travel: Bahrain’s senior men’s football team is heading to Europe for a training camp in Georgia and Türkiye, with friendlies against Georgia (June 5) and Syria (June 9) as preparations continue for the Gulf Cup and AFC Asian Cup 2027. Business Travel: Bahrain EDB launched a five-day Europe investor roadshow in Barcelona, Zurich and Geneva, targeting C-suite networking across finance, manufacturing, logistics and tourism. Local Nature Rules: Authorities warned crowds to stay out of Buhair Valley’s protected areas after Eid trespassing, littering and damage reports, with legal action promised. Education & Hospitality: Vatel Bahrain won “Leading Hospitality and Tourism Management Institution in the Middle East for 2026” at the LUXlife Travel and Tourism Awards.

Tourism Boost: Bahrain’s “We Miss You” campaign is credited with strong visitor growth, with Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi saying Eid Al Adha demand from GCC travellers is rising and the kingdom is ready for the summer season. Visitor Numbers: Bahrain welcomed about 16.04 million non-Bahraini travellers in 2025, up around 41% from 2022, showing steady, more sustainable growth post-Covid. Business & Investment: Bahrain EDB begins a five-day Europe investor roadshow in Barcelona, Zurich and Geneva to attract C-suite partners across finance, manufacturing, logistics and tourism. Hospitality Education: Vatel Bahrain was named “Leading Hospitality and Tourism Management Institution in the Middle East for 2026,” highlighting its industry-linked training model. Culture & Entertainment: Konkani comedy blockbuster “Toxench Zanv” lands in Bahrain on June 11–12 at Epix Cinemas, Dana Mall, Sanabis, with the first show already sold out. Responsible Tourism: Legal action is being pledged over unruly crowds at Buhair Valley, after reports of trespassing and damage to the protected nature reserve. Travel Connectivity: AirAsia X plans a June 26 return to London Gatwick via Bahrain, while other June route launches expand Europe–Asia options. Sports Travel: Bahrain’s senior men’s national team heads to Europe for friendlies against Georgia and Syria as part of preparations for the Gulf Cup and AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Tourism Boost: Bahrain’s tourism minister says the “We Miss You” push and the return of tourism and entertainment activities have driven strong visitor growth from GCC countries during Eid Al Adha, with the sector gearing up for a busy summer season. Visitor Numbers: New data shows Bahrain welcomed about 16.04 million non-Bahraini travellers in 2025, up roughly 41% from 2022, signalling more stable, sustainable growth. Eid Outdoors Rules: Complaints are mounting over unruly crowds at Buhair Valley; officials say the protected nature reserve is off-limits and warn of legal action for trespassing and damage. Sustainability in Action: Skal Bahrain held a tree-planting drive at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain to promote responsible tourism and environmental awareness. Hospitality Education Win: Vatel Bahrain was named “Leading Hospitality and Tourism Management Institution in the Middle East for 2026” at the Travel and Tourism Awards by LUXlife. Regional Travel Ease: Sri Lanka introduced free 30-day tourist visas (ETA fee waived) for citizens of 40 countries, including Bahrain, starting May 25. Travel Safety Watch: Bahrain is among countries that have imposed travel bans linked to the growing Ebola situation in the DRC, as WHO urges nations to reconsider blanket restrictions.

Bahrain Tourism Boost: Bahrain welcomed about 16.04 million foreign travellers in 2025, its highest in nine years, up from 11.38 million in 2022—showing steady post-Covid momentum. Ebola Travel Alerts: The UAE warned against travel to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan unless absolutely necessary, while Emirates urged passengers to check destination entry rules as more countries tighten Ebola screening. Gulf Travel Convenience: A Unified GCC Visa is set to make it easier for eligible residents to move across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE on one application, aiming to simplify and speed up travel. Local Community & Access: A Bahrain-based charity donated a dedicated bus to support the Friendship Society for the Blind, improving daily mobility for community programmes. Bahrain Sports & Travel: Bahrain’s national men’s team resumed training after Eid Al Adha and is set for European friendlies in early June. Tourism Watch: A rare black-faced spoonbill was spotted in Sanad, delighting local birdwatchers.

Ebola Travel Alerts: The UAE warned citizens against non-essential travel to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, urging Emiratis there to register via Twajudi and follow local health guidance as WHO flags the outbreak as a public health emergency. Airline Advisory: Emirates also issued an Ebola-focused travel advisory, telling passengers to check entry rules as countries tighten screening and restrictions. Regional Travel Disruption: With US-Iran tensions continuing to rattle the Strait of Hormuz, India launched an operation to extract 13 Indian-flagged vessels and urged citizens to avoid travel to Iran. Local Roads & Tourism: Bahrain’s King Faisal Highway is seeing daily congestion and scarce parking as shopping and visitor demand surge; an underpass is planned to ease traffic. Eid & Culture in Bahrain: Bahrain’s museums marked International Museums Day with tours and workshops, while Capital Governor Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa highlighted strong Eid Al Adha tourism turnout. Adventure Spotlight: A young Bahraini mountaineer is pursuing a Guinness bid after summiting Nepal’s Kyajo Ri at 18.

