Bahrain Prioritizes Emergency Preparedness Amid Regional Tensions; Urges De-escalation and Dialogue

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

As regional tensions continue to unfold, Bahrain’s Cabinet, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has placed national emergency readiness at the forefront of its agenda during the weekly meeting held at Gudaibiya Palace.

Interior Minister and Head of the Civil Defence Council, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, briefed the Cabinet on enhanced civil emergency measures aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the population under all circumstances.

Key emergency readiness highlights include:

• Full activation of national security and field response units, alongside the Civil Emergency Operations Center.
• Robust food and essential goods stockpiles, with smooth supply chain operations across all entry and exit points.
• Comprehensive availability of medicines and high readiness of medical teams across all governorates.
• Reliable electricity and water supply, with contingency systems ready to respond to any disruptions.
• 33 designated shelters are on standby and will be activated if required.
• Ongoing efforts to assist stranded Bahraini citizens abroad due to flight suspensions.
• Continued air safety monitoring, alongside functioning national alert systems.
• High-capacity telecom infrastructure designed to support emergency communications.
• Radiation monitoring and emergency response protocols are in place to ensure public health and environmental safety.

The Cabinet reassured citizens and residents that Bahrain remains fully prepared and continues to take all necessary actions to safeguard public security and maintain access to essential services.

Call for Calm in the Region
Amid growing instability in the region, particularly the escalation between Israel and Iran, the Cabinet reiterated Bahrain’s firm position in support of peace and diplomacy. It called for an immediate de-escalation of military actions, warning of the dire consequences such confrontations pose to regional security and the livelihoods of its people.

The Cabinet stressed the need for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to diplomatic channels, especially regarding ongoing negotiations around Iran’s nuclear program.

Cabinet Commends Eid Operations and Welcomes Pilgrims
The Cabinet also commended government agencies for their effective coordination during Eid Al-Adha, ensuring uninterrupted services and public safety. It welcomed the safe return of Bahraini pilgrims and expressed appreciation for the national Hajj delegation’s efforts, while extending sincere thanks to Saudi Arabia’s leadership for the successful management of this year’s pilgrimage season.

Bahrain’s Global Recognition at the UN
In a significant diplomatic development, Bahrain celebrated its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2026–2027. The Cabinet described the achievement as a testament to the Kingdom’s growing global standing and its commitment to peace, stability, and development.

Additionally, Bahrain was elected to the Executive Board of UN Women for 2026–2028. The Cabinet credited this to the ongoing efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Women, in leading initiatives to empower Bahraini women and amplify their role on the international stage.

Government Business and Global Engagements
The Cabinet approved several key memorandums, including Bahrain’s support for a WTO-led digital economy fund for women exporters and legislative updates to enhance social insurance coverage for Gulf nationals working abroad.

It also reviewed the outcomes of Bahrain’s participation in major international forums, including:

• The Arab-Islamic Summit’s ministerial committee on Gaza
• The UN Ocean Conference
• The International Labour Conference
• Official ministerial visits to Oman and the UAE
• Participation in the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Condolences to India
The Cabinet concluded by expressing heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India following the tragic civilian aircraft crash, offering prayers to the victims’ families during this difficult time.