Crown Prince of Bahrain: Strengthening Global Partnerships to Support Gulf Industry in International Markets
Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, affirmed that the trajectory of joint Gulf cooperation continues to build upon the achievements realized across various sectors, grounded in the strategic partnerships uniting the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and their aspirations for further cooperation and integration.
This statement came during a meeting held by Prince Salman today, attended by several senior officials and the heads of delegations participating in the “Made in the Gulf 2026” forum and exhibition, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. The delegation heads conveyed greetings from the leaders of the GCC member states to the Bahraini King and the Crown Prince, while Prince Salman entrusted them with greetings from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to those leaders.
The inaugural edition of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” forum and exhibition, themed “Towards a More Integrated, Competitive, and Future-Ready Gulf Industrial Economy,” was opened under the patronage of Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Crown Prince attended on behalf of the King, alongside the heads of participating delegations, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre in Seef.
The Bahraini Crown Prince noted that, in line with the vision of the Bahraini monarch, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to support all efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening joint Gulf cooperation. These efforts consolidate integration among the Council’s member states, advance development and prosperity toward broader horizons, and realize the visions and aspirations of the GCC leaders.
He expressed his best wishes for the success and fulfillment of the objectives of all participants in the “Made in the Gulf 2026” forum and exhibition.
He highlighted the importance of events that facilitate the exchange of expertise and experiences, provide insights into the latest developments in the industrial sector, and foster industrial and investment partnerships, thereby supporting the growth of the Gulf industrial sector.
He emphasized the continued commitment to developing the Gulf industrial system and enhancing coordination and integration among GCC member states. This work aims to support the growth of Gulf markets, boost their competitiveness, expand areas of joint industrial cooperation and integration, and strengthen global partnerships to bolster the presence of Gulf industry in international and global markets.
For their part, the heads of delegations participating in the “Made in the Gulf 2026” forum and exhibition extended their gratitude and appreciation to the Bahraini monarch for patronizing this important Gulf event.
On his part, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi stated during the opening that “Made in the Gulf 2026” embodies a vision agreed upon by the leaders of the member states, which holds that industry is a fundamental pillar for diversifying the Gulf economy. He noted that the strength of the GCC member states’ economies is measured not only by their resources but also by what they produce and export.
Al-Budaiwi said the forum sends a clear message that the Gulf product should be the first choice for consumers and investors within the GCC member states and in global markets. He pointed out that joint Gulf industrial efforts over the past years have been built on a solid foundation of decisions and policies that included harmonizing specifications and standards, facilitating the movement of goods and industrial materials, protecting Gulf products, enhancing fair competition, and supporting integration within supply chains.
He added that the GCC countries currently host more than 22,000 factories employing over 1.7 million workers, with manufacturing industries contributing 13 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Al-Badawi pointed out that the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee plays a pivotal role in advancing Gulf industrial integration, noting that its efforts have yielded several significant achievements, including the harmonization of various industrial regulations, the adoption of the 2022–2030 Industry Strategy, empowerment of national products, and collective protection for Gulf industries.
He highlighted that the GCC countries launched an investment initiative in the industrial sector aimed at identifying 20 joint Gulf industrial investment opportunities, noting that five opportunities in the first phase have been approved by the Industrial Cooperation Committee, serving as a foundation for further opportunities.
He explained that international indicators reflect the standing the GCC countries have achieved in the industrial sector, clarifying that according to the 2025 Competitive Industrial Performance Index issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Arab Emirates ranked 32nd globally, Saudi Arabia 34th, Qatar 48th, Kuwait 53rd, the Sultanate of Oman 58th, and Bahrain 63rd.
He added that the GCC countries occupy six of the top seven positions in the Arab region, with two of them exceeding the global average for the index, emphasizing that these figures are a source of pride and underscore the need to continue working toward further progress through the integration of industrial capacities and policy harmonization.
Bahraini Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, stated that the gracious opening of the forum and exhibition by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister reflects the continuous support and attention accorded to the industrial sector. He noted that the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition serves as a platform bringing together governments, manufacturers, investors, financing institutions, and innovation entities, contributing to transforming industrial integration opportunities into tangible partnerships, projects, and investments, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and global presence of Gulf industry.
