A wave of cross-border industrial partnerships, manufacturing deals and investment announcements marked the end of the first Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir.
The three-day event brought together regional ministers, industrial leaders and more than 10,500 visitors, setting a foundation for closer economic integration across the Gulf Co-operation Council.
The forum was opened on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in the presence of GCC ministers responsible for industry and commerce and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al Budaiwi, as reported in the GDN last week.
Spanning 20,000sqm, the exhibition featured more than 120 companies, alongside eight main panel sessions with 30 expert speakers. Discussions focused on supply chain resilience, global market access, smart manufacturing, industrial finance and sustainability.
A series of new agreements and project expansions were announced during the event, covering sectors such as energy storage, aluminium, food production, automotive components, logistics and sustainable manufacturing.
Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro said the inaugural gathering laid a practical foundation for shared investment and joint production across member states.
“Our ambition goes beyond increasing industrial output in the Gulf. It is about deepening the integration of our industries and markets, and building more connected and competitive Gulf value chains that can attract investment and reach global markets,” Mr Fakhro said.
“The first edition of Made in GCC has highlighted the scale of opportunity for the public and private sectors to translate this ambition into joint industrial and investment partnerships.”
The minister added that Bahrain’s hosting of the event underscores its commitment to regional economic co-operation, urging the private sector to lead the next phase of cross-border investments.
Mr Fakhro praised the collective efforts that delivered the event under the Team Bahrain approach, thanking key sponsors and partners including Foulath Holding, Alba, Midal Cables, BBK, APM Terminals Bahrain, the Bahrain Chamber, Tamkeen and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).
Also, a major tender for the development of a multi-storey factories project in Salman Industrial City has been launched by the Industry and Commerce Ministry.
Announced on the sidelines of Made in the GCC 2026, the initiative aims to optimise industrial land investment by offering flexible, high-efficiency spaces designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industrial pioneers expand their operations.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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