KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Nicholas C. Cooksey
CO-PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR Charlie H. Cooksey
EDITORIAL Deepika Rao
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Angela Acosta
Andrea Raj
Yara Bahman
Vinita V.
SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY
ADMIN & FINANCE
DISTRIBUTION
James Brook
Yusra Sajjad
Njood Alatallah
Nikhil Parameswaran
Angelo Acosta
Peter Anthony
Manu M
Nikesh Pola
Delivery Point
Al Ayam
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Going back to school is perhaps the most time-honoured ritual. There’s a rhythm to the school year that never really changes, no matter how much the world around us does.
Ask any parent, or even grandparents, and they’ll recall that unmistakable back-to-school feeling. The smell of new pencils, the excitement of fresh shoes, the anxiety of stepping into a new classroom after weeks of summer freedom.
Today’s kids might swap pencilled timetables for apps and notebooks for tablets, but the emotions remain the same. The anticipation of seeing friends again, the nerves about homework, the joy of a new backpack; all of it ties together generations who’ve lived through the same ritual. It’s a reminder
that while childhood looks different today, the back-to-school season is still a shared experience across time. Nostalgia aside, the last few weeks of summer can feel overwhelming for parents and children. Transitioning from lazy mornings to 6:00 AM alarms doesn’t always go smoothly, and
excitement often jostles with nerves. That’s where a bit of gentle planning, the right set of tools, and some effective mental health tips can make all the difference.
One of the trickiest aspects of the back-to-school season is the transition from holiday freedom to the termtime structure. A late bedtime here and there feels harmless in July, but come September, it’s a recipe for tears, stressful mornings, and missed buses. A simple fix is to start adjusting sleep schedules a week before school starts. Even 15 to 30 minutes earlier each night can make mornings less painful. Waking up doesn’t need to feel like punishment either. Music helps – upbeat playlists are far better than
nagging. Heading into the day with tunes that hype you up is always a good idea. Breakfast can be a big motivator in itself. Something small but fun, like shaped pancakes or fancy toast, can get them moving without the grumbles. Breakfast can be a big motivator in the back-to-school process. Something small but fun, like shaped pancakes or fancy toast, can get them moving without the grumbles.
Beyond the logistics, talk about what’s exciting about going back. New stationery, catching up with classmates, or joining a favourite activity again are all positive cues. During the first week, keep communication open. School days can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, so celebrate little wins and lend an ear to the dramas. What might seem trivial now often becomes the funny, heart-
warming stories they’ll share years later.
While routines set the tone, the gear gives kids the confidence to step into the new term prepared. Here’s a checklist that combines practicality with a touch of excitement:
Backpacks: The right bag makes a difference. Look for sturdy but lightweight options with padded, adjustable straps and a breathable back panel. Multiple compartments keep books, gadgets, and snacks organised, and water-resistant materials are worth the investment.
Food Boxes & Water Bottles: Durable and leak-proof are the golden rules.
Compartmentalised tiffin boxes make food more appealing, while insulated, BPA-free bottles are essential for keeping water cool and spill-resistant.
Lunch Prep Helpers: Small details keep lunches exciting. Bento-style dividers, silicone snack cups or a thermos for hot food make meals more appealing.
Healthy Snacks Stash: Having a cupboard with quick, nutritious graband-go options such as granola bars or fruit pouches can save mornings when time runs short.
Uniforms and Shoes: Extra sets of uniforms, socks and properly fitted shoes save a lot of stress during busy
weeks. A shoe bag or organiser helps keep everything tidy at home.
Labels and Name Tags: From bottles to blazers, labels prevent the classic lostand-found drama. Stick-on or iron-on name tags are quick fixes that last.
Stationery Kits: Nothing says “new term” like a fresh pencil case. Stock it with pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, and highlighters. Smoothwriting pens and strong pencils avoid mid-class frustrations.