Hajj Update: Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia completed the second day of Tashreeq with the stoning of the three Jamarat in Mina, with authorities reporting smooth crowd movement and well-coordinated transfers between Mina and Makkah. Eid Travel & Tourism: Swat in Pakistan saw a major Eid Al Adha surge, with tourists packing valleys and hotspots like Malam Jabba, Kalam and Mahodand Lake for cooler weather and nature escapes. Bahrain Roads & Travel Flow: Bahrain’s King Faisal Highway is getting more congested as business booms and malls draw GCC visitors, with an underpass planned to ease traffic. Wildlife Moment: A rare black-faced spoonbill was spotted in Sanad, delighting local birdwatchers. Adventure Spotlight: Young Bahraini mountaineer Ali Ahmed Shakib is pursuing a Guinness bid after summiting Nepal’s Kyajo Ri at 18. Health & Travel Alerts: Emirates warned travellers to check entry rules as countries tighten Ebola screening and restrictions amid the DRC outbreak. Visa News for Bahrain Travellers: Sri Lanka waived visa fees for nationals of 40 countries (including Bahrain), but travellers still need an ETA. Regional Travel Disruption: Bahrain evacuees linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict are still in limbo, with families and staff facing uncertainty about returns.

Eid & Bahrain tourism pulse: Bahrain’s Capital Governor says Eid Al Adha brought strong tourism activity, with big turnout at attractions and events, reflecting confidence in security and stability. Eid shopping trends: Bahraini Eid trays are seeing more affordable Turkish and Chinese savoury snacks alongside staples like halwa and mathai, as families add variety without overspending. Cultural tourism: Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities wrapped International Museums Day with tours and workshops across Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain Fort Museum, Post Museum and Kanoo Museum, aiming to boost heritage travel. Regional travel disruption risk: With the US-Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions ongoing, airlines have suspended or reduced Middle East routes, and Bahrain evacuees from US bases remain in limbo months after evacuation. Health travel watch (Ebola): As Ebola spreads in DRC and Uganda, more countries tighten entry rules and screenings; Bahrain is among those mentioned for temporary suspensions for some travellers. Visa boost for travellers: Sri Lanka waived visa fees for visitors from 40 countries (including Bahrain), but travellers still need a free ETA.

Eid shopping in Bahrain: Lower-priced Turkish and Chinese snacks are being added to Bahraini Eid “qadooa” trays, with families buying ready-packed crisps and crackers alongside staples like halwa, nuts and mathai. Eid tourism mood: Capital Governor Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa says Eid Al Adha brought strong turnout at Bahrain’s tourist facilities and events, reflecting confidence in security and stability. Culture for visitors: Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities wrapped up International Museums Day with guided tours and workshops at the Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain Fort Museum, Post Office Museum and Kanoo Museum, plus a tour of the 52nd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. Ebola travel curbs: As Ebola spreads in the DRC and Uganda, the US, Canada and others tightened entry rules, screenings and quarantines—while Bahrain and regional arrivals were also reported as temporarily suspended for some travellers. F1 travel planning: Formula 1 chiefs say they’re monitoring Gulf tensions and have contingency plans if Bahrain’s race calendar is disrupted. Sri Lanka visa boost: Sri Lanka waived visa fees for travellers from 40 countries via a free ETA for up to 30 days (application still required).

Eid & Culture in Bahrain: Bahrain’s Authority for Culture and Antiquities wrapped up International Museum Day with heritage-focused tours and workshops at the Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain Fort Site Museum and the Post Museum, plus a visit to the 52nd Annual Fine Arts Exhibition running until end of May. Ebola Travel Alerts: With Ebola spreading in the DRC and Uganda, the US and Canada have tightened entry rules, adding screenings and bans for travellers from affected areas—raising the odds of more disruptions for regional travel plans. Air Travel Disrupted: Airlines are suspending or reducing Middle East routes as Iran-war security risks grow, with carriers cancelling flights to hubs across the Gulf and beyond. Strait of Hormuz Uncertainty: Trump renewed pressure around Hormuz, while reports of possible Iran–Oman shipping arrangements were dismissed—keeping shipping and travel risk high for the region. Bahrain–Thailand Connectivity: Gulf Air hosted an Eid Al-Adha celebration in Bangkok highlighting growing Bahrain–Thai tourism and business links. Visa Good News (Region-wide): Sri Lanka launched fee-free entry for citizens of 40 countries (with an ETA still required), including Bahrain. Gulf Air Update: Gulf Air says it’s back to 75% of its network and aims to restore full operations by 1 June, with more frequencies returning daily.

