• 6 MOUs signed to deepen cooperation across various sectors

A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, led by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, has concluded a highly successful participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Russian Federation.

During SPIEF’s main plenary, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa delivered a speech and participated in a panel discussion alongside His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of Russia; His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia; His Excellency Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and His Excellency Paul Mashatile Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, where he focused on the Kingdom’s approach to economic development.

Bahrain’s participation in the 28^th edition of SPIEF as a guest country marked a significant milestone, featuring the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including customs, standardisation, metrology, energy, media, tourism, and trade. Notable agreements include:

• MOU between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.
• MOU between Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade on Technologies and Equipment for the Fuel and Energy Sector.
• MOU between Bahrain’s Ministry of Information and TV-Novosti on Media and IT.
• MOU between Bahrain News Agency and RIA Novosti.
• MOU on Tourism, Business Events, and Incentive Travel between Bahrain Tourism and the Aeroclub Group of Russia.
• MOU and Cooperation Agreement between the Russian Export Center and Export Bahrain.

During SPIEF 2025, Bahrain showcased its dynamic economic landscape and forward-looking policies, highlighting opportunities for collaboration across priority sectors. The Kingdom engaged with numerous Russian counterparts through bilateral meetings, exploring avenues for cooperation, investment growth and trade expansion. These engagements underscore Bahrain’s strategic intent to serve as a key gateway for Russian investment into the GCC and broader Middle East markets.

Bahrain’s representatives also participated in high-level panel discussions to emphasize the Kingdom’s vision for innovation and sustainable development. His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment, participated in panel discussion titled “The Global Energy Market: Seeking a Balance between Producer and Consumer Interests”, highlighting Bahrain efforts in maintaining readily available sustainable energy mix. His Excellency Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, spoke at a panel titled “The Role of SMEs in Achieving New National Goals” where he emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to fostering a resilient and innovative SME sector and strengthening economic ties with Russia. His Excellency also participated in the “Russia-Bahrain Business Dialogue” alongside Sara Buhejji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Additionally, Sara Buhejji contributed to a panel on “Professionals for Tourism and Hospitality: Investing in Human Capital, Education, and International Cooperation”, highlighting Bahrain’s focus on developing human capital to elevate its tourism and hospitality sectors. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, also participated in a panel titled “The Architecture of Memory: Are Cultural Codes a Passing Trend or a Call to Return to our Roots?”, exploring the importance of cultural identity and heritage in contemporary society.

Team Bahrain’s successful participation at SPIEF 2025 sets a strong foundation for future collaborations and economic growth. The Kingdom remains committed to deepening its ties with Russia and promoting new opportunities for businesses and investors.

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), in collaboration with the globally renowned Hermitage Museum, hosted “From Bahrain’s Heritage: The Art of Sword and Dagger Making” exhibition and “Pearls of the Gulf” reception on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025. The event took place at the Hermitage Museum, showcasing Bahrain’s rich artisanal traditions and cultural heritage through displays of craftsmanship.

This unique exhibition presents Bahraini sword and dagger produced by Depaj Factory, highlighting centuries-old making techniques, craftsmanship, symbolism, and artistry embedded in this ancient tradition. The event aims to foster cultural exchange and showcase Bahrain’s rich heritage to officials, businesses and investors from Russian Federation.

On this occasion, His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, stated: “Organizing this exhibition at one of the world’s greatest cultural and artistic institutions, the State Hermitage Museum, reflects the depth of cultural ties that have connected the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Russian Federation over past decades.”

He added: “The exhibition serves as a platform to promote a vital aspect of Bahrain’s intangible cultural heritage, one that we consider among the most precious assets of any nation. This heritage stands as a mirror of identity and a keeper of collective memory. The traditional craft of sword and dagger making is one of the most vivid expressions of this heritage, embodying meanings of strength, dignity, beauty, and artisanal precision.” He affirmed that “the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into a centuries-old craft that flourished in Bahrain, shaping a unique artistic and artisanal identity over time.”

