ع
The Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2026 opened in Bahrain with expectations of more than 110 announcements worth over 20 billion US dollars in new partnerships, investments, projects and jobs, according to the official website of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. His Royal Highness inaugurated the fourth edition of the event on November 1, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, noting that the Kingdom’s hosting reflects its economic and investment capabilities. The Crown Prince highlighted the need to enhance the economic and investment environment to boost competitiveness, support sustainable economic growth, and create further opportunities.
A high-level panel at the forum featured UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri alongside Bahraini and GCC officials, focusing on shifts in global trade and opportunities to expand economic partnerships. The minister highlighted the UAE’s vision for strengthening economic resilience and attracting investment in new economy sectors, as the discussion explored the GCC states’ strategies for trade and strategic relations. The panel addressed evolving economic alliances and ways to develop global agreements that support regional competitiveness.
Public Authority data and ministerial statements place the UAE’s foreign direct investment at 58.3 billion dollars in 2025, contributing to a cumulative total exceeding 1.17 trillion dollars. The country ranked second globally for new greenfield foreign investment projects with 1,562 initiatives that generated more than 65,000 jobs. These figures, outlined in earlier presentations by UAE officials, demonstrate the success of policies aimed at creating an open, resilient economy that delivers sustainable impact.
The UAE has emphasized diversification into advanced technology, sustainability and digital sectors to build long-term economic strength, according to multiple government assessments. Initiatives such as the cluster economy model have been credited with enhancing supply chain resilience, particularly in food security during regional disruptions. Such efforts form part of the national strategy to increase non-oil contributions to GDP substantially by 2031.
Bahrain’s Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the forum, which included Golden Licenses for four projects valued at 3.89 billion dollars in aviation logistics, real estate and technology. The partnerships are set to create new jobs and advance the host country’s diversification goals. The event builds on the previous year’s edition that produced over 17 billion dollars in commitments.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa told forum participants that for centuries Bahrain has been a gateway and urged collective action to make it a gateway to a brighter future. The Gulf economy’s expansion to 2.4 trillion dollars in GDP provides a solid base for further collaboration among GCC states. Senior officials expressed commitment to deepening economic integration to attract high-quality investments.
