Bahrain On Alert: All You Need To Know About The Situation On The Island (Updated)
[Last updated on 5 April 2026, 9:30 AM]
As news of the escalating conflict floods our feeds and screens, we’re sharing updates for anyone on the island and beyond to stay informed. In these times, it’s important to stay calm and not give in to rumour mills. The Kingdom has taken several measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and residents.
The Kingdom’s defence system is keeping our skies safe, the Civil Defence Force and Fire Fighters are responding to the destruction of properties all over the island, and official authorities: the Ministry of Interior, the National Communication Centre, and others continue to keep us informed. What can you do? Stay sheltered, stay safe, and stay calm.
At around 11:37 am on Saturday, 28 February, emergency sirens were activated across Bahrain following an alert issued by the Ministry of Interior [MOI], as regional tensions prompted precautionary measures within the Kingdom. Since then, authorities across the Kingdom have responded quickly, and official updates are released every day in real time to clarify the situation.
The regional conflict is now in its second month.
Recent Strikes and Damages:
Since the beginning of the regional conflict, hotels, residential buildings, warehouses, company facilities, shops in Manama, a university building, a water desalination plant, and a fuel storage facility were affected either by direct damage or by debris after interception.
The US Fifth Fleet Service Centre in Juffair was the subject of the first wave missile attack during the early hours of the escalation. Authorities moved swiftly. The National Communication Centre [NCC] later confirmed that Bahrain’s air defence systems had intercepted several missiles detected in its airspace, with the Bahraini Defence Force responding successfully. [MOI / NCC]
By Saturday evening, the interceptions had ramped up. Buildings in Muharraq and Manama were affected, as hostile drones hit residential buildings. A minor case of smoke inhalation was reported, which was treated on-site. Civil Defence operatives continue to address the affected areas. [MOI]
A senior Civil Aviation Affairs official confirmed that rapid response protocols were activated immediately after Bahrain International Airport was targeted by a drone attack during the early hours of Sunday, 29 March. Authorities had previously activated approved emergency plans and taken all measures, including evacuating the passenger terminal, before the attack. [Bahrain News Agency].
A Hotel in Bahrain’s Diplomatic Area was targeted, causing damage to its facade. The blaze was quickly brought under control by the firefighters. No injuries or casualties were reported. [Reports]
Late Sunday night, a foreign vessel in Mina Salman was targeted. The fire from the falling debris resulted in the unfortunate passing of an Asian worker and serious injuries to two others. The fire was brought under control and extinguished. [MOI] Civil Defence Forces continued to respond to maritime and industrial incidents.
On Wednesday, 1 April, Company facilities in Bahrain have been subjected to UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) threats since the beginning of the conflict. Many of the fires were caused by falling shrapnel from intercepted missiles. [MOI]
On Thursday, 2 April, falling debris from an intercepted UAV prompted officials to divert traffic heading towards Hamad Town via Khalifa bin Salman highway near Saar. Traffic resumed to normal soon after the authorities secured the area. [MOI]
On Saturday, 4 April, four citizens sustained minor injuries, and several houses in Sitra were damaged by shrapnel from the interception of Iranian UAVs. The Civil Defence and the National Ambulance service were on-site to manage the situation. [MOI]
On Sunday, 5 April, Bapco Energies confirmed that an incident occurred at one of its storage facilities during the morning hours of Sunday, caused by an Iranian drone strike. The strike caused a fire in one of the tanks, but there were no injuries.
Change in Emergency Alert System: As of 1 April, the Ministry of Interior announced a change in the Emergency Alert system. Alerts issued between 12:00 am and 6:00 am will come only with a regular notification tone.
Major Events Called Off: As tensions in the region escalated throughout March, several major events were called off. This includes the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for 10-12 April. Bahrain Comic Con and Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo were other big events on the Kingdom’s calendar that have been called off. Andre Rieu, who was going to perform with the Johann Strauss Orchestra in Bahrain this year, has postponed his annual visit to Al Dana Amphitheatre to 2027. For a full report on this, click here.
