'Made in Gulf 2026' concludes with signing of several agreements and MoUs
The first edition of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 6 to 8 at the Bahrain World Trade Center under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has concluded.
The forum and exhibition were officially opened on behalf of His Majesty by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with broad participation from officials, decision-makers, manufacturers, investors, and experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The event aimed to enhance Gulf industrial integration, develop investment partnerships, and boost the competitiveness of Gulf products in regional and global markets.
During the forum, several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, alongside workshops and interactive sessions. Six national pavilions showcased products manufactured in GCC member states, highlighting their production, technical capabilities, and investment opportunities available to investors and potential partners.
Organized by the Bahraini Ministry of Industry and Commerce in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the forum and exhibition were held under the theme “Toward a More Integrated, Competitive, and Future-Ready Gulf Industrial Economy.” This initiative aligns with efforts to establish industry as a cornerstone for diversifying Gulf economies and strengthening their resilience to global economic shifts.
Discussions focused on the role of the private sector in building a more integrated Gulf industrial ecosystem, and the importance of leveraging technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation to enhance production, improve factory efficiency, and expand the access of Gulf products to international markets.
The forum’s proceedings emphasized shifting industrial cooperation from mere knowledge exchange and product exhibitions to developing joint projects, connecting manufacturers with investors, buyers, and strategic partners. This approach aims to build more interconnected Gulf production and supply chains capable of responding to emerging challenges.
The forum’s agenda gained added significance amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions in trade and transport, which underscore the need to strengthen supply chain resilience, ensure energy security, and develop alternative production capacities. Participants stressed the importance of capitalizing on each GCC country’s comparative advantages, integrating manufacturing capabilities, resources, and logistical infrastructure to support the localization of industries and increase value addition within the region.