To complement the exhibition, a cultural and culinary journey reception, “Pearls of the Gulf”, was also hosted, featuring a modern Bahraini dinner that provided an immersive culinary experience crafted by Bahraini chef Yusuf Qumber. The five-course dinner introduced flavours of Bahrain’s history, and culture, each dish inspired by an element of Bahraini heritage. The event was enriched with storytelling and presentation, connecting guests with the essence of the Gulf’s spirit.

Sara Buheji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, added, “Enhancing Bahrain’s cultural and tourism profile is central to our vision. Through strategic initiatives and a strong commitment to cultural diplomacy, we are positioning the Kingdom as a premier global destination that blends Bahraini heritage with world-class cultural experiences, solidifying its place on the international stage.”

The Kingdom of Bahrain inaugurated its pavilion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Bahrain and Russia.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished officials, including H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce; H.E. Olga Lyubimova, the Russian Minister of Culture, Head of Russia-Bahrain Intergovernmental Commission; H.E. Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Saati, Bahrain Ambassador to Russia, Alexander Stuglev, Chief Executive Officer of Rosscongress as well as key officials and stakeholders from both nations.

The Bahrain Pavilion serves as a hub for networking, engaging with key stakeholders and potential investors, and showcasing Bahrain’s vibrant investment environment. It will also showcase Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage through dedicated cultural exhibits, emphasising the Kingdom’s unique identity and strategic position as a gateway to the Gulf and beyond.

H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro said, “Bahrain’s presence at SPIEF 2025 highlights our commitment to building stronger economic bridges and opening new avenues for collaboration. We are excited to showcase our investment ecosystem and foster meaningful connections with Russian and global stakeholders. With already over 190 active companies in Bahrain with Russian partners, there is a clear indication of the potential opportunities, and we firmly believe this is just the beginning of a prosperous future.”

Bahrain’s participation as a guest country in SPIEF serves as an opportunity to highlight the Kingdom’s strategic investment opportunities across key priority sectors, while simultaneously offering new paths for strategic trade and economic ties. Through the pavilion, Team Bahrain aims to highlight the Kingdom’s investor-friendly environment, innovative projects, and strategic initiatives designed to foster sustainable growth.

Known for its progressive and dynamic economy, Bahrain offers an open market policy, a strategic location, and diverse sectors that position it as a regional hub, providing access to the GCC’s USD 2.2 trillion market.

A delegation from the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), led by H.E. Iain Lindsay OB OBE, Advisor to the Board, and Mr. Mohammed Al Alawi, Chief of Marketing and Communications, concluded a successful visit to Japan, aimed at deepening economic ties and introducing Japanese companies to Bahrain’s competitive investment offering.

The visit commenced in Tokyo, where the delegation held a series of strategic meetings with Japanese companies across priority sectors. These engagements highlighted Bahrain’s pro-business environment, agile regulations, and its strategic location as a gateway to the $2.1 trillion GCC market.

The delegation also visited Osaka to participate in activities at EXPO and host the Bahrain–Japan Investment Seminar, which brought together senior executives from over 45 leading Kansai-based companies. The seminar featured opening remarks by H.E. Ahmed Al Doseri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Japan, and a keynote by H.E. Iain Lindsay, followed by a detailed presentation on Bahrain’s economic value proposition.

A key highlight of the event was a fireside chat featuring representatives from Toyota and Daiki Aluminium, two Japanese companies with an established presence in Bahrain. The speakers shared their experience operating in the Kingdom, offering practical insights into the benefits of Bahrain’s business environment, including access to talent, competitive costs, and ease of doing business.

The programme concluded with a visit to the Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the delegation hosted a series of majlis-style meetings with Japanese companies. These private sessions offered a platform for targeted discussions around regional expansion strategies, with Bahrain positioned as a strategic launchpad for accessing growth opportunities across the GCC and wider Middle East. Guests also received guided tours of the Pavilion, which highlights the Kingdom’s cultural legacy and forward-looking economic vision under the national theme, “Connecting Seas.”

The visit forms part of the Bahrain EDB’s broader efforts around Expo 2025 Osaka, where the Kingdom is participating to spotlight its unique economic offering and long-term vision for sustainable, innovation-led growth.

