HRH the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Bahrain EDB Chairs Bahrain EDB Board Meeting
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), today chaired the Board of Directors meeting in Bahrain Bay.
His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of continuing national efforts undertaken by Team Bahrain to follow global economic developments, transforming any challenges into positive opportunities that support the Kingdom’s comprehensive development goals, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
His Royal Highness commended the board’s achievements in 2025, which reflect the Board’s vital role in supporting economic development and enhancing Bahrain’s international and regional competitiveness.
His Royal Highness noted that these achievements reflect the national efforts of Team Bahrain, and speak to their efficiency, flexibility, and ability to continue delivering across various circumstances, strengthening the foundations of economic growth, expanding quality opportunities, raising productivity levels, and reinforcing the sustainability of economic diversification to support the Kingdom’s development aspirations.
The meeting reviewed the Bahrain Economic Development Board’s objectives for 2026, in addition to the latest developments in attracting investments across priority sectors, future initiatives aimed at highlighting Bahrain’s competitive advantages in key international markets, and efforts to consolidate the Kingdom’s international investment standing while showcasing the resilience of Bahrain’s economy amid various challenges.
His Royal Highness went on to underscore that Bahraini citizens remain at the heart of all the Kingdom’s far-reaching development plans and programmes, noting their importance as the primary drivers of growth.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad commended the EDB’s role in meeting its investment goals and advancing economic diversification, supporting the creation of quality job opportunities across the Kingdom’s key development sectors. In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister stressed that Bahrain’s competitiveness in attracting quality investments reinforces ongoing efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s investment position.
During the meeting, HE Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, gave a presentation in which she showcased the EBD’s key achievements in 2025. In 2025, the EDB attracted its highest level of investment since its establishment, totaling BHD 942 million (USD 2.5 billion) in local, regional, and global direct investments, stemming from 107 investment projects. These cumulative investment commitments are expected to create over 5,800 employment opportunities over three years.
The EDB attracted investments across key sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, financial services, ICT, and logistics. Manufacturing accounted for the largest share of total investment, reflecting strong investor confidence in Bahrain’s industrial base and export-oriented capabilities. This was followed by tourism, driven by sustained growth in hospitality projects and financial services, reflecting the Kingdom’s enduring appeal as a leading regional financial hub.
HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, and several senior officials, attended the meeting.
