Accra:The inaugural edition of the Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition has concluded in the Kingdom of Bahrain, held over a span of three days at Exhibition World Bahrain. The event featured participation from government entities, industrial institutions, investors, and experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, resulting in several new agreements and industrial projects across various strategic sectors.
According to Ministry of Industry and Commerce - Bahrain, the forum was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, representing His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The opening saw attendance from GCC ministers responsible for industry and commerce, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, senior officials, and industry leaders.
The event recorded over 10,500 registrations and hosted more than 120 exhibitors across an area exceeding 20,000 square meters. It included participation from over 30 speakers and experts in eight main sessions, discussing future priorities for Gulf industry, such as global market access, supply chain resilience, joint investment, smart factories, innovation, sustainability, finance, and infrastructure.
A number of agreements, partnerships, and industrial expansions were announced, covering sectors like energy, aluminium, food industries, automotive and batteries, logistics, industrial finance, and sustainable manufacturing. These initiatives aim to boost exports and open new markets for Gulf products, showcasing the region's growing potential for cooperation and joint investment.
His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasized that this event has established a foundation for shared industrial and investment opportunities among GCC states. He highlighted the region's integrated ecosystem, which includes resources, industrial capabilities, infrastructure, logistics, financial services, and skilled talent, all contributing to the strengthening of Gulf value chains.
He further noted Bahrain's commitment to supporting Gulf economic cooperation and integration through such platforms, which facilitate collaboration among decision-makers, investors, and manufacturers. The significance of Made in GCC extends beyond the event to foster relationships and investment opportunities that enhance the competitiveness of the Gulf's industrial base.
Looking ahead, continued joint efforts are anticipated to build on the event's achievements, with a focus on the private sector's role in developing Gulf industries, expanding cross-border investment, and supporting innovation and sustainable manufacturing. This will help bolster the GCC's standing in the global industrial and trade landscape.
The success of the inaugural edition was attributed to the collective efforts of government entities and the private sector, embodying the spirit of 'Team Bahrain.' Contributions from strategic partners and supporters, including Foulath Holding, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Midal Cables, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), APM Terminals Bahrain, and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside support from the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, were acknowledged for their roles in the event's success.
The conclusion of Made in GCC 2026 marks a significant step in fostering industrial and investment engagement, promoting cooperation among Gulf institutions and companies, and advancing towards a more integrated, diversified, and competitive Gulf industrial base in both regional and global markets.