Bahrain Grants Four Golden Licenses Worth $3.89 Billion at Gateway Gulf 2026

Bahrain announced $3.89 billion in investment from four large-scale projects awarded Golden Licenses at Gateway Gulf 2026, the Bahrain Economic Development Board said. The announcement was made at the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, held on November 1-2, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, according to PR Newswire.

Four Golden Licenses Span Aviation, Real Estate and Technology

The Bahrain Economic Development Board is the sovereign investment promotion agency of the Kingdom of Bahrain, responsible for attracting foreign direct investment through a global office network and flagship programs such as Gateway Gulf and the Golden License framework. The four newly awarded licenses cover aviation logistics, real estate and technology.

DHL will establish its first and only regional maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at Bahrain International Airport, supporting its growing fleet and expanding capacity for global operations from the Kingdom. Three major aviation ventures led by Capital A, the parent company of Air Asia, are set to enhance connectivity with the Far East and Europe, expand air cargo capacity through phased freight growth, and advance in-country aircraft MRO capabilities.

A waterfront development in Amwaj by Meliá, in partnership with Infracorp, will feature a five-star hotel and Meliá-branded residences. Digital City Bahrain will establish a hub for ICT, innovation and education, designed to attract cluster technology companies.

Gateway Gulf's Prior Golden License Haul

According to akta.pro company records, Bahrain hosted Gateway Gulf 2025 in November 2025, securing over 60 investments, strategic partnerships and agreements exceeding $17 billion in announced value, including Golden Licenses worth $4.4 billion across tech, real estate and green manufacturing. The same records describe Bahrain EDB as founded in 2000 and headquartered in Manama.

Bahrain EDB's Earlier 2026 Engagements

In June 2026, Bahrain EDB concluded a five-day visit to China and Hong Kong from June 22-26, engaging investors and business leaders, Zawya reported. China is Bahrain's third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $2.43 billion in 2025. In May 2026, Bahrain's Crown Prince chaired the Economic Development Board meeting, reviewing 2025 achievements and 2026 objectives, Biz Bahrain reported. The EDB attracted BHD 942 million (USD 2.5 billion) from 107 projects, expected to create over 5,800 jobs.

What to Watch Next

Gateway Gulf 2026 runs through November 2, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The forum gathered over 200 global ministerial and senior government officials, chief executives and investors, the Bahrain EDB said.