The inaugural Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition concluded in Bahrain after three days of discussions, business engagements and industrial partnership announcements, attracting more than 10,500 registrations and over 120 exhibitors across more than 20,000 square metres.
Held at Exhibition World Bahrain from October 6-8, It brought together GCC industry and commerce ministers, the Gulf Cooperation Council secretary-general, government officials, manufacturers and investors.
The programme featured eight main sessions involving more than 30 speakers and experts, focusing on global market access, supply chain resilience, joint investment, smart manufacturing, innovation, sustainability, industrial finance and infrastructure development.
Several agreements, partnerships and industrial expansion plans were announced across energy, energy storage, automotive, batteries, logistics and sustainable manufacturing, alongside initiatives to expand exports and open new markets for Gulf products.
Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, said the inaugural edition had established a foundation for greater industrial integration and investment cooperation among GCC states.
He highlighted the region’s resources, infrastructure, logistics networks, financial services and skilled workforce as assets that could strengthen regional value chains and improve the global competitiveness of Gulf products.
He also called for continued public-private sector cooperation, cross-border investment and greater emphasis on innovation and sustainable manufacturing.
Among the agreements announced, Oman’s Reem Batteries & Power Appliances signed a memorandum of understanding with Bahrain’s UCA to supply 18,000 batteries annually to the Bahraini market, with an estimated annual value of $1 million.
The agreement aims to strengthen trade links between Omani manufacturing and Bahraini businesses.
Bahrain-based Bapco Energies participated in the exhibition, showcasing specialised products and services from Bapco Manufacturing for the energy sector and related industries.
The company said its participation supported national manufacturing capabilities and opportunities for greater integration across the regional energy value chain.
Kuwait’s EQUATE Group also participated at the invitation of the Public Authority for Industry, following its first-place recognition in the large industrial facilities category of the sixth edition of His Highness the Amir’s Award for Distinguished Factories.
The petrochemical producer highlighted Kuwait’s industrial capabilities and its international market presence.
Fakhro said Bahrain’s hosting of the event reflected its commitment to Gulf economic cooperation, adding that the next phase would focus on building on the partnerships and investment opportunities generated.