Bahrain awards $3.89 billion in Golden Licenses at Gateway Gulf

At the Gateway Gulf 2026 forum, the Kingdom of Bahrain announced the approval of four large-scale investment projects valued at $3.89 billion under its Golden License program. These projects, spanning the aviation, real estate, and technology sectors, aim to accelerate economic diversification.

Key developments include: • DHL will establish a regional aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport. • Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, will launch three aviation initiatives covering passenger connectivity, air cargo expansion, and aircraft maintenance. • Meliá and Infracorp will develop a waterfront project on Amwaj Islands featuring a five-star hotel and branded residences. • Digital City Bahrain will establish a hub for information, communications technology, innovation, and education.

Additionally, Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah) and Saudi Arabia’s Retal Urban Development signed a framework to develop the Bilaj Al Jazayer masterplan, a mixed-use project expected to include over 700 residential and retail units. Separately, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) signed a memorandum of understanding with EY MENA to establish an EY Talent Hub in Bahrain, intended to create 125 jobs for Bahrainis in specialized professional services.