An all-female delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, participated today in the Fortune’s Most Powerful Women International Summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Convening under the theme “New Era for Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity,” this marks Fortune’s first international summit in the Middle East. The two-day summit brought together influential female business leaders from across the region and beyond to explore key forces shaping the global business landscape and, specifically, how the public and private sectors can partner to supercharge innovation and growth.

In addition to H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, the delegation includes Rana Ebrahim Faqihi, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Revenue; Sara Ahmed Buhejji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority; and Hala Ali Yateem, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Bahrain.

During the event, H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif participated in a fireside chat titled “MPW Spotlight: Bahrain’s Path to Economic Transformation,” highlighting the Kingdom’s achievements in economic growth and diversification, with focus on innovation, sustainability, and investment attraction. The session also discussed how Bahrain is building a strong environment for businesses to thrive, as well as efforts around developing a future-ready workforce.

Hala Ali Yateem also participated in the panel discussion titled “Driving Growth and Innovation in a Changing World” sharing her perspectives on navigating the evolving financial services landscape and the importance of consistently adapting to a rapidly shifting global economy.

The participation of the all-female Bahraini delegation in this invitation-only conference exemplifies Bahrain’s dedication to empowering women as key drivers of economic progress and innovative change. Bahrain is a global leader in closing the gender skills gap, with the Kingdom’s ranking among the top five globally for girls outperforming boys in learning outcomes, according to the World Economic Forum and World Bank.

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE, Minister of State for Investment of the United Kingdom, along with a distinguished delegation, including His Excellency Alastair Long, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, visited the Bahrain Economic Development Board’s (Bahrain EDB) headquarters earlier today. The strategic meeting was attended by Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, and senior representatives from Bahrain’s investment promotion agency.

During the meeting, H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to deepen economic ties and foster mutually beneficial investment opportunities with the United Kingdom. H.E. additionally showcased Bahrain’s competitive advantages, strategic investment opportunities, and milestone successes that have contributed to cementing the island nation’s standing as a leading investment destination for international investors. 

The United Kingdom and Bahrain enjoy a deep-rooted bilateral relationship spanning over two centuries, characterised by continuous cooperation, trade, and investment. Recent years have seen significant growth in non-oil trade between the two nations, with total trade increasing by 60% from 2020 to 2024, up from USD 402 million to USD 645 million.

Manama, Bahrain – 8 May 2025: A delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, and H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, successfully concluded a two-day strategic visit to Malaysia. The strategic visit aimed to deepen economic ties, foster investment opportunities, and explore collaboration between the two countries. 

The Bahraini delegation held fruitful discussions with prominent Malaysian officials across both days of the strategic visit, meeting with His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia on the first day. 

On day two, the delegation held strategic ministerial meetings with Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Minister, wherein MITI is the main ministry in Malaysia that champions Malaysian industries’ transformation as well as the development of investment and trade policies. MITI plays a vital role in developing the Malaysian economic landscape encouraging its transition to being driven by digitisation, advanced technology, and sustainability. The strategic visit additionally included a meeting with Datuk Ewon Benedick, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD) Minister.  

The Bahrain delegation’s successful visit to Malaysia marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations. The discussions across both days highlighted shared opportunities as well as areas of collaboration and knowledge exchange across multiple priority sectors. This aligns with Team Bahrain’s broader vision to attract international investment, foster innovation, and promote sustainable development. Both nations are committed to working together to unlock new opportunities, enhance economic cooperation, and build a sustainable future for all. 

  

NatsumeAtari, a leading video game developer with over 30 years of experience, has partnered with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) to provide a casual mobile game to be showcased at the Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The game was developed by three Bahrainis training in the field of video game development at the renowned Japanese company, NatsumeAtari. The training is part of the Labour Fund’s (Tamkeen) Global Ready Talent Program, aimed at empowering Bahrainis by enhancing their skills and accelerating their professional growth in emerging fields through international training experiences with leading global companies. 

NatsumeAtari’s collaboration comes as part of a broader initiative to strengthen ties with the growing video game market in the Middle east. The three developers, who are training for one year in game development, production and marketing, worked on this game designed to highlight Bahrain’s economic and tourism potential. 

