HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister inaugurates Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2026

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today inaugurated the fourth edition of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2026.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, affirmed that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, continues to strengthen strategic and investment partnerships and expand economic cooperation with partners. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s vision of enhancing economic ties and reinforcing its regional and international economic standing.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the importance of hosting economic events and forums as key platforms for exchanging expertise, showcasing investment opportunities, and strengthening economic ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and international partners. His Royal Highness noted the role of these events in advancing GCC economic integration, expanding cooperation across the economy, trade, and investment, and supporting development.

His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of strengthening international coordination and cooperation, as well as stepping up efforts to develop innovative strategies and measures to address the challenges facing the global economy, as well as capitalising on the opportunities.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister outlined the importance of building robust economic and trade partnerships based on mutual interests that contribute to economic growth and trade and investment opportunities.

His Royal Highness reiterated the importance of optimising available resources, diversifying the economic base, and enhancing the contributions of key sectors to the national economy to sustain economic development. His Royal Highness also highlighted the need to enhance the economic and investment environment to boost competitiveness, support sustainable economic growth, and create further opportunities.

His Royal Highness noted that the Kingdom’s hosting of the fourth edition of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2026 reflects its economic and investment capabilities, as well as its attractive business and investment environment.

In addition, His Royal Highness outlined the importance of building on the Kingdom’s achievements in attracting high-quality investments and strengthening its position as a leading investment destination, in support of its economic development objectives.

His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, delivered the forum’s keynote address, as follows:

Your Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Your Highnesses, excellencies, distinguished delegates, partners, friends,

For thousands of years, pearl divers, traders and travellers met here in Bahrain. They found an openness, an ambition, and a belief that the best things happen when people come together to build a better future for the next generation.

Today, we continue that story.

Welcome to Gateway Gulf 2026.

Your Royal Highness Prince Salman, thank you for your inspiring vision, your steadfast support and your wise leadership. Thank you for always challenging your team, “TeamBahrain” to deliver the impossible, and for the faith you place in all of us to do it, time and time again

Since we gathered here a year ago, our economies and our people have been tested as never before. In the face of unprecedented attacks, we did not waver. We stood firm. And we made a choice: to work even more closely with our allies and partners, to defend what we have built, and to renew our resolve to secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Over the next two days at Gateway Gulf, more than 110 announcements worth over 20 billion US dollars will be made: new partnerships, new investments, new projects and new jobs.

They arrive at a remarkable moment for our region. The Gulf economy has grown to 2.4 trillion US Dollars in GDP. The non-oil sectors now account for more than 86% of Bahrain’s GDP, and more than 77% across the Gulf. Gulf banks hold more than $4 trillion US dollars in assets, and Gulf sovereign wealth funds manage over $5 trillion US dollars in investments.

These numbers describe a region that has chosen to build a more stable, more prosperous future for its people.

Bahrain is the gateway to that region, a role we value and work hard to earn every day. We do that by investing in the three things that matter most to investors: regulation, infrastructure, and, above all, people.

First, regulation. Trust is the foundation of attracting capital. Over decades, we have built a framework that is clear, modern and fast, so investors can commit with confidence.

Second, infrastructure. Ideas need room to grow. From logistics and connectivity to digital networks and industrial land, we are building the solid foundation on which businesses can scale.

Third and most importantly, people. No economy can rise higher than its talent. Bahrain’s skilled, multilingual and entrepreneurial people are our greatest strength, and we keep investing in them every day.

When these three come together, capital flows, whether domestic, regional or international and it flows into the sectors that will define our future: finance, logistics, tourism, manufacturing technology and telecoms, and oil and gas.

And behind every sector is something larger than just numbers. It means a job for a young graduate, growth for a family business, and a stronger economy for generations to come.

So, for those who have joined us before: welcome back. Your faith and partnership has built what we celebrate today.

To those joining us for the first time: welcome. We hope you leave as our partners in “TeamBahrain”.

And to everyone here today, thank you, your participation is more than just attendance; it is a statement of conviction and commitment that we deeply value.

For centuries, Bahrain has been a gateway. Let us, together, make it a gateway to a brighter, more prosperous future.

Thank you, and welcome to Gateway Gulf 2026.

His Royal Highness also attended a discussion panel that featured HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri was appointed Minister of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates, and HE Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The panel addressed shifts in global trade, evolving economic alliances, and opportunities to expand economic and investment partnerships. The discussion also explored the GCC States’ vision for strengthening their trade and strategic relations and developing agreements globally.

During the opening ceremony, the awarding of Golden Licenses to four new projects in Bahrain was announced, with a combined investment value of USD 3.89 billion.

The projects include the establishment of a regional aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centre by DHL, as well as a project by Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, to launch operations and services for AirAsia, Teleport, and Asia Digital Engineering, enhancing passenger air transport and cargo services and developing aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.

They also include a waterfront development on Amwaj Islands, featuring a five-star hotel and Meliá-branded residences, by Meliá in partnership with Infracorp, as well as a mixed-use urban development by Digital City Bahrain, offering an integrated environment for residential, business, education, and innovation activities.

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad also toured the accompanying exhibition, where His Royal Highness was briefed on key investment opportunities and strategic projects across various sectors, as well as on their potential to strengthen economic cooperation and partnerships with countries and companies worldwide.

Several senior officials were in attendance.