The second edition of Gateway Gulf kicks off in Bahrain today aiming to reshape the regional investment landscape.
This two-day invitation-only event, hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, will delve into the critical issues facing the future of business under the theme ‘Investing in a Rapidly Transforming Region’.
Gateway Gulf 2024 will bring together a distinguished gathering of 250-plus ministerial and senior government officials, C-suite executives and investors from around the globe.
Key attendees from Bahrain include Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Sustainable Development Minister and Bahrain EDB chief executive Noor Alkhulaif, Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi, Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Customs Affairs president Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Central Bank of Bahrain Governor Khalid Humaidan, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Alba chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi.
With the support of the kingdom’s top government officials, the forum will explore topics such as: ‘Investing for Resilience: Building a robust foundation in uncertain times’; ‘AI’s Transformative Power: Leveraging technology to drive innovation’ and ‘Future-Proofing the Workforce: Developing the skills of tomorrow’.
The sessions scheduled to be held during the second edition of Gateway Gulf will feature leading experts in their fields from the region as well as international speakers such as: Former UK Minister for Investment at Department for International Trade and Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy Lord Gerry Grimstone, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, DP World Group chairman and chief executive Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, GSK chairman Sir Jonathan Symonds, Dubai Future Foundation chief executive Khalfan Belhoul, Oracle chief executive Safra Catz, Agility chairperson Henadi Al Saleh, Gulfstream president Mark Burns, Phillips executive chairman and chief executive Edward Dolman, APM Terminals chief executive Keih Svendsen and Yellow Door Energy chief executive Jeremy Crane.
The forum will also host a series of panels, focus meetings, and one-on-one sessions.
Bahrain is among the most diversified economies in the Gulf area, with the non-oil sector contributing 84 per cent to its GDP in 2023.
As the kingdom continues to prioritise investments in high-potential sectors such as financial services, ICT, manufacturing, logistics and tourism, it is also focusing on developing its human capital and furthering its digital transformation agenda.
Bahrain’s forward-looking policies, strategic location, and business-friendly environment have made it one of the region’s most attractive destinations for international investors looking to expand into the wider GCC market.
The kingdom’s role in driving regional collaboration and co-investments will be highlighted at Gateway Gulf, with discussions on how these partnerships can further unlock sustainable economic growth.
The GCC region is emerging as a global economic powerhouse, with its economies projected to grow 3.5pc in 2024 to a combined total of nearly $2.1 trillion, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. The IMF forecasts the GCC economies to further expand to $2.8trn by 2030.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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