Bahrain showcases innovation and global partnerships at WEF 2026 in Davos

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, held from January 19 to 23, the Kingdom of Bahrain reinforced its commitment to global cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth through a high-level delegation led by HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Kingdom’s participation highlighted Bahrain’s strategic priorities across technology, economic diversification, energy transformation, and human capital development, positioning it as an agile and forward-looking economy on the global stage.

Strengthening strategic partnerships

Bahrain’s delegation held a series of high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing international ties and attracting foreign investment into priority sectors.

In the fields of technology and aerospace, discussions were held with Eric Schmidt of Relativity Space and Adam Goldstein of Archer Aviation, focusing on advanced manufacturing, space technologies, and future mobility solutions.

Regional cooperation was also a key theme. The delegation met with senior UAE leaders, including Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, and visited both the UAE and Saudi Arabia pavilions, underlining shared regional ambitions for economic development, innovation, and long-term resilience.

Bahrain further expanded its bilateral outreach through meetings with the prime minister of the Kurdistan Region and the Monaco minister of finance, exploring opportunities in sustainable finance, investment flows, and international trade cooperation.

Driving innovation and future-ready growth

WEF 2026 provided Bahrain with a platform to present its economic transformation agenda and future-focused reforms.

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, highlighted regulatory reforms designed to support innovation-led growth. These include rewritten bankruptcy laws, investments in digital infrastructure, and policies aimed at creating what he described as a “fertile soil” for AI-driven entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.

The Kingdom also showcased progress in workforce development and gender inclusion. Bahrain reported that women now represent 55% of the public sector workforce and 35% of managerial roles in the private sector, placing the country well above global averages and reinforcing its commitment to inclusive economic participation.

In the energy sector, Bahrain promoted BxT Trading, a joint venture between Bapco Energies and TotalEnergies, positioning it as a key vehicle to expand Bahrain’s global footprint in energy trading while supporting the Kingdom’s broader energy transition strategy.

High-level delegation

The Bahraini delegation included senior leaders representing key economic and policy institutions:

• Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy

• Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of the Bahrain Economic Development Board

• Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce

• Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund

Bahrain’s presence at WEF 2026 underscored its focus on global engagement, innovation-led growth, and sustainable development, as the Kingdom continues to position itself as a competitive and connected economy in an evolving global landscape.