Bahrain Airport stated that flight operations continue to remain temporarily suspended amid the airspace’s closure over the Kingdom. Travellers have been advised to get the latest updates from official channels and relevant airlines.
Gulf Air, Bahrain’s National Carrier, has shifted operations temporarily to Dammam International Airport in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It has also added 13 destinations to its network of flights, offering travellers options for crossing the King Fahd Causeway. Click here for the latest on this.
Government Hospitals confirmed that the emergency response plan has been activated and that readiness levels have been raised across vital departments, particularly emergency, intensive care and support services. They announced that Salmaniya Medical Complex received four injured cases. Three of the injuries were minor and were treated in line with medical protocols before being discharged. The fourth case was reportedly moderate and under medical observation until the condition stabilises. The last reports on injuries and [Bahrain News Agency]
The Ministry of Education [MOE] announced that kindergartens, Montessori, and institutions for individuals with determination will open Sunday, 5 April onwards. All other sections and institutions will continue remote learning. Support is available 24 hours a day through the urgent service on WhatsApp at 17873372 or via the Ministry’s official website www.moe.gov.bh. [Bahrain News Agency]
The Civil Service Bureau updated its remote work policy for all public sector offices, with effect from Sunday, 5 April. Going forward, in-office attendance will be capped at 50% in order to maintain flexible operations and a continuity of services for the public. [Bahrain News Agency]
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce confirmed that essential food items in local markets are sufficiently available. They’ve secured stock to meet market needs and ensure the continuity of supply without affecting availability or price stability. [Bahrain News Agency]
Banned in Bahrain: Any use of drones, seafaring between 6:00 pm and 4:00 am, and taking images of crash sites are all prohibited. [MOI]
Interceptions
The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force said that it has successfully intercepted over 453 hostile drones and 188 missiles as of 4 April[BDF]. While neighbouring GCC countries are also grappling with the ongoing tensions, the official information states that air defence systems across the region are acting swiftly and promptly.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Causeway was also closed for the safety of citizens and residents.
What To Do in Case of an Emergency
Moments like this can feel unsettling. The sound of a siren alone is enough to create anxiety. But Bahrain’s response is demonstrating a structured and operational emergency system designed to act quickly and decisively. In situations like this, clarity is key.
First, rely only on credible, official sources for information. Avoid forwarding unverified messages. Misinformation spreads faster than facts, especially during heightened moments.
Enable notifications on official government platforms, particularly the MyGov app, and keep local radio or television channels accessible for updates.
If you are driving when an alert is issued:
Stay within designated speed limits.
Clear the left lane to avoid congestion and reduce the risk of accidents.
Make way for emergency vehicles, including Civil Defence, ambulances, traffic police and security patrols.
Seek shelter in the nearest safe building if advised.
Use main roads only when necessary to allow authorities to operate efficiently and maintain public safety.
Stay calm, follow guidance, and allow trained teams to do their work.
Safe Rooms
The Ministry of Interior and the National Civil Protection Platform have also shared practical guidance for households.
A safe room should:
Be easily accessible.
Ideally be located on the ground floor or at the centre of the home.
Have no windows.
Be structurally secure.
Contain essential supplies including water, basic food items, first aid materials, and communication devices.
This is not about panic. It is about preparation. Most of us hope never to use such measures. But knowing they are in place provides reassurance.
Staying Alert to What’s Happening in Bahrain
While the situation seems to have been diffused immediately with no loss of lives or extreme damage in Qatar, Bahrain and the neighbouring GCC countries, there are security measures
You can take steps to stay informed, alert, and prepared as regional tensions subside.
Here’s what you need to do to enable notifications on the MyGov application:
Downloading the MyGov application
Open the app and log in using the Advanced eKey 2.0
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