MANAMA, Bahrain, November 3, 2026: Bahrain has awarded Golden Licenses to four major investment projects worth a combined $3.89 billion, strengthening its efforts to attract international investors and accelerate economic diversification. The announcement was made during Gateway Gulf 2026, a two-day investment forum hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) on November 1–2 in Manama.
The four projects cover aviation, logistics, real estate, and technology. They involve international companies including DHL, Capital A, Meliá, and Infracorp, alongside Digital City Bahrain. The investments are expected to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional business and investment destination.
Four Major Projects Receive Golden Licenses
The newly approved projects represent investments across several strategic industries.
- DHL: The global logistics company plans to establish a regional aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport. The centre will support its expanding fleet and regional operations.
- Capital A: The parent company of AirAsia will introduce three aviation-related ventures covering passenger connectivity, air cargo operations through Teleport, and aircraft maintenance capabilities through Asia Digital Engineering.
- Meliá and Infracorp: The companies will develop a waterfront project on Amwaj Islands, featuring a five-star hotel and Meliá-branded residences. The development aims to strengthen Bahrain’s premium hospitality and tourism sector.
- Digital City Bahrain: The project will establish a technology-focused development bringing together information and communications technology (ICT), innovation, education, and business infrastructure.
Together, these projects are expected to expand Bahrain’s aviation capabilities, improve logistics infrastructure, attract tourism investment, and support the growth of its digital economy.
Gateway Gulf 2026 Highlights Bahrain’s Investment Ambitions
The announcement was made at the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, which brought together more than 200 ministers, senior government officials, business executives, and international investors.
The forum provided a platform for discussing investment opportunities, regional economic partnerships, and future growth sectors across Bahrain and the wider Gulf region.
Bahrain’s Finance and National Economy Minister, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, indicated that the forum was expected to generate more than 110 investment announcements worth over $20 billion.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa also highlighted the importance of strengthening international partnerships and advancing economic diversification.
Golden License Programme Supports Large-Scale Investments
Bahrain introduced its Golden License programme in 2023 to attract major domestic and international investments. The initiative offers eligible investors a range of incentives, including streamlined government procedures, faster approvals, and improved access to government services.
The programme is designed to make it easier for large-scale projects to establish operations and expand their presence in the country. It also supports Bahrain’s broader strategy of attracting foreign direct investment, generating employment, and developing industries beyond traditional oil-related activities.
According to information released by Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, the country’s non-oil sectors account for approximately 86% of GDP, highlighting the growing importance of economic diversification.
Bahrain Strengthens Its Position as a Regional Investment Hub
The $3.89 billion investment announcement reflects Bahrain’s efforts to attract international companies across industries with long-term growth potential.
The involvement of aviation, logistics, hospitality, and technology businesses also demonstrates the country’s approach to developing multiple economic sectors rather than depending heavily on a single industry.
As competition for global investment increases across the Gulf, Bahrain’s ability to provide efficient business processes, infrastructure, and international partnerships will remain important to its investment strategy.
The implementation of the four projects will be a key factor in determining their contribution to employment, business activity, and long-term economic growth.
