Bahrain stands out in Gulf dealmaking in Q1

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain stood out in Gulf dealmaking in the first half of 2025, anchored by a $693 million move in which Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power bought ENGIE’s stakes in power and water assets in Bahrain and Kuwait, a report by Kuwait Financial Centre ‘Markaz’ said. Across the GCC, activity eased.

Markaz counted 72 transactions in the half, down 22 per cent year on year.

The UAE led with 43 deals, followed by Saudi Arabia with 15. By 30 June, Bahrain accounted for 10 per cent of deals announced and in progress, with four transactions holding steady through the period.

Purchase

The ACWA Power purchase covers Bahrain’s Al Dur Power & Water Company, Al Ezzel Power Company and Hidd Power Company, and Kuwait’s Shamal Az-Zour Al-Oula Power and Water Company.

Foreign direct investment into Bahrain came through a single deal in H1 2025, compared with two a year earlier. That is a 50 per cent drop.

Bahraini groups were active across borders. Foulath Holding bought a 49 per cent stake in SULB Company and United Steel Company for $175 million.

Holding

GFH Financial Group added 15.63 per cent to its holding in Seef Properties, taking its stake to 27.98 per cent.

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) acquired HSBC’s retail banking operations in the Kingdom. Investcorp signed an agreement to acquire Italian firm Epipoli.