Higher-Ed Quality: Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) says all its Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes were reviewed by the Bahrain Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA) and received the top “Confidence” rating, with delivery partners including Bangor University, University of London, Strathclyde Business School and DePaul University. Capital Markets & Governance: Bahrain Bourse joined the pledge of allegiance to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reinforcing its role in supporting Bahrain’s capital market development. Regional Finance Cooperation: The UAE and Bahrain central bank governors met in Abu Dhabi to discuss deeper financial and monetary cooperation, including coordination mechanisms, banking stability and digital transformation. Gold vs Oil: Gold slipped as Middle East tensions pushed crude higher and rate-hike expectations rose, while silver also fell amid a firmer dollar and inflation concerns. Geopolitics Hitting Markets: Fresh US-Iran clashes again tested a fragile ceasefire, with Iran targeting Bahrain and Kuwait and the US striking Qeshm Island—sparking oil price gains and risk-off moves across Gulf markets. Bahrain’s Defence Posture: Bahrain said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones amid the escalation, as regional airspace and security concerns intensified. Industrial Deal Watch: Bahrain’s Alba agreed to buy Europe’s largest aluminium smelter, Aluminium Dunkerque, in a deal valued at about $2.2bn, as Gulf aluminium players expand abroad to secure supply chains amid Hormuz disruption.