Expo 2030 Riyadh: Bahrain has signed its Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, moving into the planning and delivery phase for a national pavilion, public programme and visitor experiences, with a sustainable build planned to remain after the event. GCC Food Security: Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister backed GCC agricultural cooperation and food security work, stressing stronger supply-chain efficiency, while Bahrain also hosted the 38th GCC Committee meeting in Manama. Mumtalakat Governance: A royal edict reconstituted the Board of Directors of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company for a four-year term, chaired by the Minister of Finance and National Economy. Digital Innovation Awards: The Bahrain Association of Banks named an independent judging panel for the Digital Innovation Awards 2026, spanning AI, digital transformation, governance and fintech. Shipping & Seafarers: International shipping leaders warned that seafarers must not be pulled into geopolitical fights, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz keep disrupting maritime operations. Regional Security & Trade: The US-Iran escalation continues to rattle oil and shipping flows, with Bahrain and other Gulf states reporting air defence interceptions and renewed travel disruption. Fintech Payments: KB Kookmin Bank will use JP Morgan’s Kinexys Blockchain Deposit Account network for import/export corporate payments, including remittances covering Bahrain. Energy Logistics: Fujairah fuel oil inventories fell in August, with Bahrain among the key import sources, as Hormuz risk tightens bunker fuel availability.