Home Storage Organisers: At home, organisation is key. Choose organisers with drawers or sections for stationery, notebooks, and gadgets. Hard plastic
or wood lasts longer than flimsy alternatives, keeping desks clutter-free throughout the year.
Planners and Calendars: A simple student planner, wall calendar or family whiteboard keeps track of homework, projects and after-school schedules.
Skincare Basics: Long school days and outdoor activities can take their toll on young skin. A gentle cleanser, lip balm, hydrating gel, and sunscreen are simple additions to their daily routine that make a big difference.
Hand Sanitisers and Wipes: Pocket-sized sanitisers and wipes are still everyday essentials, especially for younger
children who are more hands-on in their adventures.
Tech Kit: For older students, tech is part of the essentials. Tablets or laptops paired with note-taking apps like Evernote, OneNote, or Google Keep streamline learning. Noise-cancelling headphones help with focus, and at home, an interactive whiteboard can turn revision into something far more engaging.
Sports and Activity Gear: Remember PE kits, trainers, swimming gear or uniforms for after-school activities. Keeping a separate bag ready means fewer last-minute scrambles.
Mental Health Tools: This can be as simple as a small journal, a stress ball, or mindfulness apps. Having ways to manage nerves and emotions helps children adjust more smoothly to the school routine.
At its core, back-to-school prep isn’t just about buying supplies. It’s about easing children into a new chapter with confidence, comfort, and maybe even a little excitement. Whether it’s the structure of a set bedtime, the fun of a new backpack, or the reassurance of a parent ready to listen, these small details add up.
The British School of Bahrain (BSB) announced its 2025 A-Level results, with students achieving outcomes that continue a trend of year-on-year improvement over the past six years.
Ranked among the Top 15 Private Schools in the Middle East, The British School of Bahrain recently marked 30 years as one of the leading schools in Bahrain, with a focus on academic achievements, community initiatives, and extracurricular excellence. This year, 134 students sat for their A-Levels. Highlights of the results include a 99% pass rate, with 21 per cent of the students achieving A* grades.
Success-Driven
A snapshot of BSB’s A-Level exam results
A* grades: 21%
A–A*: 47%
A–B*: 71%
A–C*: 90%
Pass rate: 99%
Leadership Reflections
Liz Stanley, Executive Headteacher, said: “I am beyond proud of every
single BSB student and what they have achieved. Behind these remarkable headline results, there are numerous wonderful stories of individual success, resilience, and ambition. The outstanding progress our students make from the moment they join the BSB Family is built on the highest quality of teaching and learning, positive and nurturing relationships, and our relentless focus on ensuring that each student receives truly personalised and tailored support.
Behind these remarkable headline results, there are numerous wonderful stories of individual success, resilience, and ambition.
My greatest pleasure is knowing that BSB graduates have once again secured places at the world’s best universities and all are well equipped to go out into the world, pursue their dreams and shape their reality. Congratulations, Class of 2025, we are all excited to see what the future holds!”
Wayne Ridgway, Head of Senior School, added: “Congratulations to our graduating cohort for their wonderful results. We are so very proud of all that they achieved throughout their time at BSB, which goes far beyond the grades awarded at the end of their journey. They leave us as well-rounded, widely experienced and highly qualified global citizens, ready to succeed in their next steps and beyond. We are delighted to see so many students gaining access to some of the most prestigious Universities worldwide, including Imperial College London, University College Dublin, Brown University, King’s College London, New York University, McGill University and Utrecht University.”
Among the graduating cohort, several students received notable recognition. Feras Hasan achieved 3 A* and 2 A grades and has been awarded the Crown Prince International Scholarship. He will study Medicine at University College Dublin.
Reflecting on his experience, he highlighted the support of his family, peers and teachers in helping him achieve his goals.
BSB is part of the Inspired Education Group, which educates more than 95,000 students across 120 schools on six continents. Inspired’s educational model is built on three pillars: academics, performing and creative arts, and sports. Over 90% of Inspired graduates go on to their first-choice university, including institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and University College London.
