Bahrain Bourse Launches Capital Market Development Plan (2026–2028)

Bahrain Bourse (BHB), licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, unveiled a comprehensive Capital Market Development Plan (2026–2028) during a press conference today, aimed at elevating the Kingdom’s capital market.

The plan seeks to diversify market offerings, deepen liquidity, and streamline operations, with five key objectives: advancing Bahrain’s capital market ecosystem, delivering world-class services, strengthening competitiveness in line with regional and global standards, fostering agility in dynamic market conditions, and expanding investment opportunities locally and regionally.

The strategy is anchored on five strategic pillars:

• Equity and Capital Formation: Generating capital flows through an expanded and structured IPO pipeline.

• Trading Operations Catalyst: Diversifying products and services.

• Regulatory & Corporate Realignment: Enhancing decision-making and regulatory empowerment.

• Enhanced Issuer and Investor Engagement: Improving infrastructure, processes, and services.

• Digital Readiness: Advancing technology to streamline operations.

Yusef Abdullah Al Yusef, Chairman of Bahrain Bourse, said, “Our mission is to operate a secure, efficient, and internationally aligned capital market that facilitates capital raising for both the government and private sector, provides transparent and accessible markets for investors, and strengthens Bahrain’s capital market ecosystem. Through this plan, Bahrain Bourse will continue to be a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic growth and diversification in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.”

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Bourse, added, “We are committed to working closely with issuers, market participants, and investor groups to create a dynamic, transparent, and sustainable marketplace. The plan aims to attract diversified and consistent foreign direct investment and contribute to long-term economic growth.”

He further noted, “Over the next three years, 46 initiatives will be rolled out to expand the investor base, diversify product offerings, enhance market operations, and improve liquidity, transparency, and accessibility. These strategies will also prepare the market for potential international re-classification and upgrade.”