The debate comes as Bahrain weighs a proposal first introduced by the Shura Council in January 2026. While the government supports stronger protections for children, it has raised concerns over privacy, enforcement, and whether an outright ban is the most effective solution. Experts believe digital literacy may be just as important as restrictions. Schools are already witnessing the effects of uncontrolled online exposure, including reduced attention spans, misinformation, and emotional stress. Parents across the Kingdom are also taking a more active role by supervising accounts and encouraging healthier digital habits at home.

Bahrain now stands at a crossroads between protection and participation in an increasingly digital world. The conversation is no longer simply about banning social media but about preparing a generation to use it responsibly. When Parliament reconvenes in October, one question will remain. Can society create safer digital citizens without disconnecting them from the future?

Every nation is built on stories that reflect its identity, values, and sense of belonging. In Bahrain, efforts are underway to ensure these meaningful moments are preserved for future generations. The Ministry of Information has extended the deadline for submitting loyalty and support documents until July 1. The initiative encourages individuals, organisations, and community groups to participate in protecting an important part of Bahrain’s history.

A Community Effort to Celebrate National Values

The initiative aims to preserve these documents as part of Bahrain’s national memory while highlighting the values of loyalty, belonging, and national unity. By collecting contributions from different sectors of society, the Kingdom is creating a lasting archive that reflects the relationship between the nation and its people. These records will serve as historical references for future generations to better understand Bahrain’s journey and collective spirit. It also reinforces the importance of community participation in preserving cultural and national heritage.

Building a Legacy for Future Generations

The Ministry of Information will continue receiving submissions at the main gate of its headquarters until 1 July, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM during official working days. While the initiative may seem simple, its long-term impact could be significant for preserving Bahrain’s national identity. Every document submitted becomes a piece of the Kingdom’s evolving story. In the years to come, these preserved memories may become powerful reminders of the unity that continues to shape Bahrain today.

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.

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.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has added another global milestone to its growing list of international recognitions, this time for something deeply rooted in the nation’s identity which is peaceful coexistence and religious diversity.

His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met with His Excellency Dr Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, during a meeting that highlighted Bahrain’s global standing as a model for tolerance and multicultural harmony.

During the meeting, His Excellency Dr Sheikh Abdulla presented His Royal Highness with the official Guinness World Records certificate recognising the Kingdom of Bahrain as the country with the highest density of houses of worship for different religions. The recognition reflects Bahrain’s longstanding commitment to embracing religious diversity and creating an environment where different faiths coexist within one community.

The achievement further reinforces Bahrain’s reputation as one of the region’s leading examples of openness and inclusivity. Across the Kingdom, mosques, churches, temples, and other places of worship exist within close proximity, representing decades of cultural integration and mutual respect among residents and communities from around the world.

The recognition also aligns with Bahrain’s broader efforts to promote dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence on an international level through initiatives led by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence. The Centre continues to position Bahrain as a global voice for moderation, diplomacy, and interfaith understanding.

As Bahrain continues strengthening its role on the global stage, the Guinness World Records recognition stands as more than a symbolic achievement. It reflects a national identity built on coexistence, diversity, and a vision that continues to resonate far beyond the Kingdom’s borders.

Bahrain marked a major national milestone as the Royal Bahraini Air Force celebrated its 50th anniversary, reflecting five decades of military excellence, modernization, and service to the Kingdom. The golden jubilee event highlighted the force’s role in strengthening Bahrain’s defense capabilities while reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most important national institutions.

On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, attended the official celebration honoring the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s 50-year journey. The event brought together senior officials, military leaders, distinguished guests, and members of the armed forces to commemorate the historic occasion.

The celebration reflected Bahrain’s continued investment in defense development, aviation advancement, and national security. Over the decades, the Royal Bahraini Air Force has evolved into a modern military force equipped with advanced technology, highly trained personnel, and strategic operational capabilities that contribute to protecting the Kingdom and supporting regional stability.

The anniversary also served as a tribute to the generations of pilots, officers, engineers, and personnel who helped shape the Royal Bahraini Air Force since its establishment. Their contributions have played a key role in strengthening Bahrain’s military readiness and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to excellence across the armed forces sector.

The golden jubilee celebration showcased not only the history of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, but also its future direction as Bahrain continues to focus on modernization, innovation, and strategic growth. The occasion stood as a reminder of the Kingdom’s long-standing dedication to national defense and the continued advancement of its armed forces.

Bahrain has officially finalized preparations for Eid Al Adha prayers across the Kingdom, with worshippers set to gather at designated prayer grounds and mosques at 5:05 am on Wednesday, May 27.

Shaikh Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed bin Futais Al Hajri confirmed that all official Eid prayer grounds across Bahrain’s governorates are fully prepared to receive worshippers, following extensive coordination between government entities, municipalities, maintenance teams, and religious authorities.

According to the announcement, the Sunni Endowments Council formed a dedicated prayer grounds committee that identified and organized all major Eid prayer locations throughout the Kingdom. Special arrangements were also made for expatriate communities, with additional prayer venues allocated at several schools across Bahrain.

A total of 18 main Eid prayer grounds have been designated this year, covering areas including Hidd, Galali, Arad, Diyar Al Muharraq, Muharraq, Busaiteen, Salmaniya, Riffa, Hajiyat, Askar, Zallaq, Hamad Town, Budaiya, Salman City, and New Ramli Housing.

