Bahrain and Malaysia are hoping to leverage their leadership and collaboration in motorsport into a deeper mutually beneficial relationship spanning trade, Islamic FinTech and defence insights, according to Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Shazrill Zahirun.
Speaking to the GDN ahead of this weekend’s historic Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix taking place for the first time ever in Malaysia, Mr Zahirun highlighted the fraternal friendship between His Majesty King Hamad and Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor.
“Stepping in to co-host this prestigious international event represents a bold display of solidarity, deep-rooted mutual trust and immediate readiness to support a close strategic partner on the global stage,” Mr Zahirun added. “On our part, the embassy is assisting with government linkages, and visa facilitation for non-Bahraini residents requiring entry visas for the race.”
Mr Zahirun also noted that the inaugural Gulf Air direct flight between Bahrain and Malaysia will take place today to mark the milestone race.
Travel arrangements have been streamlined between the two countries with Bahraini citizens able to enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days, with the only requirement being the completion of the online Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days prior to travel.
This year has also been designated within the Southeast Asian country as a ‘Visit Malaysia’ year, offering the country an opportunity to highlight its cultural and vacation attractions for travellers from Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf.
“The F1 race provides Malaysia with a unique opportunity to attract a new segment of high-value international travellers,” the ambassador added. “Through targeted initiatives that highlight Malaysia’s rich culture, world-class hospitality and Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure, I welcome all Bahrainis travelling for the F1 Grand Prix to extend their stay to explore the broader beauty and heritage of Malaysia.”
Air connectivity remains a key priority in bilateral relations, as long-term regional expansion plans adjust around AirAsia’s current debt restructuring.
Mr Zahirun hopes to see AirAsia X realise its planned direct flights to Bahrain in the first quarter of 2027 as operational conditions stabilise and the Malaysian company is able to leverage Bahrain as a regional hub.
The embassy is also hoping that Bahraini entrepreneurs explore opportunities to collaborate on cross-border partnerships on the sidelines of the Grand Prix, as Malaysian businesspeople increasingly look to Bahrain as a gateway to the West and the GCC.
“During recent diplomatic engagements with bodies like the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), the embassy highlighted Bahrain’s strategic location, zero-duty regional trade advantages, and economic environment under Economic Vision 2030 which appeals strongly to Malaysian manufacturing, logistics and technology SMEs,” Mr Zahirun added.
He also revealed that the embassy plans to host the Malaysia Fair on November 20 and 21 to showcase Malaysian businesses, products, and services directly to Bahrain, creating direct business-to-business networking channels and improving bilateral trade.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bahrain reached approximately $93.92 million (BD35.3m) in the first half of 2026, demonstrating economic resilience despite global supply chain constraints.
Malaysian exports to Bahrain surged by 40.3pc year-on-year to reach $47.85m (BD18m) compared to the same period last year. Demand for Malaysian manufactured metal products, processed foods, electronic items, palm oil products and chemical/agricultural goods drove this growth.
“On the import side, strategic commodities such as metaliferous ores and metal scrap as well as crude fertilisers and crude minerals play a vital role in balancing economic exchange,” Mr Zahirun explained.
“Key targeted growth areas include renewable energy, power generation, construction, palm oil processing, Halal foods and green energy solutions.
“Aligning Malaysian industrial expertise with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 will unlock new trade pathways and foster long-term commercial partnerships.”
The ambassador highlighted Islamic FinTech and advanced technology as two promising frontiers for bilateral co-operation noting that both nations can translate strengths into concrete projects by fostering joint human capital development.
A total of 487 Malaysians reside in Bahrain, forming a highly skilled community of professionals, academics, aviation personnel and corporate leaders.
During the regional uncertainty early this year, the embassy worked with local community leaders and Bahraini authorities to ensure every Malaysian remains safe, fully informed and supported through mutual aid networks.
As maritime nations situated near key strategic choke points - Bahrain near the Strait of Hormuz and Malaysia near the Straits of Malacca, the two countries also share a commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and maritime security.
“In the multilateral arena, both countries leverage the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to actively advocate for international law, national sovereignty, and regional stability,” Mr Zahirun added.
“In terms of security collaboration, both nations benefit from exchanging cross-border learnings, defence insights and strategic perspectives.
“Areas for potential synergy include maritime security awareness, counter-terrorism best practices, cybersecurity resilience, and military education exchanges.
“Through constructive diplomatic dialogue and defence engagement Malaysia and Bahrain contribute to regional stability, sale trade corridors and global economic security.”
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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