Gateway Gulf 2026 saw the announcement of a series of investments, agreements and expansion projects across industry, technology, aviation, financial services, healthcare, tourism, education and real estate. The announcements included plans to establish Bahrain's first electrical power transformer factory, open an office for global payments company Visa, launch a liquidity investment fund, and provide telecommunications services to Gulf Air Group, alongside healthcare and tourism projects expected to create more than 320 jobs. The announcements came during the fourth edition of the forum, organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) on November 1 and 2 under the theme "Redefining Global Partnerships and Driving Sustainable Growth," with the participation of investors, business leaders and policymakers. Bahrain's First Power Transformer Factory In the industrial sector, Amiri Industries launched its Amform project to establish Bahrain's first electrical power transformer manufacturing facility on a 23,000-square-meter site in the Hidd area. The factory will produce medium-voltage distribution transformers to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance on imports, with plans to expand into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets at a later stage. Technology and Aviation In the technology sector, British company Lexness Technologies announced the launch of its operations in Bahrain, which will serve as a base for expansion into Gulf markets, focusing on artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Global payments company Visa also announced plans to open an office in Bahrain in 2027 to strengthen its presence in the digital payments market and expand cooperation with financial institutions and businesses. Batelco, part of Beyon Group, signed a five-year master services agreement with Gulf Air Group to provide telecommunications, networking, cloud services and satellite connectivity solutions as part of the group's digital transformation program. The agreement includes connecting more than 1,000 employees across multiple locations and improving operational efficiency and customer communications. Batelco also signed a two-year cooperation agreement with Bariq Al Retaj Real Estate Services to develop telecommunications solutions and smart home and building technologies. Meanwhile, Beyon Connect signed a memorandum of understanding with Omani company PhazeRo to develop digital identity and electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) solutions, beginning in Oman while exploring opportunities for expansion across the GCC. Liquidity and Investment Fund In financial services, ASB Capital, which manages $10.2 billion in assets, announced the launch of the Shariah-compliant ASB Liquidity Fund. The fund will invest in short-term deposits, government and bank sukuk, and other eligible instruments across GCC and Middle East and North Africa markets, aiming to preserve capital, provide daily liquidity and manage volatility risks. Healthcare and Tourism Projects In the healthcare sector, Bahrain's Labour Fund, Tamkeen, signed an agreement with Mubadala Health Bahrain to establish a multidisciplinary medical facility developed through a partnership between M42 Group and Bahrain-based HealthVision. The hospital will offer 20 medical specialties and create more than 200 jobs, alongside genetic testing services and AI-enabled precision medicine. In tourism, Tamkeen signed an agreement to support more than 120 employment opportunities for Bahrainis at the Club Hawaii @ Bahrain Surf Park project, being developed by Edamah in collaboration with GFH Financial Group in the Bilaj Al Jazayer area. Spanning more than 52,000 square meters, the project will feature a wave lagoon and tourism and entertainment facilities. It is expected to open this year and attract approximately 300,000 visitors annually. British Investment in Education In the education sector, Britain's Repton Schools Group announced plans to open a school in Bahrain for students aged three to 18. The project will occupy a 32,000-square-meter site and offer the British curriculum, including International GCSE qualifications and A-Levels, becoming the 13th school in the group's network. These projects reflect Bahrain's efforts to attract investment across diverse sectors, expand employment opportunities and strengthen the Bahraini economy's connections with Gulf and international markets.