Among the key locations announced are the Eid prayer ground in East Hidd at Al Julaiah neighbourhood, the large Eid prayer ground complex in Diyar Al Muharraq near Al Baraha Souq, the North Riffa prayer ground near Al Istiqlal Walkway, and the Salman City prayer ground located at the northern square of Salman City Coast.

To streamline attendance and centralize worshippers in the designated open prayer grounds, several nearby mosques will temporarily close during Eid prayers. These include Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park Mosque in Hidd City, Abdulrahman Al Zayani Mosque in Arad, Al Baraha Souq Mosque in Diyar Al Muharraq, and multiple mosques across Muharraq, Riffa, Hamad Town, Budaiya, Salman City, and New Ramli Housing.

Some designated Eid grounds, including Salmaniya, Askar Heritage Village, and Zallaq Youth Empowerment Centre square, will continue operating without nearby mosque closures.

Shaikh Dr. Al Hajri stated that the Sunni Endowments Council has completed all operational preparations required to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for worshippers. Preparations include the installation of carpets, sound systems, electronic and electrical equipment, water distribution, and field inspections conducted by specialized maintenance and operations teams.

The preparations were carried out through cooperation with several national entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Municipalities Affairs & Agriculture, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Works, Electricity and Water Authority, General Sports Authority, King Hamad University Hospital, and the Bahrain Defence Force.

Additional support was also provided by government hospitals, societies, and expatriate community awareness centres across the Kingdom.

As Bahrain prepares to welcome Eid Al Adha, the nationwide arrangements reflect the Kingdom’s large-scale coordination efforts to accommodate thousands of worshippers gathering for one of the most significant prayers of the Islamic calendar.

Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has officially entered a new chapter in aviation technology after successfully operating its first-ever Starlink-powered flight over Bahrain. ✈️🇧🇭

The milestone marks a major upgrade to the airline’s onboard digital experience, introducing ultra-high-speed satellite internet that allows passengers to stay connected from takeoff to landing. Through the new Starlink system, travelers can browse the internet, stream content, use messaging apps, and stay productive in the air with seamless connectivity throughout the journey.

The launch places Gulf Air among a growing number of international airlines adopting next-generation inflight internet technology as passenger expectations continue shifting toward uninterrupted digital access while traveling. The move also reflects Bahrain’s broader push toward innovation, smart infrastructure, and advanced technology integration across multiple sectors.

Passengers onboard the historic flight experienced complimentary access to the service, giving travelers a glimpse into what future Gulf Air journeys may look like as the airline modernizes its fleet experience. The introduction of Starlink-powered connectivity is expected to significantly improve inflight convenience, particularly for business travelers, frequent flyers, and passengers on longer regional and international routes.

The achievement represents another milestone for Gulf Air as the airline continues enhancing passenger experience while strengthening Bahrain’s position in regional aviation innovation.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, has issued Decision No. (18) of 2026 regarding new appointments within the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. 🇧🇭

As part of the latest leadership updates, Mohammed Abdullah Ali was appointed as Director of Information Technology Management, strengthening the ministry’s administrative and technological leadership during a period of continued digital growth across the Kingdom.

The appointment highlights Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to modernize government operations and expand the role of technology across key national sectors. The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications remains central to the Kingdom’s infrastructure development, overseeing transportation systems, aviation services, telecommunications, and digital connectivity initiatives.

The Information Technology Management division plays a critical role in supporting smart government systems, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and operational efficiency within the ministry. Leadership appointments in this sector reflect the increasing importance of technology-driven governance as Bahrain continues pushing forward with innovation and digital transformation goals.

Bahrain has continued investing heavily in advanced technology, smart infrastructure, and digital public services in recent years, positioning itself as one of the Gulf region’s growing hubs for digital innovation and government modernization.

As Bahrain celebrates the birthday of His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, tributes continue to pour in from across the Kingdom and the wider region, recognizing his impact across sports, youth empowerment, humanitarian work, and national development.

Known for his active role in advancing Bahrain’s global sporting presence, His Highness Sheikh Nasser has become one of the Kingdom’s most prominent figures in both regional and international arenas. From endurance racing and equestrian achievements to youth initiatives and humanitarian programs, his leadership has helped position Bahrain as a growing force in sports diplomacy and innovation.

Over the years, His Highness Sheikh Nasser has played a major role in supporting Bahrain’s athletic ecosystem, backing local talent while strengthening the Kingdom’s reputation on the world stage. His involvement in endurance sports, in particular, has brought international attention to Bahrain, with Team Bahrain Victorious continuing to compete prominently across global cycling and endurance events.

Beyond sports, His Highness Sheikh Nasser remains closely connected to initiatives focused on empowering Bahraini youth, encouraging innovation, leadership, and community engagement. His support for charitable and humanitarian causes has also contributed to multiple regional and international initiatives aimed at promoting solidarity and social development.

Across social media platforms, birthday greetings from officials, athletes, organizations, and members of the public highlighted appreciation for his continued contributions to Bahrain’s progress and cultural identity. Messages praised his leadership, ambition, and role in inspiring younger generations across the Kingdom.

The occasion also reflects the growing influence of Bahrain’s modern leadership in shaping the country’s future across sectors including sports, culture, sustainability, and international cooperation.

As celebrations continue, many across Bahrain are using the moment to recognize the achievements and initiatives associated with His Highness Sheikh Nasser, whose presence continues to play a visible role in the Kingdom’s evolving national vision.