Gateway Gulf 2025 Concludes With Over $17 Billion In Strategic Partnerships And Investments

The third edition of Gateway Gulf 2025, organised by the Bahrain Economic Development (Bahrain EDB), concluded with significant partnerships and agreements worth over $17 billion.

These stemmed from more than 60 deals and announcements made during the two-day investment forum held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay on November 2 & 3, 2025.

The event, themed "Rethinking Global Investment for New Trade Dynamics," attracted over 200 ministers and global business leaders. Delegates explored investment opportunities in Bahrain and the Gulf region, as the Kingdom aims to foster a digital-first, knowledge-based economy. The forum was inaugurated by H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister.

Several monumental deals were signed at the forum, highlighting its status as a leading investment platform. These agreements aim to drive investment into Bahrain's five non-oil priority sectors: Financial Services, ICT, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Tourism. This supports the Kingdom's long-term development goals.

Among the notable announcements was AirAsia's Letter of Intent with Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. This aims to establish Bahrain as AirAsia's Middle East hub, creating a major link between Asean and one of the world's fastest-growing aviation regions.

The Golden License initiative was a highlight at the forum, with four strategic projects awarded this status. Beyon and Oracle partnered to launch a sovereign cloud data centre in Bahrain. Binaa Al Bahrain is set to shape urban living with strategic developments supporting sustainable progress.

Arla Foods announced an expansion of its product line at its Bahrain-based facility, positioning it as the second-largest dairy maker in the region. Foulath plans to expand its existing facility to develop a solar project by constructing a specialised shed structure.

Other key announcements included Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) forming a strategic partnership with Shandong Innovation Group (SIG) and BlueFive Capital to optimise the global aluminium supply chain. Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club unveiled plans for a world-class sports destination spanning three million square meters.

Investcorp completed $1.2 billion investments in Q1 of fiscal year 2026. SICO expanded its product suite with new mandates like a Turkiye Fund and Gold Investment initiative. Arcapita plans to invest in logistics infrastructure across the UK and US over the next year.

The success of this year's forum underscores Bahrain's growing international appeal as an agile gateway to the wider region. The consistent participation of attendees reaffirms Bahrain's position on the global stage as it continues to enhance trade corridors and invest in advanced technology.

Beyon Solutions is set to launch Bahrain's first AI-ready Sovereign HyperCloud powered by Oracle. Additionally, Beyon Solutions signed an MoU with Gulf Air Group and Oracle to fast-track cloud-powered innovation through a unified ERP strategy.

The forum also saw previously awarded projects making progress. The National Bank of Kuwait announced groundbreaking for its first international headquarters in Bahrain, while Bahrain Titanium began construction on their titanium production facility.

The event brought together key decision-makers from around the world, reaffirming Gulf member states' shared vision to enhance trade corridors and raise non-oil GDP contribution. The success of Gateway Gulf 2025 solidifies Bahrain's role as a business-friendly hub bridging East and West.