The inaugural Made in GCC Forum and Exhibition has concluded in Bahrain after recording more than 10,500 registrations and attracting over 120 exhibitors, according to a closing statement distributed by FinMark Communications.
The event ran from 6 to 8 October 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain. Its exhibition covered more than 20,000 square metres, while over 30 speakers and experts took part in eight main sessions.
Regional industry and investment in focus
Government representatives, manufacturers, investors and specialists from across the GCC discussed global market access, supply-chain resilience, joint investment, smart factories, sustainability, financing and economic zones.
The closing statement reported agreements, partnerships and industrial expansions across energy and storage, aluminium, food production, automotive and batteries, logistics, industrial finance and sustainable manufacturing. It also highlighted initiatives intended to increase exports and open markets for Gulf products.
Building on the first edition
Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, said the next step was to turn the connections made at the event into stronger industrial and investment partnerships. He highlighted the region’s manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure, logistics, financial services and skilled workforce.
Fakhro called for continued cross-border cooperation, a central role for private businesses and further work on innovation and sustainable manufacturing. The aim, he said, is a more integrated industrial base with greater access to international markets.
The forum was opened by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on behalf of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Its opening brought together GCC industry and commerce ministers, senior officials and industrial leaders.
Partnerships behind the forum
The minister acknowledged the contribution of Foulath Holding, Aluminium Bahrain, Midal Cables, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, APM Terminals Bahrain and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside support from Tamkeen and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
The reported total refers to registrations, rather than a separately verified count of visitors. This report draws on the organiser’s closing press release and supplied photographs; event dates are confirmed by the official Made in GCC website.
Photographs from the event
