Bahrain is set to host the second edition of the Gateway Gulf Investor Forum at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay this week.
Organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) and backed by senior governmental support, the forum aims to help Bahrain’ to establish itself as a gateway for global investment within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Under the theme Investing in a Rapidly Transforming Region, the event will welcome 250 high-profile attendees this weekend, including government leaders and senior officials from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the GCC.
According to EDB, the forum’s debut in 2018, under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, attracted over 500 investors from 40 countries and presented USD 26 billion in investment-ready projects across technology, oil and gas, real estate, tourism, and manufacturing.
The EDB claims that its success was attributed not only to the scope of projects but also to the forum’s collaboration between public and private sectors, advancing Bahrain’s commitment to economic diversification. Projects like the regulatory sandbox and Bahrain FinTech Bay attracted key tech players, notably Amazon Web Services, which established its first Middle East data centre in Bahrain.
This year, the forum will focus on advancing regional economic growth through sessions on digital transformation, sustainable development, and co-investment strategies.
Featured speakers include Minister of Finance & National Economy H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and Minister of Sustainable Development and EDB CEO H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif.
Prominent international business leaders such as Oracle CEO Safra Catz and Gemcorp Capital Chairman Lord Gerry Grimstone will lend expertise, aligning with Bahrain’s digital and financial investment priorities.
Executives like DP World Executive Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem of DP World and GSK’s Sir Jonathan Symonds will contribute insights on logistics and healthcare.
According to Alkhulaif, The Gateway Gulf Forum is expected to significantly impact the Middle East economy by reinforcing Bahrain’s position as an investment hub and encouraging cross-border partnerships.
These discussions on technology, healthcare, and sustainable development aim to support the Gulf’s ongoing shift from oil dependency to a more diversified economic model.
By fostering investments in high-growth areas such as ICT, logistics, and financial services, EDG claims that the forum not only supports Bahrain’s growth but also aligns with the broader Gulf’s economic diversification goals. The Gulf economies are projected to grow by 3.5% in 2024 to a combined total of about USD 2.1 trillion and expected to reach USD 2.8 trillion by 2030, according to the International Monetary Fund.
According to Alkhulaif, with Bahrain’s non-oil sector already contributing 84% to its GDP, the forum serves as a platform to showcase Bahrain’s progressive business environment. The event’s Majlis-style sessions and roundtables will encourage dialogue on global challenges, bridging local and international markets and solidifying Bahrain’s role as a vital economic link in the Middle East.
Notes from the Editor: The forum will be held on 2-3 November 2024
