Bahrain Secures British Investment
• USD 250m in three years
• New £2bn sustainability pact
• Growth in trade, logistics, tech
Bahrain has quietly become one of the UK's fastest-growing economic gateways in the Gulf, securing over USD 250 million in British investment over the past three years, with a bold £2 billion private-sector deal now steering focus toward green growth and industrial reinvention.
The announcement came during a high-level visit to the United Kingdom by a Bahraini delegation led by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). The delegation met with British businesses and investors, showcasing opportunities in Bahrain's evolving financial, ICT, tourism, and education sectors.
Strategic Expansion
Ties between the two kingdoms have intensified in recent years, with the Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership (SIP2) signed in June marking a major step forward. The agreement commits over £2 billion from the Bahraini private sector into projects linked to carbon reduction and sustainability. It follows the UK's inclusion in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), which aligns the two countries on economic integration and technology partnerships.
'Bahrain remains a trusted gateway for UK companies seeking growth in the Middle East, backed by a business-friendly environment, agile regulation, and high-growth sectors,' said H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif. 'The increased confidence from UK investors is a testament to our enduring partnership, and we look forward to building on this momentum.'
Future-Focused Sectors
The EDB's visit also features two panel discussions in collaboration with the Financial Times under the theme 'Shaping the Next Generation of Manufacturing and Logistics Hubs'. The sessions will explore how supply chain shifts, sustainability mandates, and technology trends are influencing decisions about where global companies site their facilities.
UK-based firms such as Standard Chartered, HSBC, Deloitte, Reckitt Benckiser, and the University of Strathclyde already have a presence in Bahrain. Their footprint reflects the Kingdom's appeal as a base for expansion across the Gulf.
Non-oil trade between Bahrain and the UK rose by 45 percent in 2024, reaching USD 645 million from USD 443 million the year before. The growth adds further weight to Bahrain's positioning as a regional node for innovation-driven, low-carbon, and service-based industries.
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