As Muslims around the world welcome the Islamic New Year 1448 AH, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa delivered a message of hope and solidarity to the people of Bahrain, as well as Arab and Islamic nations worldwide.

A Prayer for a Prosperous Year

His Majesty expressed his wishes for a year filled with goodness, blessings, progress, and prosperity for Bahrain and all Muslim countries. He also prayed for lasting peace, security, and stability throughout the region and across the world during this new Islamic year.

Reflecting on the Meaning of Hijra

The King highlighted the significance of the Hijra anniversary, commemorating the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah. He said the occasion serves as an important reminder of Islam’s core values, including tolerance, moderation, coexistence, and peace.

Bahrain’s Commitment to Humanitarian Values

His Majesty reaffirmed Bahrain’s dedication to promoting brotherhood, mutual respect, and harmony among all people, regardless of differences. He emphasised that these principles remain central to the Kingdom’s vision for a peaceful and inclusive future.

Looking Ahead

King Hamad’s message sets a hopeful tone for 1448 AH, encouraging unity and reinforcing the importance of compassion and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world.

Trump Declares Deal Complete

President Donald Trump confirmed the development through a public statement, declaring:

“The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete… Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

Trump also announced the immediate removal of the U.S. naval blockade and authorised the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes that carries a significant share of global energy supplies.

Regional Support Builds Momentum

The agreement has gained support from key regional partners including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, all of whom played important diplomatic roles in encouraging dialogue and reducing tensions.

While many details still need to be finalised, the upcoming Switzerland signing will be closely watched worldwide. If successfully implemented, this agreement could become one of the most important diplomatic turning points in recent Middle Eastern history, creating ripple effects far beyond the region.

Why Bahrain Stands To Benefit?

For Bahrain, the agreement could have significant economic and strategic advantages. As a Gulf nation heavily connected to international trade, finance and maritime activity, stability in the Strait of Hormuz directly impacts the Kingdom.

Reduced tensions could strengthen investor confidence, lower shipping insurance costs, improve supply chain reliability and support Bahrain’s logistics, banking and tourism sectors. Bahrain’s position as a regional business hub may also become more attractive to international companies seeking stability in the Gulf.

What Happens Now?

The signatures have not yet been placed on paper, and that may be the most important detail of all. With billions of dollars in trade, regional security and global energy supplies at stake, the world will be watching every move made in Switzerland. What happens next could either become one of the greatest diplomatic successes of modern times or another fragile moment that slips away.

Looking for a meaningful way to spend the summer? Volunteer registration is now officially open for the 15th edition of Youth City 2030, one of Bahrain’s most prominent youth development programmes. The initiative continues to empower young people by providing opportunities to learn, contribute, and gain valuable real-world experience.

Who Can Apply?

Individuals aged 18 and above can register through the eShabab app until 20 June 2026. Selected volunteers will play an important role in supporting the programme’s activities, helping to organise events, coordinate workshops, and assist participants throughout the summer.

Building Skills Through Experience

Youth City 2030 is more than just a volunteer opportunity. It offers participants the chance to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and event management skills while working alongside fellow young people from across Bahrain. Volunteers gain hands-on experience that can support both their personal and professional growth.

Summer of Learning and Engagement

Taking place during the summer of 2026, Youth City 2030 will feature a diverse lineup of training programmes, workshops, and interactive activities designed to inspire and equip the next generation. Now, as the programme marks its 15th edition, Youth City 2030 continues to provide young Bahrainis with a platform to learn, connect, and contribute to their community while preparing for future opportunities.

What Happened?

The outage began around 9:20 a.m. ET and affected users across multiple countries. Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and several Meta business tools experienced service interruptions. Users reported login failures, blank screens, messages not sending, and feeds refusing to load. Outage-monitoring websites quickly recorded tens of thousands of reports as the problem spread globally.

How Was It Fixed?

Meta acknowledged the issue shortly after reports surged. The company’s engineering teams worked to identify and resolve the problem while keeping users informed through public updates. Although Meta did not immediately disclose the exact technical cause, engineers moved quickly to restore services and reduce the impact on users and businesses that rely on the platforms daily.

Back to Normal

Fortunately, the disruption was relatively brief. Services gradually returned throughout the day, and reports of issues declined significantly. As of now, Meta’s major platforms have been fully restored and are operating normally, allowing users to reconnect, communicate, and continue business as usual.

The Kingdom of Bahrain will officially welcome the Islamic New Year with a public holiday across government entities on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

A National Holiday Announcement

His Royal Highness Prince Salman has issued a circular announcing the closure of Bahrain’s ministries and public institutions in observance of the Islamic New Year, marking the 1st of Muharram 1448 AH. The decision allows government employees and citizens to commemorate one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar.

Marking the Beginning of a New Year

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year for Muslims around the world. The occasion commemorates the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, an event that serves as the starting point of the Islamic calendar.

A Time for Reflection

While celebrations vary across different communities, the day is widely regarded as a moment for reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose. Across Bahrain, families and communities often use the occasion to gather, reflect on the year ahead, and embrace the values associated with the new Hijri year.

