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Gateway Gulf 2025: A Landmark Event in Global Investment

The third edition of Gateway Gulf 2025 took place from November 2-3 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay, and it marked a significant milestone in the region's investment landscape. Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), this event concluded with an impressive collection of partnerships and agreements exceeding $17 billion, resulting from over 60 transactions announced during this two-day investment forum. This annual event continues to position Bahrain as a key player in the global investment arena, reinforcing its strategic importance as a bridge between East and West.

A Gathering of Global Leaders

Welcoming more than 200 international ministers and business executives, the forum embraced the theme "Rethinking Global Investment for New Trade Dynamics." Delegates explored extensive investment opportunities, discussing various crucial topics like global trade tariffs, cross-border investments, digital transformation, and the transition to renewable energies. The opening ceremony was graced by H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister, who emphasized the nation's commitment to fostering innovation and establishing a knowledge-based economy.

The forum buzzed with activity as attendees engaged in discussions around pivotal aspects contributing to a modern and sustainable economic environment. A highlight of this edition was the initiation of the Golden License initiative, which awarded prestigious licenses to four strategic projects aimed at enhancing Bahrain's economic footprint.

Major Partnerships and Investments

Several landmark partnerships were solidified during the event, underscoring its status as a premier investment platform. Key agreements included:

• - Beyon and Oracle: This collaboration aims to establish a sovereign cloud data center that will host clients utilizing Oracle applications, positioning Bahrain at the forefront of technological advancements.

• - Arla Foods: The dairy giant announced the expansion of its product range at its Bahrain-based facility, establishing itself as the region's second-largest dairy manufacturer.

• - Foulath: This industrial holding company revealed plans for the expansion of its existing facilities, focusing on solar project development, reflecting Bahrain's commitment to sustainable energy.

These partnerships are expected to significantly enhance Bahrain's non-oil sectors, which include financial services, information technology, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism, thereby aligning with the country's long-term development goals.

Exciting Developments and Future Prospects

The forum also witnessed several major announcements that promise to shape the future of Bahrain's economy:

• - AirAsia Capital signed a letter of intent with Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to explore Bahrain as a potential hub for AirAsia in the Middle East, marking a significant step towards establishing strong regional connectivity.
• - Investcorp revealed investments amounting to $1.2 billion in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026.
• - ALBA announced a strategic partnership with Shandong Innovation Group and BlueFive Capital to optimize the global aluminum supply chain.

Bahrain's Tender Board disclosed the allocation of multi-billion-dollar government tenders in the first nine months of 2025, highlighting significant investments aimed at infrastructure development.

By establishing Gateway Gulf as a critical platform for investment, Bahrain not only enhances its visibility on the global stage but also demonstrates its potential to attract foreign investments and foster economic growth. This year’s event confirmed Bahrain's growing international appeal and fortified its position as a vital economic hub within the GCC region.

Conclusion

As the Gateway Gulf 2025 wraps up successfully, the continuous participation of global stakeholders signifies Bahrain's attractive investment climate. The initiatives showcased during the forum pave the way for the Kingdom's transition into an era defined by innovation and sustainability. Bahrain stands poised to welcome future opportunities that will further solidify its role as a global business gateway, drawing on its longstanding heritage of commerce and cultural richness.