Bahrain has awarded Golden Licences to four investment projects with a combined value of $3.89 billion, as the kingdom seeks to attract major investments and accelerate economic diversification.
The announcement was made on Sunday at Gateway Gulf 2026, a forum hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), according to the Bahrain News Agency.
The four projects span aviation logistics, real estate and technology and are expected to support Bahrain’s long-term economic growth.
Gateway Gulf 2026 brought together more than 200 ministers, senior government officials, chief executives and investors to explore investment opportunities in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region.
The four projects are DHL: A regional aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport, intended to support its MENA operations.
Capital A: Three aviation initiatives covering AirAsia passenger connectivity, Teleport air cargo expansion and aircraft maintenance capabilities through Asia Digital Engineering. Meliá and Infracorp: A waterfront development on Amwaj Islands featuring a five-star hotel and Meliá-branded residences.
Digital City Bahrain: A planned hub for information and communications technology, innovation and education.
The Bahrain EDB said the projects would strengthen the kingdom’s aviation, logistics, tourism and technology sectors.
Bahrain introduced its Golden Licence programme in April 2023 to attract large-scale domestic and international investments. The scheme targets companies committing more than $50 million in investment during their initial years of operation or creating more than 500 local jobs.
The incentives include priority access to investment land, infrastructure and utilities, expedited government services, and streamlined procedures for business licences and building permits. Eligible companies can also receive support from government-backed financing and employment institutions, including Tamkeen and Bahrain Development Bank.
The programme also provides investors with a dedicated account manager through Bahrain EDB, which coordinates with government departments to facilitate project implementation. The initiative is part of Bahrain’s broader efforts to improve its investment environment and attract projects that contribute to economic diversification.
The latest awards follow an earlier round in June 2023, when Bahrain granted its first Golden Licences to five companies – Citi, Eagle Hills Diyar, Infracorp, Saudi Telecommunications Company (stc) and Whampoa Group – covering investments worth more than $1.4 billion. Those projects were expected to generate more than 1,400 jobs over three years.
Bahrain has positioned the programme as part of its efforts to attract foreign investment, create employment and strengthen non-oil industries. The kingdom’s investment strategy also seeks to develop financial services, tourism, logistics and technology as pillars of economic growth.
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