Bahrain attracted a record US $1.1 billion in direct investment during 2022, underscoring the kingdom’s growing appeal to multinationals and scale-ups in finance, tech and logistics.
New figures from the Bahrain Economic Development Board show 88 companies committed capital last year, pledging to create more than 6,300 jobs across financial services, ICT, manufacturing, logistics and tourism within three years. The results exceed the agency’s own US $1 billion target and build on a 73 percent jump in foreign-direct-investment inflows logged the previous year, according to UNCTAD data. Officials credit Bahrain’s best-value operating costs, English-fluent talent and agile regulation—traits that pushed the kingdom to the top of MENA rankings for financial, investment and trade freedom in 2022.
Under the Economic Recovery Plan, government teams are streamlining business-setup rules and aiming to draw a further US $2.5 billion by the end of 2023. For founders, the headline matters less than the signal it sends: sector giants from blockchain to fast freight now treat Bahrain as a regional launchpad, giving smaller firms a deeper pool of partners, mentors and potential acquirers. Investors also benefit from a market where inward FDI equals 86 percent of GDP—highest in the GCC—suggesting a mature deal pipeline and clear exit paths.
“The size of direct investment attracted this year is a testament to Bahrain’s attractiveness to investors. The Kingdom’s offerings include best-value operating costs, the availability of a talented workforce, an advanced digital infrastructure and a forward-looking regulatory environment.”
Companies eyeing Bahrain’s incentives can contact the EDB’s sector desks to start the fast-track setup process.
