#Bahrain #Manama #Gateway Gulf #Golden License

Bahrain's Golden License Initiative: An Investment Magnet

Bahrain has recently made headlines with its Golden License initiative, showcasing its ability to attract substantial foreign investment. At the Gateway Gulf event, held from November 2-3, 2025, it was revealed that the nation attracted a staggering $4.4 billion through a new series of four Golden Licenses. This development underscores Bahrain’s growing reputation as a global investment hub, drawing interest from major sectors such as technology, real estate, and green manufacturing.

The announcement took place during a prestigious, invite-only event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay, which welcomed over 200 distinguished guests. Among them were global investors, business leaders, policymakers, government officials, and industry luminaries, all there to explore high-value investment opportunities across the Gulf region.

The four newly awarded Golden Licenses encompass a diverse range of projects:

1. Oracle and Beyon Collaboration: This partnership aims to launch a sovereign cloud data center, which will host clients utilizing Oracle applications. This initiative enhances Bahrain's technological infrastructure and positions it as a leader in IT services within the region.

2. Binaa Al Bahrain: In alliance with Eagle Hills, this real estate partnership between Bahrain and the UAE is shaping the future of urban living on the island. The developments are strategically designed to align with Bahrain’s goals of sustainable progress and modernization.

3. Arla Foods Expansion: The Danish multinational dairy company is expanding its product line in Bahrain, solidifying its position as the second-largest dairy producer in the region. This expansion not only boosts local employment but also plays a crucial role in strengthening Bahrain's food security and export ambitions, targeting markets in the EU, Africa, China, Japan, and Indonesia.

4. Foulath Holding’s Solar Project: The industrial holding company, primarily invested in steel, is set to enhance its existing facilities with a specialized solar structure. This project aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to renewable energy and shows the country’s forward-thinking approach to industrial sustainability.

S.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, the Minister of Sustainable Development and Executive Director of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB), expressed her optimism regarding these new licenses. She stated, "Bahrain is a reliable investment destination for global companies, thanks to an agile government and a highly skilled workforce. The Golden Licenses granted to these four key projects enrich the array of initiatives since the launch of our program in April 2023, raising the total investment value to over $6 billion across all awarded projects." This reflects Bahrain's steadfast commitment to simplifying growth and collaborating with businesses to pave the way for a prosperous economic future.

Bahrain's strategy encompasses a collaborative approach that unites both public and private sectors, fostering an innovative environment tailored for business success. The EDB acts as a vital link between the government and investors, ensuring a seamless investment process.

Furthermore, Bahrain is prioritizing digital transformation and economic growth while investing in the training of its bilingual and highly qualified workforce for future challenges. By 2024, the non-oil sector was expected to contribute approximately 85.3% of the nation’s GDP, demonstrating significant strides toward a diversified economy. The financial services sector remains the primary contributor, accounting for 17.2% of GDP, followed closely by manufacturing at 15.1%. Recent accomplishments include a rise in foreign direct investment stock to $45.5 billion, resulting in an FDI to GDP ratio of 96.5%, far exceeding the global average of 45.8%.

The Golden License initiative is a testament to Bahrain's dynamic economic landscape and its ongoing efforts to create an appealing environment for investment on a global scale. As Bahrain continues to evolve, the success of its Golden Licenses stands as a beacon for potential investors worldwide, highlighting the country's commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.



With such progress being made, it’s clear that Bahrain is not only open for business but is also strategically positioned to emerge as a vital player in the global economy in the years to come.