Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, led Bahrain’s delegation at the Saudi-Bahrain Investment Forum, which was organized by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Saudi Ministry of Investment, in cooperation with the Bahrain-Saudi Business Council. The event, held at the Dhahran Expo in Dammam, was attended by high-ranking officials, including Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Falih.
The transportation minister highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the forum’s role in advancing investment cooperation within the framework of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, led by the Crown Princes of both nations, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Dr. Al Khalifa noted that Saudi Arabia is Bahrain’s largest economic partner, with non-oil trade between the two nations reaching nearly $4 billion last year, and cumulative direct investments exceeding $9.2 billion, accounting for 21% of Bahrain’s total foreign direct investment inflows in 2023. He stressed the importance of further enhancing economic integration through joint investment projects, such as the establishment of an investment company in Bahrain and opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and technology.
These initiatives align with both Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030. The minister also reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to attracting investments, citing the competitive investment climate and financial incentives available, along with the country’s advanced legislative, economic, and monetary policies.
Dr. Al Khalifa highlighted Bahrain’s eagerness to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia in key sectors, including energy, manufacturing, financial services, ICT, cybersecurity, AI, food and water security, and tourism. He also emphasized the significance of joint infrastructure projects such as the King Hamad Causeway and the GCC railway, which will facilitate trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.
The forum featured discussions on energy and manufacturing, along with specialized workshops on ICT, tourism, and logistics, showcasing the vast investment opportunities available for the private sector and promoting economic and developmental partnerships between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
