Bahrain GP in Malaysia Promotes Kingdom Globally
Bahrain Chamber Chairman highlights opportunities to strengthen trade, investment and Bahrain–Malaysia business ties.
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia gives the Kingdom greater international visibility through Formula 1’s global audience.
The event can help promote Bahrain’s business and investment opportunities to international companies and investors.
The race strengthens Bahrain–Malaysia relations and creates opportunities for broader trade and investment cooperation.
Nabeel Kanoo, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman, said that hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia represents an important opportunity to strengthen Bahrain’s international presence and expand economic and investment cooperation.
The 2026 race will be held at Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4 under an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. The arrangement preserves Bahrain’s place on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar while bringing the Grand Prix experience to a new international audience.
Kanoo said the event reflects Bahrain’s established position in global motorsport, following the Kingdom’s hosting of the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East in 2004.
He highlighted the continued support and follow-up of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, saying it reflects Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its international presence, developing global partnerships and showcasing the Kingdom’s experience in organizing major international events.
Global Platform for Bahrain
Kanoo said the worldwide audience attracted by Formula 1, together with international companies, sponsors and organizations involved in the sport, provides Bahrain with a valuable platform to promote its economic and investment environment.
He stressed that the race offers an opportunity to introduce international businesses and investors to Bahrain’s economic potential, resources and opportunities across different sectors.
The Bahrain International Circuit has similarly described the Malaysian race as an opportunity to introduce Bahrain and its Grand Prix to a wider Asian audience while showcasing the Kingdom’s tourism, culture and experience in organizing Formula 1 events.
Kanoo added that Bahrain’s private sector can use the international attention surrounding the race to strengthen communication with companies and investors from global markets and develop new commercial relationships.
He said such major sporting events can help create new channels for trade, investment and business cooperation, allowing Bahraini companies to expand their international connections.
Strengthening Bahrain–Malaysia Relations
Kanoo also highlighted the importance of holding the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia in strengthening relations between the two countries.
He said the event provides an additional platform for Bahraini and Malaysian business communities to communicate, explore investment opportunities and expand bilateral trade.
The Formula 1 arrangement itself was established through cooperation between Bahrain and Malaysia, with both governments supporting the return of Formula 1 to Sepang.
The event has also brought Bahraini and Malaysian motorsport organizations together. Bahrain International Circuit and the Bahrain Motor Federation are working alongside their Malaysian counterparts in organizing and managing the race weekend.
Kanoo praised this cooperation, as well as collaboration involving Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation, saying it demonstrates the value of international partnerships in delivering major global events.
Showcasing Bahraini Expertise
The Chamber president also praised the Bahraini teams involved in organizing the race, saying their participation demonstrates the Kingdom’s professional capabilities and experience in managing major international sporting events.
Bahrain is also bringing elements of its culture, heritage and hospitality to Sepang, with the Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Gulf Air involved in activities surrounding the race.
Kanoo concluded that Bahrain’s continued presence on the global Formula 1 stage reflects the Kingdom’s ability to build international partnerships and promote itself as a destination for business and investment.
He affirmed that the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry would seek to use the international attention surrounding the event to strengthen links with the global business community and support the international expansion of Bahraini private-sector companies.
