NEWS
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies, chaired the Group’s Board of Directors meeting for the second quarter of 2026. During the meeting, His Highness briefed the Board on highlights of his recent visit to the United States, where he met with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector as well as the impact of the regional conflict on the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bapco Energies Group. The Board reviewed Bapco Energies’ financial and operational performance and approved the Group’s audited financial statements for the year ended 2025. The consolidated Bapco Energies Group 2026 adjusted budget was endorsed, supporting the continued delivery of its strategic objectives. Mr. Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive Officer, presented an update on the Group’s performance, key growth indicators, and progress across major strategic initiatives, including the Bapco Modernization Project and Bapco Upstream projects. The Board reaffirmed Bapco Energies’ role in supporting the Kingdom of Bahrain’s long-term economic development and energy security, underscoring the Group’s commitment to creating lasting value for its stakeholders.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, affirmed that Arab Youth Day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of building a generation that believes in its own capabilities, holds on to its ambitions, and recognises that the future of their nations is not shaped by circumstances, but by will, determination and hard work. His Highness explained that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s achievements in supporting and empowering young people are based on the wise vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who established a national approach that places people at the centre of development and makes them its ultimate goal. On the occasion of Arab Youth Day, observed annually on 5 July, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa added that Arab youth possess the knowledge, ability and ambition to lead change and achieve great things, emphasising that the real challenge lies not in the scale of the opportunities available, but in the scale of the ambition that young people harbour for themselves and for their countries. His Highness noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to provide a supportive environment that enables young people to develop their capabilities, unleash their potential and transform their ideas into projects, initiatives and achievements that contribute to the nation’s advancement and progress. His Highness emphasised that nations that progress are those that instil confidence in their youth and teach them that competition is not only with others, but also with their own personal limits and the expectations they set for themselves. His Highness expressed pride in the outstanding successes achieved by Bahraini youth in various fields, affirming that these achievements reflect a conscious national spirit, and an unwavering ambition, and embody the honourable image of Bahraini youth in various forums.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander directed the launch of the ‘Gadeha’ Youth Training Camp, which targets young people aged 10 to 17 of both genders and will be held from 8 August to 3 September 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain. The camp is being organised as part of an ongoing commitment to invest in young and emerging talent, and to foster the values of national belonging, discipline and responsibility through a comprehensive training experience that combines physical and educational challenges with life skills in an environment inspired by military training, under the supervision of specialised and professional instructors. On the occasion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed that Bahraini youth are the Kingdom’s true wealth, and that investing in developing their capabilities is fundamental pillar for continuing the march of national development and achievements under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. His Highness stated: “The Gadeha Youth Training Camp embodies a comprehensive national vision to prepare a conscious generation capable of facing challenges, by instilling the values of discipline, self-reliance, teamwork, leadership and accountability, which builds outstanding young people committed to their national identity and have a sincere sense of belonging to their country.” His Highness added: “We are keen to provide high-quality programmes that enable young men and women to acquire the experiences and life skills that enhance their readiness for the future, and familiarise them with the significant national role played by military and security agencies in protecting the Kingdom and safeguarding its achievements, which reinforces the values of loyalty and positive citizenship.” The camp offers an intensive training experience totalling 30 training hours, with participants undertaking a programme spanning six days per group daily from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, within a comprehensive training environment at Exhibition World Bahrain. During the camp, participants move between a number of stations and challenges designed to test their endurance, concentration and reaction speed, while also acquiring life skills that help build a more self-reliant and responsible character, as well as gaining practical insight into the nature of military work and the roles carried out by the military and security services. The organising committee invites those wishing to participate to register via the camp’s website: Gadeha.tvmore
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, attended the honouree reception and the Golden Plate Award banquet as the guest of honour, hosted by the American Academy of Achievement, as part of His Highness’s visit to Washington D.C., in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation, with the participation of a select group of leaders, decision-makers, intellectuals, scientists, entrepreneurs and prominent international figures. His Highness delivered a speech during the ceremony, in which he expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Wayne and Catherine Reynolds for their outstanding efforts and inspiring vision in founding the American Academy of Achievement, and for the pioneering role it plays in honouring achievers, inspiring younger generations and empowering them to build a more prosperous future. His Highness noted that such international initiatives embody the importance of investing in people and innovation and fostering a culture of excellence while enhancing cooperation among people. His Highness affirmed that the long-standing historical relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America is a model of strategic partnership based on mutual trust, respect and shared interests, explaining that the challenges and changes currently facing the Middle East highlight the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination between friendly nations, to consolidate security and stability. His Highness noted that the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) is an important strategic pillar that helped enhance cooperation and develop the partnership between the two countries in priority areas. His Highness also highlighted the strength of the Bahraini-U.S. partnership and its ability to tackle shared challenges, reiterating the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pride in this strategic relationship and its commitment to continuing joint action towards a more peaceful, prosperous and developed future. His Highness extended a personal invitation to those present, saying: “We welcome your ideas, your partnerships and your friendship. I invite you to visit Bahrain, to engage with its people, and to experience first-hand a nation that believes deeply in innovation, opportunity and international partnership. It would be our honour to welcome you”.