Middle East Travel Risk: The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as Trump dismisses reports of Iran-Oman shipping management, while Iran reiterates “red lines” including uranium enrichment and control of the strait—keeping uncertainty high for regional travel and logistics. Ebola Rules Tighten: With Ebola surpassing 1,000 cases in Uganda and DR Congo, the US and Canada have expanded entry bans and quarantine/screening measures, and more countries are expected to follow—important for travellers transiting via affected hubs. Tourism & Connectivity (Bahrain): Gulf Air says it has restored 75% of its global network (40 destinations in 24 countries) and is aiming for full restoration by 1 June, with a complimentary date change offer for booked passengers. Eid in Bahrain: Bahrain’s Eid Al Adha preparations include livestock supply readiness, plus family-friendly ideas like free public beaches and a look at the halwa tradition as demand spikes. Regional Travel Planning: A GCC Unified Tourist Visa is still not live, so travellers should expect to use national eVisas for now when planning multi-country Gulf trips.

Ebola Travel Rules Tighten: The WHO says the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is a Public Health Emergency, with risk inside the country raised to “very high” as suspected deaths climb. The US extended entry bans for non-citizens linked to the region, Canada announced 90-day bans for residents from affected countries, and Uganda shut its border with Congo—prompting more screening and travel curbs worldwide. Eid Travel & Pilgrimage Updates: Saudi authorities report smooth Hajj ritual operations as pilgrims began the stoning at Jamrat Al Aqaba in Mina, with extra medical teams, sanitation and transport. Gulf Air Bounces Back: Gulf Air says it has restored 75% of its global network (40 destinations in 24 countries) and is aiming for full restoration by 1 June, with a free date change offer for booked passengers. Bahrain Eid Essentials: Bahrain confirms ample livestock and meat supplies for Eid Al Adha, while residents can lean on free public beaches for low-cost holiday plans. Staycation & Shopping Buzz: Bahrain’s Eid long weekend guide and Global Village’s first Eid Al Adha opening in 13 years (UAE) are drawing attention from GCC travellers. Regional Disruption Watch: With US-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, airlines have suspended or rerouted some Middle East routes, adding friction for travellers planning around the holiday. Bahrain-Asia Connectivity: Gulf Air’s Eid Al Adha event in Bangkok highlights growing Bahrain–Thailand tourism and business links.

Eid Safety Push (UAE): As Eid Al Adha nears, UAE police have renewed warnings against illegal fireworks, stressing that unsupervised use can cause burns, eye injuries and permanent harm—especially for children—and reminding residents that trading, importing or manufacturing fireworks without approval is prohibited. Local Eid Ideas (Bahrain): Bahrain is leaning into family-friendly plans, from free public beach time for a simple seaside Eid to a big halwa tradition—over 1,000kg sold in the run-up to the holiday. Sports & Travel (Bahrain): Bahrain’s national football team is stepping up its local training with a scrimmage before a short break and an overseas camp in Europe for friendlies. Regional Watch (US-Iran): The fragile US-Iran ceasefire is under strain after US “self-defence” strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran denouncing the move and warning of consequences. Tourism Boost (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka has launched fee-free 30-day ETA visas for tourists from 40 countries, including Bahrain, with a double-entry option.

Abraham Accords Push: Trump is again urging Muslim-majority countries to join or expand the Abraham Accords as part of a wider US-Iran peace push—while Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says joining clashes with “fundamental ideologies” and rejects any Israel deal without a Palestinian state. US-Iran Tensions: Fresh US “self-defence” strikes near the Strait of Hormuz have Iran accusing Washington of breaking the ceasefire, with Gulf and maritime traffic concerns lingering. Bahrain Eid Mode: Bahrain’s Shura Council Chairman and the Cabinet have sent Eid Al-Adha greetings, while the kingdom ramps up holiday readiness—hot weather ahead (up to 44°C), and confirmed livestock/meat supplies with imports continuing. Travel & Leisure: Global Village in Dubai is open through Eid Al Adha for the first time in 13 years (until 31 May), and Bahrain’s Muharraq “Haya Biya” festival drew big crowds. Regional Travel Notes: Sri Lanka launched free 30-day ETA tourist visas for 40 countries, including Bahrain. Infrastructure: A new 3.4km road has opened in Bahrain to cut peak travel times.