Bahrain & UAE Take First Step Toward One Big GCC Economy
TDT | Manama
Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com
Business leaders and government officials from Bahrain and the UAE came together at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manama for a major event that focused on boosting economic ties between the two countries. The Bahrain-UAE Business Forum brought together over 50 Emirati business delegates, along with Bahraini counterparts, to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration.
The event was organized by Bahrain Chamber, and it highlighted the strong relationship between the two Gulf nations, one built on trust, shared goals, and a vision for the future.
Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, opened the forum by highlighting the importance of investment. “Without investment, good intentions can’t turn into real opportunities,” he said. “Our recent agreements will allow UAE products to enter Bahrain more easily, and vice versa. This is just the beginning.”
He also announced the idea of creating a joint economic center to facilitate smoother and more efficient business transactions between the two countries. “This is a platform to integrate our economies fully, and to create a space where businesses from both sides can grow together,” he added.
Beyond Oil
Speaking at the forum, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, emphasized that the UAE’s economy is about much more than oil. “Our non-oil sectors reached AED 39 billion,” he shared. “That’s a clear sign of how we’re moving into new areas like fintech, innovation, and advanced industries.”
Dr. Al Zeyoudi said that partnerships like this forum help both countries grow. “We signed key agreements just last month, and they’ll benefit the private sectors on both sides. We look forward to hosting the next edition of this forum in the UAE,” he added.
Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, Sameer Abdulla Nass, said the relationship between Bahrain and the UAE feels like “two countries acting as one.”
“We put this forum together in just four days, and still, more than 50 business leaders from the UAE came to explore opportunities here. That shows how strong our connection really is,” he said in an interview with The Daily Tribune.
He explained that the goal is to further strengthen economic ties and attract investments, especially as both countries look to diversify their economies.
Basim Mohamed Alsaie, Executive Committee Member of the Bahrain Chamber, spoke openly about the need for faster economic integration in the Gulf.
“For years, we’ve talked about creating one big GCC economy, but progress has been slow. So why not start with two countries like Bahrain and the UAE, which already have strong ties and similar laws.” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), saying that these businesses thrive when there are fewer borders and barriers. “If we make it easier for SMEs to operate across borders, we could see 40% economic growth over the next decade,” he added.
Both countries agreed to work closely on Takam, Bahrain’s in-country value program, which will now align with the UAE’s National ICV program. This will help strengthen local industries and create more opportunities for manufacturers and investors on both sides.
As the forum wrapped up, the message was clear: Bahrain and the UAE are not just neighbors, they are partners in progress. And with stronger ties, easier trade, and more open markets, the best is yet to come.
The forum also included a detailed look at Bahrain’s industrial zones, especially the Butr International Investment Zone. Located close to major transport links like the port, airport, and King Fahad Causeway, the zone already hosts 124 companies from 26 countries.
Bahrain’s industrial zone: Highlights include
$2.5 billion in total investment
73% of businesses are foreign-owned
Easy setup and affordable operation costs
100% foreign ownership
Duty-free access to major global markets
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