Gulf states are seeking to strengthen industrial co-operation and expand manufacturing’s contribution to their economies as they pursue diversification and greater resilience, said senior officials on the opening day of the inaugural 'Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026' being held in Bahrain.

The three-day event is being jointly organised by the GCC General Secretariat and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the theme “Toward a More Integrated, Competitive, and Future-Ready Gulf Industrial Economy.”

It was inaugurated by Bahrain’s HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa today (October 6), highlighting the importance of deeper Gulf industrial integration, technological innovation and stronger production capabilities amid regional and global economic challenges.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, continues to support wide-ranging efforts to strengthen GCC integration and cooperation by leveraging member state capabilities and strengths, in line with their respective national visions and aspirations of their leaders.

He said the GCC industrial integration is a critical pillar of multilateral co-operation given its role in expanding industrial partnerships among its member States, enhancing the competitiveness of the industrial sector, and strengthening its contribution to its respective economies.

HRH Prince Salman noted that the regional and international challenges and developments witnessed have underscored the importance of developing GCC industries and strengthening their capabilities, their ability to meet evolving demands, their adaptability, and their support of sustainable growth and prosperity across the region.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister highlighted the industrial sector’s growing contribution to economic development across the GCC, supported by continued growth and diversification across its various fields.

His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of keeping pace with technological developments encouraging innovation, and developing advanced production capabilities, thereby contributing to the development of GCC industrial products and enhancing their global competitiveness.

He thanked the organisers and participants in the Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026, wishing them continued success in achieving the event’s objectives.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister also attended a panel discussion featuring Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy.

 The panel discussed the future of industry and energy across the GCC, the transformations that are reshaping both sectors, and their impact on economic growth and competitiveness. 

It also explored opportunities for greater integration between industry and energy, as well as the role of innovation, technology, sustainability, and GCC expertise in developing advanced industries, building competitive production capabilities, and strengthening the GCC States’ position as an influential global hub for industry and energy.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister also inaugurated the exhibition accompanying the forum, where His Royal Highness was briefed on a range of GCC industrial products, technologies and solutions, as well as models of advanced industries and initiatives supporting smart and sustainable manufacturing, reflecting the continued development of industrial capabilities and potential across the GCC.

For his part, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, expressed his appreciation for His Majesty the King’s patronage of the event and affirmed that His Royal Highness’ inauguration reflects the unwavering support extended to the industrial sector.

Fakhro said the event serves as a platform bringing together governments, manufacturers, investors, financing institutions, and innovative institutions, who are contributing to transforming opportunities for industrial integration into tangible partnerships, projects, and investments that enhance the global competitiveness of the GCC industrial sector.

The Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition 2026 aims to showcase GCC industrial capabilities, strengthen integration and supply chains, attract high-quality investments, support innovation and advanced and sustainable manufacturing, and create broader opportunities for GCC products to access regional and global markets.

The event was attended by ministers responsible for industry and trade across the GCC, the Secretary General of the GCC, as well as senior officials, leaders in the industrial sector, and investors.