With the Suhail Star set to rise in September, we’re looking at the long-awaited end to hot, humid days in the Middle East.
Your glasses fog up the moment you step out of an air-conditioned building. Standing outside for more than two minutes leaves you drenched in sweat. The air feels heavy, almost unmoving, wrapping itself around you.
If you’re nodding along while reading this, you’re probably somewhere in the Middle East right now, braving the humidity that makes even a short walk feel like an endurance test. But here’s
the silver lining: these are the tell-tale signs that we’re inching towards the end of summer. Relief is on the horizon.
Of course, summer has its charm. Longer daylight hours mean more time for beach outings, poolside lounging, and vibrant sunsets. Holidays and school breaks make it the season of family trips, ice-cold drinks, and wardrobes filled with colour.
It’s a time when you don’t need to bundle yourself up in layers of clothing, and flip-flops reign supreme. But there’s
no denying that once temperatures push into the 40s and even flirt with the 50s, the summer charm starts to fade. That’s when most of us find ourselves counting down the days to cooler weather.
We’re almost there. In just about a month, summer will officially loosen its grip. The Autumn Equinox is approaching, bringing with it the promise of gentle breezes and the anticipation of winter. For many, that first crisp evening outdoors feels like
a personal victory after months of humidity.
From a meteorological standpoint, August is the season’s most intense stretch, characterised by extreme heat and suffocating humidity. Astronomically, this period is tied to the rising of the Suhail star. In the Arab world, this stretch of August heat is often referred to as “Suhail’s ailments,” a name that perfectly captures how draining it feels. This period typically lingers until the Autumnal Equinox, which falls on 22 or 23 September this year.
The equinox is more than just a calendar date. It’s the moment when day and night become almost equal in length, symbolising balance. For the Middle East’s population, it also marks the start of a slow but steady drop in temperature. After this day, each sunrise and sunset brings us closer to evenings spent outdoors, family gatherings in the garden, BBQ parties, the all-famous camping season and long walks without the constant battle against sweat and heat exhaustion.
As much as we’d all like to fastforward to cooler days, we still have
a few weeks of humidity to deal with. And let’s face it, this stage of summer can feel like the toughest part. The combination of high temperatures and moisture in the air doesn’t just test your patience; it takes a toll on your health. Low energy and mood swings are common, but prolonged exposure can also lead to overheating, dehydration, and fatigue.
Here are some simple, practical tips to help you power through until the Autumn months give us some relief:
Plan your day wisely. Try to avoid being outdoors between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun is at its harshest. If you love working out or walking, aim for early mornings or late evenings when the air is a little kinder.
Cool off when you can. Air conditioning is every islander’s best friend during this time. Spend more time indoors or visit local green spaces for some natural shade. Cold compresses or ice packs can also help regulate your body temperature after a long day out.
Dress smart. Lightweight, loose, and light-coloured clothing will be your best bet. Breathable fabrics and sweatwicking sportswear can make a world of difference when you’re trying to stay
comfortable in the heat.
Listen to your body. Feeling dizzy, sluggish, or unusually tired? Take a break. Signs like nausea, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat shouldn’t be ignored. Seek immediate medical help if these symptoms persist.
Stay sun-safe. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. Make it a daily ritual, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield yourself further. Sunburn makes your body retain heat, which only makes things worse.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is your best ally. Sip it throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Try swapping out sugary or caffeinated drinks for water or naturally flavoured alternatives.
Almost There: Cool Days Ahead
The good news? The end is in sight. We’ve got just another month of humidity to endure before cities start to transform into their cooler, breezier selves. Soon enough, outdoor plans will no longer feel like punishment. Parks will once again be filled with families picnicking, and concerts and cultural events will start drawing people outdoors.
From August 28, Bahrain Post services will move exclusively to the Hukoomi app, offering faster, smarter, and more convenient access.