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, emphasised the importance of investing in future-oriented sectors, foremost among which are space science, advanced technology and innovation, to support economic growth and oenhance development and innovation, which consolidates the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for knowledge and advanced technologies, and enhances its competitiveness by keeping pace with global changes and benefitting promising opportunities in the economy of the future This came during His Highness’s meeting with Jared Isaacman, Administrator of NASA, during His Highness’s visit to Washington D.C., in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Space Agency, and the accompanying delegation. His Highness noted that the Comprehensive Security, Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C‑SIPA) reflects the commitment of the two friendly countries to developing cooperation across various sectors, to increase scientific and technological partnerships and exchange expertise and knowledge. His Highness highlighted the importance of the strategic agreements between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, which strengthen frameworks for cooperation and partnership in vital areas of mutual interest, and support the exchange of expertise and knowledge in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both sides. In this regard, His Highness pointed to the opportunities offered by the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) in providing broad areas for cooperation and integration across various sectors, which strengthens scientific and technological partnerships and the exchange of expertise and knowledge. During the meeting, opportunities for cooperation in the fields of space science, research and advanced technology were also reviewed, in addition to mechanisms for strengthening scientific partnerships, exchanging expertise and building national capacity, in line with rapid global developments and in support of innovation and sustainable development efforts.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander affirmed that the defence and security partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America is an advanced model of strategic cooperation, based on mutual trust and continuous coordination, which enhances security and stability at the regional and international levels. This came during His Highness’s meeting with Elbridge Colby, U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy, during His Highness’s visit to Washington D.C., in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation. His Highness noted that the Comprehensive Security, Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C‑SIPA) marked an important strategic milestone in Bahraini-U.S. relations and developed defence and security cooperation, reflecting the depth of the partnership between the two friendly nations. The meeting reviewed the latest developments in defence and security cooperation between the two countries, and ways to develop strategic coordination, exchange expertise and enhance integration in defence-related fields. The meeting also discussed the importance of the joint statement on the Artificial Intelligence Opportunities Partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, as a significant step towards strengthening cooperation in advanced technologies, thereby enhancing security and stability and achieving shared prosperity.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander met with Mike Rogers, Chairman of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, during His Highness’s visit to Washington, D.C., in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation. His Highness affirmed that the defence and military partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America is an advanced model of strategic cooperation based on mutual trust and shared visions aimed at supporting regional and international security and stability. His Highness explained that the Comprehensive Security, Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C‑SIPA) has consolidated the foundations of defence and security cooperation between the two friendly nations and strengthened strategic coordination in a manner that supports security and stability in the region. The meeting also reviewed the latest developments in military cooperation between the two friendly countries, ways to strengthen defence partnerships and develop areas of joint coordination, in addition to a number of security issues of mutual interest, in a manner that serves mutual interests and reinforces security and stability.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies, met with United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington, D.C., to advance strategic energy cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States. The high-level meeting, which was also attended by His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Bapco Energies Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Thomas, focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration across the energy sector, with particular emphasis on unlocking joint investment opportunities and accelerating innovation-led growth. Discussions highlighted Bapco Energies’ ongoing engagement with leading global partners to enhance energy security, attract strategic investments, and adopt future-ready technologies. Both sides reviewed the progress of key initiatives, including the evaluation and development of deep gas resources in the onshore Bahrain Field, leveraging advanced U.S.-based technologies, as well as advancements in the Kingdom's offshore 3D seismic program. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing progress of the Bapco Modernization Project, with a focus on deploying advanced refining technologies to optimize operational performance and drive greater efficiency. In parallel, opportunities to expand technology-driven ventures within the energy sector were discussed to support the adoption of next-generation solutions, including innovative energy technologies currently under development. The discussions also addressed the importance of strengthening energy security and maintaining resilient energy systems amid evolving regional and global developments. His Highness emphasized the importance of the longstanding strategic relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States as a foundation for cooperation across key sectors, including energy. He reaffirmed that the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States remains a critical pillar in strengthening energy security and advancing a sustainable energy transition. He underscored the importance of deepening collaboration to accelerate knowledge exchange and further reinforce the Kingdom's position as a forward-looking partner in the global energy landscape.more
As part of the visit of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander to the United States of America, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America signed a joint statement on the Artificial Intelligence Opportunities Partnership. The joint statement was signed in the presence of His Highness. On the Bahraini side, it was signed by Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States of America, while on the American side it was signed by Jacob Helberg U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment. The statement sets out the shared commitment between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America to support innovation and entrepreneurship and to strengthen technological cooperation, to achieve the mutual prosperity and economic security of both countries. It also emphasises the importance of trusted partnerships in developing infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence, including in the fields of energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced computing capabilities and digital connectivity. The joint statement also establishes a framework for strengthening bilateral cooperation on policies that support innovation, strengthening artificial intelligence related supply chains, supporting research and development, encouraging private-sector investment in emerging technologies, and enhancing opportunities for cooperation in the fields of advanced data centres, reliable artificial intelligence models, semiconductor systems, and the development of innovative artificial intelligence applications. This partnership builds on the historic strategic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, and reflects the commitment of the two friendly nations to increase cooperation in the fields of advanced technology and innovation, which contributes to sustainable economic development, enhances competitiveness, and creates new opportunities for growth and prosperity.more
Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander received Brian Mast, Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, during His Highness’s visit to Washington D.C., the United States of America, in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation. During the meeting, His Highness stressed that the relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America are undergoing continuous development, underpinned by solid foundations of mutual cooperation across various fields, reflecting the strength of the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries and serving their shared interests. His Highness noted the importance of continuing to advance bilateral relations, for the benefit of both countries and their friendly peoples across various fields. The meeting reviewed a number of regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest, and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination in a manner that serves mutual interests and supports efforts to promote regional and international peace and security.more
