Economic Diversification

Manama – November 05, 2026 -- The fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), closed with USD 22.3 billion in announcements, partnerships and deals. More than 110 announcements were made over two days across financial services, technology, logistics, manufacturing, tourism, aviation, energy and water, healthcare and education.

Four projects worth USD 3.89 billion receive Bahrain's Golden License

The four large-scale projects carry a cumulative value of USD 3.89 billion. Bahrain EDB said they advance connectivity, innovation and economic diversification.

More than 75 agreements and MoUs signed at the forum

Over 75 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed across the two days. Deals moved from the main Plenary Stage to the Manama Circle signing stage.

MANAMA – November 01, 2026 -- Bahrain has awarded Golden Licenses to four large-scale projects representing USD 3.89 billion in investment, spanning aviation logistics, real estate and technology, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) announced at Gateway Gulf 2026.

DHL and Capital A anchor the aviation awards

DHL will build its first and only regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport. The facility is intended to support its growing fleet and expanded capacity for global operations run from the Kingdom.

Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, leads three aviation ventures. They cover connectivity with the Far East and Europe, phased growth in air cargo capacity, and in-country aircraft MRO capabilities.

Saudi Arabia – September 22, 2026 -- CEER, Saudi Arabia's first national vehicle brand, has unveiled its debut EXOBOT sedan and SUV models, projecting an $8 billion contribution to the Kingdom's GDP by 2034.

CEER projects $21 billion trade balance boost alongside GDP gains

Beyond the $8 billion (over SAR 30 billion) GDP contribution, CEER expects to add $21 billion (over SAR 80 billion) to Saudi Arabia's trade balance improvement by 2034. The company also anticipates creating quality direct and indirect jobs as production scales.