INVESTMENTS in sports, tourism and health will be among the key topics that will be discussed at a high-level forum to be held next month in Bahrain.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) will host the third edition of the Gateway Gulf 2025 Investment Forum in Manama on November 2-3 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
This year’s theme is: ‘Rethinking Global Investment for New Trade Dynamics’.
The event is expected to draw more than 200 regional government leaders, international investors and leading companies for strategic discussions and networking, with the aim of driving forward the GCC’s economic transformation agenda.
The forum’s programme posted by the organisers shows it will feature strategic plenary discussions and targeted breakout sessions examining the GCC’s most compelling investment themes and how shifting global dynamics influence regional markets.
Participants during last year’s forum
“The event is designed to share practical insights, deepen strategic partnerships and unlock new opportunities across the kingdom’s priority sectors,” according to the event’s official website.
“Last year’s forum brought together global leaders across the private and public sectors for two days of bespoke networking opportunities – featuring private lunches and dinners, curated one-on-one meetings, partnership signings and showcases of investable projects – creating a truly unique experience that will be enhanced further in this year’s third edition.”
The preliminary agenda of the forthcoming event features sessions that include: ‘The Rise of Both Free Trade and Tariffs’, ‘Navigating Uncertainty in Global Markets’, ‘Smart and Autonomous Mobility: Transforming GCC Transportation’, and ‘Manufacturing Efficiency and Decarbonisation’.
Other discussions listed will focus on ‘Reimaging Healthcare’, ‘Cross-border Tourism Synergies’ and ‘Investing in Sports and Experiences’.
The event exemplifies the Team Bahrain approach – a powerful and curated philosophy that champions close collaboration between the private and public sectors, fostering an innovative and attractive investment environment where businesses can thrive.
“Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries represent one of the world’s greatest development success stories.
“As the region makes strides towards ambitious economic diversification targets in response to evolving global trade dynamics, numerous highly attractive investment opportunities emerge.
“The region maintains strong relations with global markets, spurring steady economic expansion, with its GDP (gross domestic product) reaching $2.16 trillion in 2024 and forecast to grow to $2.25trn by 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Bahrain distinguishes itself as the Gulf’s most diversified economy, achieving an 86 per cent non-oil contribution to GDP in 2024 whilst sustaining a substantial pipeline of over $30 billion in strategic projects, reinforcing its role as a dynamic investment destination.”
A total of 32 landmark announcements and deals worth more than $12bn were announced at the second edition of the forum last year.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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