NatsumeAtari’s CEO, Hiro Koide, said, “The showcasing of “Ship of Time” at the Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 developed by three trainees from Bahrain, is a significant milestone of our training program and shines a bright light on the future of the video game market in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We look forward to seeing their continued growth as game developers. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone at the EDB who provided invaluable support for this project.”

Mohammed AlAlawi, Chief of Marketing & Communications at the Bahrain Economic Development Board added, “our collaboration with NatsumeAtari reflects Bahrain’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging talent in the gaming industry. Ship of Time is a creative showcase of the Kingdom’s economic and tourism potential, blending rich history with future ambitions. We are proud to see young Bahraini developers play a key role in bringing this vision to life at EXPO 2025 Osaka, highlighting Bahrain’s growing position as a hub for digital content”.

A Global Stage for Bahraini Talent

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Pavilion is organised by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). Spanning across four levels and offering a scenic view of the sea, the pavilion offers guests a comprehensive experience, introducing them to Bahrain’s unique culture, lifestyle, and business offering.

The Bahrain Economic Development Board, overseeing the business exhibition, has worked closely with stakeholders across Bahrain to highlight the Kingdom’s numerous competitive advantages, including a strategic location at the heart of the Gulf, the region’s best value-operating costs, a highly skilled bilingual workforce, and a competitive taxation system.

The mobile game provided by NatsumeAtari will be available to play for the duration of EXPO. The game, Ship of Time, blends themes of tradition with forward-looking development. Through an engaging, interactive experience, players navigate a traditional Bahraini boat (dhow) through a re-imagined Bahrain Bay, discovering iconic landmarks while learning about the country’s investment and business opportunities. With the support of NatsumeAtari, the game offers an immersive and educational experience that highlights the Kingdom’s rich heritage of the past and ambitions and opportunities of the future.

Project Manager Hasan Al-Barri, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We’re incredibly grateful to NatsumeAtari for providing us with the tools and invaluable guidance that made it possible for us to take on this unique project so early in our game development journey. We also sincerely appreciate both, Bahrain EDB and Tamkeen, for their continued support in empowering Bahraini youth in emerging industries. The team is excited to showcase this game on a global stage like EXPO.”

EXPO 2025 Osaka will run from April 13th to October 13th, 2025, and Ship of Time will be displayed within the business exhibition of the Bahrain Pavillion for the duration of the program.

Ship of Time – Credits

Executive Producers: Mitsuhiro Koide, Masayuki Yokobatake

Producer: Kei Hiroki

Production Supervisor: Kevin Humphreys

Game Director: Shehab Abdulla

Art Director: Elias Rahma

Project Manager: Hasan Albarri

Theme Song: Sparkling Seas

Music by: Yuki Aoe

Special Thanks: Spiros

Manama, Bahrain – 6 May 2025: A delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board and H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, has kicked off a two-day strategic visit to Malaysia. Supported by H.E. Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Malaysia, and senior team members of both entities, the visit aligns with Team Bahrain’s broader strategic efforts to further cement Bahrain’s established position as the investment destination of choice for international businesses seeking to set up or expand into the region.

During this strategic visit, the delegation is meeting with key officials and ministries, namely with His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia; YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz,  Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI,) and H.E. Datuk Ewon Benedick Malaysian Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, as well as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The Bahrain delegation will additionally focus on highlighting Bahrain’s diverse investment offerings across its priority sectors to investors during a strategic business and networking dinner hosted by The Kuala Lumpur Business Club (KLBC).

Last year, the Kingdom of Bahrain and Malaysia celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two countries have since continued to strengthen areas of collaboration through signed agreements and memoranda of understanding fortifying economic, trade, investment, technical, cultural and scientific cooperation. Following high-level exchanges of visits between the leaders of both countries, this visit reaffirms Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Malaysia and fostering mutually beneficial economic ties.

Designed to strengthen economic and trade ties between Bahrain and Malaysia, the strategic visit underscores the island nation’s ongoing commitment to consistently attracting investment to support sustainable economic growth and foster a strong future pipeline of job opportunities.