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Gateway Gulf 2025: A Landmark Event for Investments

The third edition of Gateway Gulf 2025, organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), took place on November 2-3 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay. This crucial investment forum attracted over 200 global ministers and economic leaders, marking a pivotal moment for Bahrain amidst evolving global trade dynamics.

Under the theme "Reimagining Global Investments for New Trade Dynamics," delegates explored significant investment opportunities within Bahrain and across the Gulf region. The event successfully finalized over 60 agreements and announcements valued at more than $17 billion, solidifying Bahrain's status as a regional investment powerhouse.

His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the forum. His address, complemented by a speech from His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, emphasized Bahrain's role as a hub of innovation and opportunity. He articulated confidence in entering what he termed the "Era of Intelligence."

The forum buzzed with discussions among international speakers, delegates, and local as well as international journalists on vital topics like global trade tariffs, cross-border investments, digital transformation, and the shift towards renewable energy. The agreements inked during the two-day event bolstered Bahrain’s focus on boosting investments in five key non-oil sectors: financial services, ICT, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism, which are foundational to the kingdom's long-term development goals.

Key highlights of the forum included the Golden License Initiative, which awarded four strategic projects the Golden License status:
1. Beyon and Oracle Partnership: A collaboration between Oracle as a technology provider and the local tech giant Beyon to establish a sovereign cloud data center for clients utilizing Oracle applications.
2. Binaa Al Bahrain: Strategic developments aimed at shaping the future of urban living in Bahrain and supporting the island's sustainable progress and modernization ambitions.
3. Arla Foods: Announcement on the expansion of a new product line from the Bahrain-based facility of Arla Foods, a multinational dairy company headquartered in Denmark, affirming its position as the second-largest dairy producer in the region.
4. Foulath: An industrial holding company with substantial investments in the steel sector announced plans for expanding its existing facility by developing a specialized shed structure for a solar project.

Further significant announcements from the event included groundbreaking projects like the National Bank of Kuwait beginning its first international headquarters in Bahrain and Bahrain Titanium launching its titanium production facility.

AirAsia Capital A also signed a Letter of Intent with the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications to explore establishing Bahrain as an AirAsia hub in the Middle East, aiming to create a vital bridge between ASEAN and one of the world's fastest-growing aviation regions.

Al Salam Bank celebrated the one-year milestone of ASB Capital, introduced during Gateway Gulf 2024, highlighting impressive asset growth and new investment products. Investcorp disclosed investments totaling $1.2 billion in Q1 of the fiscal year 2026, while SICOV introduced an expanded product range and specialized mandates, including a Turkey Fund and a gold investment initiative.

Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) announced a strategic partnership with Shandong Innovation Group (SIG) and BlueFive Capital to optimize the global aluminum supply chain and strengthen trade corridors between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Asia.

Additionally, Rashid Equestrian Horseracing Club (REHC) unveiled a multi-phase master plan to develop a world-class sports and lifestyle destination spanning three million square meters.

The Gateway Gulf forum reaffirmed the collective vision of GCC countries to improve trade corridors, develop future industries, invest in advanced technologies, and enhance the contribution of non-oil GDP. It stands as a significant platform showcasing Bahrain as an agile, business-friendly gateway to the entire region while uniting key decision-makers and global leaders from across the globe. The success of this year's forum and the growing international attendance exemplify Bahrain's increasing global appeal, affirming the kingdom's position on the world stage.