02/11/2026 04:55 AST

Bahrain has announced $3.89 billion in investment stemming from four large-scale projects awarded Golden Licenses at Gateway Gulf 2026, further reinforcing the kingdom's position as a destination for high-value global investment.

Spanning diversified sectors, across aviation logistics, real estate, and technology, the projects are expected to contribute to advancing Bahrain's economic diversification and long-term growth, said senior officials at the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf being held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), the invitation-only forum gathered over 200 global ministerial and senior government officials, visionary chief executives, and investors in Bahrain to explore high-value investment opportunities and partnerships across the Gulf.

The four newly-awarded Golden Licenses comprise the following projects:

Reinforcing its commitment to its Mena hub in Bahrain, DHL will establish its first and only regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport, supporting its growing fleet and expanding capacity for global operations from the Kingdom.

Three major aviation ventures led by Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, are set to enhance connectivity with the Far East and Europe, expand air cargo capacity through phased freight growth, and advance in-country aircraft MRO capabilities, further reinforcing Bahrain's position as a regional aviation hub.

A landmark waterfront development in Amwaj by MeliĆ”, in partnership with Infracorp, will feature a five-star hotel and MeliĆ”-branded residences, further elevating Bahrain's premium tourism and lifestyle offering.

Digital City Bahrain will establish a next-generation hub for ICT, innovation, and education, supported by world-class infrastructure and designed to attract cluster technology companies, accelerate sector growth, and further advance Bahrain's digital ecosystem.

At the heart of Bahrain's investment environment is the Team Bahrain approach, a distinctive model of public-private partnership that brings government and business together to create the conditions for investment and enterprise to thrive. Bahrain EDB plays a central role in this ecosystem, serving as a bridge between investors and government and helping translate opportunity into long-term growth.

This collaborative approach is underpinned by Bahrain's continued investment in digital transformation, progressive regulation, and future-ready talent, alongside a diversified economy in which non-oil activity accounts for around 86% of GDP, providing a resilient foundation for sustainable growth, it added.


Trade Arabia

Ticker Price Volume
Arcapita plans $1.5bn push into GCC industrial and logistics property

02/11/2026

Arcapita Group Holdings, a leading global alternative investment firm, has announced plans to invest an additional $1.5 billion in industrial and logistics real estate across the GCC over the next 24

Trade Arabia

Saudi Arabia Records 6,484 Franchise Registrations, Up 53%

02/11/2026

Commercial franchise registrations in Saudi Arabia grew by 53% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 6,484, compared with 4,227 at the end of 2025, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Asharq Al Awsat

Oman plans specialised pharmaceutical, medical clusters in 3 industrial zones

02/11/2026

Oman is planning to develop specialised industrial clusters for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing across three economic and industrial zones, with the first phase covering 1.5mn sqm and

Muscat Daily

Energy Oman launches RO50mn sukuk with 5% annual return

02/11/2026

Energy Oman (legally Energy Development Oman SAOC) on Sunday announced the issuance of RO50mn in Omani Riyal-denominated sukuk, offering investors a fixed annual profit rate of 5% over a five-year pe

Muscat Daily

UAE banks recorded steady profit growth in Q3 as funding costs take focus

02/11/2026

UAE banks are sustaining earnings growth through expanding loan books, rising fee income and improved credit quality, with third-quarter disclosures shifting attention towards the cost of funding the

Gulfnews