Bahrain is set to welcome an exclusive gathering of ministerial and senior government officials, visionary chief executives, and influential voices for the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, taking place on November 1 and 2 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay. 

Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), the invitation-only investment forum will bring together delegates from across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America to explore emerging investment opportunities and examine the forces shaping the global economy. As a gateway to the Gulf, the forum will connect international investors with opportunities across Bahrain and the wider GCC, highlighting the Kingdom’s role in facilitating access to regional markets and fostering cross-border investment.

Held under the theme Reimagining Global Partnerships, Powering Sustainable Growth, Gateway Gulf 2026 will consider how geopolitical and economic shifts, the energy transition and technological advances are redirecting global capital and creating new models for international collaboration. The programme will explore the evolution of global capital flows and economic connectivity, alongside the Gulf’s expanding role in global growth. It will also examine the industries shaping the next era of competitiveness and the rise of the intelligence economy, with a focus on how international businesses can engage with the region’s evolving investment landscape and identify opportunities for growth across the GCC.

The forum’s distinguished local and international speaker lineup will include: 

• Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy; 

• Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; 

• Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Bahrain’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board;

• Sebastian Kurz, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Austria, Co-Founder of Dream;

• Lord Gerry Grimstone, former UK Minister for Investment and Member of the House of Lords;

• Dr Ridha Moumni, Chairman, Middle East & Africa, Christie's

• Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A, Co-Founder, AirAsia;

• Mohammed Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman, ACWA Power;

• Henadi Al Saleh, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Agility;

• Per Wimmer, Chief Executive Officer of Wimmer Family Office and space advocate and astronaut;

• Carlo Clavarino, Executive Chairman, International, Aon;

• Andrew Cohen, Executive Chairman, Global Private Bank, J.P. Morgan;

• Salman Mahdi, Global Vice Chairman, Private Bank, Deutsche Bank AG;

• Martin R. Smura, Chairman of the Board, Grand Metropolitan Hotels;

• Bob Diamond, Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Merchant;

• Rami Khalid Alturki, President & CEO, Al Turki Holding;

They will be joined by other senior figures from global finance, manufacturing, tourism, technology and logistics.

The programme will also feature targeted private roundtables, one-on-one meetings and investment showcases designed to facilitate direct engagement between international investors, regional decision-makers and business leaders. These curated meetings provide a dedicated setting for participants to discuss specific investment interests, identify potential partners and explore opportunities for market entry and expansion across Bahrain and the wider GCC. By connecting investors with relevant stakeholders and facilitating focused, business-led discussions, Gateway Gulf aims to help translate dialogue into tangible partnerships and investment opportunities.

Gateway Gulf reflects Bahrain’s Team Bahrain approach, bringing the public and private sectors together to advance investment, strengthen partnerships and support sustainable economic growth. The 2025 edition resulted in more than $17 billion in announced investments, partnerships and agreements, demonstrating the forum’s role in connecting global investors with opportunities in Bahrain and the wider region. With non-oil activities accounting for over 86% of GDP in 2025, the Kingdom continues to advance economic diversification and reinforce its proposition as a base for investment and business in the Gulf. – TradeArabia News Service