Economic Outlook: The IMF forecasts Bahrain’s economy will contract 11.3% in 2026, as prolonged disruption to the Strait of Hormuz weighs on oil production, shipping and trade. Petrochemicals: Honeywell will provide technology licensing and engineering for GPIC’s new Sitra aromatics complex, designed to produce 1.2 million tonnes of paraxylene and 500,000 tonnes of benzene a year. Manufacturing: Bahrain steelmaker SULB won a GCC Industrial Excellence Award after securing Saudi market access for qualifying products through the kingdom’s public procurement list. Industrial Investment: Bahrain’s Industry Ministry signed an agreement with Bahrain Islamic Bank to support the industrial sector, while a tender has opened for factories in Salman Industrial City. Energy: Bahrain’s oil and environment minister called for investment in technology and stronger international cooperation at the World Petroleum Congress, highlighting infrastructure upgrades and operational efficiency as priorities. Business Payments: Citi and Arab Bank launched round-the-clock US dollar clearing for corporate clients, with Manama among the network’s regional financial hubs.