Bahrain EDB Signs MoU with MISA during fourth meeting of Bahraini-Saudi Coordination Council

TDT | Manama

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On the sidelines of the fourth meeting of the Bahraini-Saudi Coordination Council co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and the Ministry of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (MISA) aimed at promoting direct investment. The MoU was signed by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB and H.E. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Investment.

Under the agreement, Bahrain EDB and MISA will work together to enhance collaborative efforts in promoting direct investment through the exchange of statistical data on investment flows, existing business prospects, key policies, legislation, and regulation related to direct investment opportunities as well as the broader investment landscape in both countries. The MOU additionally outlines a drive to raise awareness on potential investment opportunities across diverse economic sectors with areas of mutual interest and synergy.

Moreover, this milestone agreement seeks to further facilitate the increased exchange of information on public-private partnership initiatives, increase joint promotional efforts in targeting developers, investors, and potential financiers. In order to deepen collaborative efforts towards direct investment, the MOU outlines mechanisms such as organising exhibitions, workshops, conferences, alongside key events, including hosting an annual Saudi-Bahraini Investment Forum in the first half of 2026, with the aim of showcasing investment opportunities in both countries and inviting companies interested in investing in either market.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB, said: “The Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia benefit from a deep-rooted legacy of robust economic and investment ties, which continue to evolve under the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The MoU signed between Bahrain EDB and MISA not only strengthens our longstanding relationship, but also represents a transformative shift towards greater public-private sector partnerships between our two nations. We highly value and welcome Saudi investments in Bahrain’s key economic sectors, which continue to play a vital role in further advancing Bahrain’s sustainable development journey.”

As of year-end of 2024, cumulative direct investments from the Saudi Arabia into Bahrain reached approximately USD 10.13 billion, representing 21.9% of Bahrain’s total cumulative direct investment stock for that year. These investments span across several key sectors, including financial services, insurance, industry, and information and communication technology.