Bahrain and UK Commit to £2 Billion Investment

Bahrain and the United Kingdom marked a new chapter in their enduring partnership during the second Bahrain–UK Strategic Dialogue held on 24 November 2025 at the UK Foreign Office in London.

The meeting brought together UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Hamish Faulkner with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The talks highlighted the deep-rooted values, shared interests, and strong people-to-people connections that form the backbone of Bahrain–UK relations. The ministers also revisited the outcomes of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s visit to the UK in June 2025, including the signing of the second Strategic Investment and Partnership Agreement, which will inject £2 billion in new UK investments.

Both nations welcomed the UK’s entry into the Comprehensive Security, Integration, and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) and the new Defence Cooperation Agreement, reinforcing regional security collaboration and readiness. The meeting also celebrated the first trilateral C-SIPA Defence Working Group with the United States, focusing on maritime security, cybersecurity, and air defense, with the next session set to take place in the UK in 2026.

Looking ahead, Bahrain and the UK are committed to exploring future cooperation in sectors such as green energy, advanced industries, tourism, and cybersecurity, reflecting a shared vision of sustainable growth and mutual security.

The dialogue also reaffirmed both nations’ determination to finalize the Free Trade Agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council, a move that underscores the strength of economic and strategic ties linking the UK and the Gulf region.