From August 28, 2025, Bahrain Post will go fully digital, with all its electronic services available exclusively through the “Hukoomi” app. The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications confirmed that the move is part of the Kingdom’s wider push toward digital transformation, aiming to make government services more efficient and accessible under one platform.
Developed in coordination with the Information & eGovernment Authority, the integration means citizens and residents can now handle their postal needs in just a few taps. Services include renewing P.O. Box subscriptions, tracking local and international mail, calculating shipping costs, locating post offices and mailboxes, and receiving instant notifications on postal updates.
The ministry encouraged users to
download the “Hukoomi” app via the official government store at bahrain. bh/apps to take advantage of the new features. For further support, customers can call 80008001 or share feedback through the national “Tawasul” system and app. This step not only streamlines postal services but also marks another milestone in Bahrain’s journey toward a more connected and digital-first future.
https://www.gulfeducationinsider.com/bahrain-education-innovation-excellence/
The UAE’s pro-tech policies and thriving investment climate could make crypto the country’s second-largest sector within five years.
The crypto industry is on track to become the UAE’s second-biggest sector after oil, according to Chase Ergen, board member of digital asset investment firm DeFi Technologies. Speaking to Cointelegraph, Ergen predicted that blockchain could account for doubledigit contributions to the economy within the next five years.
He pointed to the UAE’s clear regulatory framework, strong community of industry leaders, attractive tax policies, and government-
backed tech investments as key drivers. With a debt-free economy and forward-thinking leadership, the country has positioned itself as the region’s undisputed hub for crypto and tech. This comes as the nation-state adoption of crypto ramps up in 2025. The Trump administration in the US unveiled its long-awaited crypto strategy in July, setting out plans for global leadership in digital assets. Pakistan reversed its long opposition to crypto in late 2024, establishing a national Bitcoin reserve and creating a crypto council to oversee regulation.
Meanwhile, sovereign wealth funds are increasing their exposure. Mubadala in the UAE and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the largest of its kind globally, now hold Bitcoin through ETFs and other vehicles. Norway’s fund alone boosted its Bitcoin exposure by 192% over the past year, according to research firm K33.
With these developments, the UAE looks set to play a central role in the global race to dominate the digital finance era.
With 2.4 million consoles imported and a $70 million Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it cements its status as a gaming hub.
Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry is on a steep upward trajectory, fuelled by soaring console imports, major infrastructure upgrades, and headline-grabbing esports events. According to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, more than 2.4 million consoles have been imported into the Kingdom between 2024 and 2025. Last year alone saw over 1.7
million units arrive, followed by an additional 684,489 units so far this year. China, Japan, and the United States were the top suppliers.
This rapid rise highlights the Kingdom’s growing appetite for gaming and its ambition to become a global player in the industry. Alongside console demand, the Saudi Internet Report 2024 revealed an 88% improvement in response times
for popular online games, driven by significant investment in digital infrastructure. Faster speeds mean smoother gameplay and a stronger foundation for competitive gaming. Gaming preferences in the Kingdom reflect this diversity. While smart devices are the most widely used platform, with 24.2% of players, PlayStation follows closely at 23.8%. Younger players aged 10 to 19
overwhelmingly prefer PlayStation, while older demographics continue to favour mobile gaming. Among mobile users, titles like Whiteout Survival, Roblox, and Subway Surfers dominate the download charts.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to gaming extends beyond consumer demand. The Esports World Cup, currently taking place in Riyadh until
August 24, is a prime example of the Kingdom’s ambitions. Hosting over 2,000 players from more than 100 countries, the tournament offers a record-breaking $70 million prize pool. The event not only draws global attention but also cements Riyadh’s reputation as a hub for esports excellence.
Together, these developments reflect the Kingdom’s strategy to position gaming and esports as a key pillar of its entertainment and economic diversification plans. With strong government backing, international partnerships, and a growing community of players, Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic gaming markets in the world.