Looking Ahead

As Bahrain enters 1448 AH, the public holiday offers an opportunity for rest and reflection while marking the start of another chapter in the Islamic calendar. The announcement highlights the Kingdom’s continued recognition of important religious occasions that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the community.

Students, parents, and educators across Bahrain now have a clearer picture of the upcoming academic year after the Ministry of Education officially approved and published the Academic Calendar for the 2026–2027 school year. The newly released guide outlines key educational milestones, examination periods, school holidays, registration deadlines, and national occasions, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the year ahead.

Key Academic Dates

According to the calendar, the first semester begins on September 3, 2026, and concludes on January 14, 2027. Mid-year exams, registration periods, and the winter break are all clearly scheduled to help schools and families plan effectively.

The second semester starts on January 31, 2027, and continues until June 30, 2027, followed by the summer holiday beginning on July 1. The calendar also details examination schedules for various educational stages, including secondary education, technical and vocational pathways, and continuing education programmes.

More Than Just School Dates

Beyond academic milestones, the calendar highlights important national, cultural, and educational observances throughout the year. These include Bahrain’s National Day celebrations, Gulf Teacher’s Day, World Children’s Day, International Education Day, and other occasions that enrich student life beyond the classroom.

The guide also takes into account official holidays and religious events, ensuring schools, students, and parents can plan around key periods such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha.

Supporting Better Planning

By making the calendar publicly available through the Ministry of Education’s website, Bahrain continues its commitment to transparency and effective educational planning. The detailed schedule offers families, educators, and institutions a valuable tool to stay organised and prepared for a successful academic year.

From the Kingdom of Bahrain to the towering peaks of Nepal, 18-year-old Ali Ahmed Shakib has achieved a milestone that is capturing attention far beyond the mountaineering community. The student from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain successfully summited Mount Kyajo Ri, one of Nepal’s most challenging climbing destinations.

Conquering the Mountain

Standing at more than 6,000 meters above sea level, Mount Kyajo Ri is known for its demanding terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and technical climbing requirements. Reaching the summit requires months of preparation, physical endurance, and mental resilience. For Ali, the climb represented not only a personal challenge but also an opportunity to showcase Bahraini determination on the international stage.

Awaiting a Historic Record

The achievement could soon become even more significant. Ali is currently awaiting official verification from Guinness World Records, which could confirm him as the youngest person ever to summit Mount Kyajo Ri. If approved, the accomplishment would place his name in the global record books and mark a historic moment for Bahrain.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Ali Ahmed Shakib’s journey demonstrates how ambition, preparation, and perseverance can turn extraordinary goals into reality. His achievement serves as an inspiration for young Bahrainis, proving that with determination, even the world’s highest challenges can be conquered.

Thousands of fans gathered at Terminal 4 by Beyon for an unforgettable evening as Lebanese pop icon Nancy Ajram delivered a spectacular live performance. The venue came alive with excitement as concertgoers filled the space, creating an electric atmosphere from the opening moments of the event.

Music, Energy, and Connection

From fan-favourite hits to crowd-singalong moments, Nancy Ajram captivated the audience with her signature stage presence and powerful performance. The combination of music, lights, and audience energy transformed Terminal 4 into one of Bahrain’s most vibrant entertainment destinations for the night.

An Atmosphere Like No Other

The event showcased more than just a concert. Friends, families, and music lovers came together to celebrate a shared passion for live entertainment. Every song was met with cheers, applause, and a sea of phones capturing memories that will last long after the final performance.

A Memorable Entertainment Experience

Nancy Ajram’s appearance at Terminal 4 by Beyon once again highlighted Bahrain’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class entertainment. With a packed crowd, unforgettable performances, and an incredible atmosphere throughout the evening, the concert delivered a night that fans will be talking about for years to come.

Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced a strategic partnership with French investment company TRAIL, marking a significant step in Bahrain’s efforts to expand investment opportunities in emerging global industries.

The announcement was made at the Choose France Summit in the presence of His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, and His Excellency Nicolas Forissier, Member of Parliament and Representative of the Indre Department in France.

Investing in the SLAM Economy

As part of the partnership, Mumtalakat has become an investor in the SLAM Fund, the world’s first private equity fund dedicated to sport, luxury, arts, and music. The fund focuses on sectors that are increasingly shaping global consumer trends, culture, and economic growth.

The collaboration combines TRAIL’s expertise in these industries with Mumtalakat’s regional reach to support the development of SLAM sectors in Bahrain and across the GCC. The partnership will also help drive regional expansion opportunities and capital-raising initiatives.

Supporting Bahrain’s Growth Vision

His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the agreement reflects the strong economic relationship between Bahrain and France while supporting the Kingdom’s goals of attracting investment, fostering innovation, and advancing economic diversification.

His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, noted that the partnership aligns with the fund’s strategy of investing in high-potential sectors that can contribute to long-term growth and value creation.

Meanwhile, Xavier Marin, President of TRAIL, highlighted Bahrain’s strategic position as a regional investment hub and confirmed plans to establish a TRAIL office in Manama to support future opportunities across the GCC.

Looking Ahead

More than an investment agreement, the partnership reflects a shared vision to unlock opportunities in high-growth industries while strengthening Bahrain’s position as a gateway for innovation, investment, and international collaboration in the region.