Manama: His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, today presided over the weekly Cabinet meeting held at Gudaibiya Palace. The Cabinet extended congratulations to the winners of the 2026 UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Prize for the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Education, emphasizing the role of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in enhancing the prize's international prestige and recognition.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Cabinet underscored the importance of international democratic values and highlighted significant achievements in fortifying constitutional institutions, contributing to the Kingdom's comprehensive development, spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Further, the Cabinet affirmed that peace requires ending attacks, ensuring international accountability, respecting state sovereignty, and resolving disputes through legal means.
The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's position on the Strait of Hormuz navigation, asserting that any arrangement must adhere to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, involve all Gulf Cooperation Council states, and ensure unrestricted transit passage for all vessels without discrimination. In response, the Cabinet condemned drone attacks targeting the East-West oil pipeline in Riyadh and Madinah regions, launched from Iraqi territory, citing violations of international law and threats to energy security.
The Cabinet also denounced renewed terrorist attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the threat to international maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait. It further reviewed and approved various memorandums, including a draft agreement with the United Nations World Tourism Organization and developments in telemedicine services.
Additionally, the Cabinet assessed the implementation of the midday work ban during the summer of 2026, noting a compliance rate of 99.98% from over 30,000 inspections. It took note of Bahrain's participation in international events like the International Space Summit and the 18th BRICS Summit, as well as hosting the 29th meeting of GCC ministers responsible for municipal affairs.