The Gulf state of Bahrain is making strategic moves to establish itself as the primary gateway for British businesses seeking opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. With a £1 billion investment commitment to Britain and plans for additional funding, Bahrain is targeting partnerships in green technologies, advanced manufacturing, and financial services sectors.
Unlike its wealthy neighbours Qatar, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, which have acquired prominent British assets ranging from Harrods to Premier League football clubs, Bahrain’s approach is markedly different. The kingdom’s most notable British investment remains its stake in McLaren’s supercar and Formula 1 operations.
Bahrain’s unique selling proposition lies in its cost-competitive business environment and established financial services sector. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, minister for sustainable development, emphasises the kingdom’s role as a “plug and play” option for inward investors, particularly focusing on smaller enterprises and technology companies.
The country’s economic transformation is noteworthy, with oil and gas now representing less than one-fifth of its $44 billion GDP, down from nearly half previously. The financial services sector has emerged as a dominant force, particularly after capitalising on the 2006 Lebanon war when Beirut’s banking centre relocated to Manama.
Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in Bahrain’s strategy, with ambitious plans for a 25-mile causeway bridge to Qatar and enhanced road-rail connections to Saudi Arabia. These projects complement the existing King Fahd Causeway and aim to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional logistics hub.
British businesses considering Gulf expansion should note Bahrain’s distinctive approach. As Iain Lindsay, former British ambassador to Bahrain, explains, “Bahrain represents the ‘old money’ of the Gulf, offering stability and strong British connections rather than the flashier approach of some regional neighbours.”
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