The third edition of the Gateway Gulf Forum 2025, organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB), concluded with the announcement of more than 60 new investments, partnerships, and strategic agreements exceeding USD 17 billion in value, underscoring Bahrain’s position as a leading regional hub for global investment and innovation.

Held on 2–3 November, the high-level forum brought together over 200 government officials, investors, and business leaders from across the region and around the world under the theme "Rethinking Global Investment and New Trade Shifts." The event highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, strengthen competitiveness, and advance digital transformation.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the forum, which opened with remarks by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy. He described Bahrain as a centre of innovation and opportunity and a bridge between East and West, emphasising the Kingdom’s confidence in entering a new era of smarter economic growth.

Over two days, the forum featured intensive discussions among international experts, policymakers, and media representatives on a range of global issues, including cross-border investment, shifting trade dynamics, digital transformation, and the transition to renewable energy. The sessions reflected the shared ambition of Gulf states to adapt to global economic changes and strengthen trade and investment links across key sectors.

On the sidelines, the forum witnessed the signing of several high-value agreements and strategic partnerships across vital sectors such as financial services, ICT, industry, logistics, and tourism. Among the highlights was the awarding of the Golden Licence to four major projects worth more than USD 4.4 billion. These included a partnership between Beyon and Oracle to establish a sovereign cloud data centre, a pioneering urban development project known as Binay Bahrain, the expansion of Arla Foods’ operations in Bahrain to enhance its regional presence, and Foulath Holding’s announcement of plans to build the world’s largest single-site rooftop solar power plant.

Companies that had previously received Golden Licences also announced significant updates on their projects. The National Bank of Kuwait confirmed that work had begun to establish its first international headquarters in Bahrain, while Bahrain Titanium announced the start of construction on its new manufacturing facility, further reflecting the success of Bahrain’s pro-investment policies.

The forum also saw a series of major corporate announcements. AirAsia signed a Letter of Intent with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to explore establishing Bahrain as its Middle East operations hub, strengthening connectivity between the GCC and ASEAN regions. Al Salam Bank celebrated the first anniversary of its investment arm, SB Capital, launched at Gateway Gulf 2024, and announced strong growth in assets under management and new investment products. Investcorp revealed investments totalling USD 1.2 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, while SICO introduced new investment initiatives, including a sukuk fund targeting the Turkish market and a fund to support small and medium enterprises.

In the industrial sector, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) entered a strategic partnership with China’s Shandong Innovation Group (SIG) and Blue Five Capital to enhance the aluminium trade corridor between the GCC and Asia. The Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club unveiled a major multi-phase master plan to develop a world-class sports and leisure destination covering three million square metres. Meanwhile, Arcapita announced plans to invest in logistics infrastructure and data centres in the United Kingdom and the United States over the next year.

Further strengthening Bahrain’s technological landscape, Beyon Solutions, in partnership with the Information & eGovernment Authority, launched the Kingdom’s first AI-powered sovereign cloud platform using Oracle technology. Beyon also signed a memorandum of understanding with Gulf Air Group and Oracle to accelerate cloud innovation and advance enterprise planning systems. In addition, the Tender Board announced that government tenders worth billions of dollars were awarded during the first nine months of 2025, reflecting continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive national development.

The Gateway Gulf Forum affirmed the shared vision of GCC nations to boost trade connectivity, expand non-oil sectors, and invest in advanced technologies that support sustainable growth. The success of the 2025 edition and the growing level of participation each year underscore Bahrain’s rising profile as a flexible, forward-looking, and trusted gateway for global investment in the region.