Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) hosted an exclusive networking reception at The Legacy Club in Bahrain Financial Harbour, bringing together more than 80 senior business leaders, policymakers, sustainability professionals, advisory committee members, partners and industry experts from Bahrain and across the region.

The event formed part of SFME’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration, encourage knowledge sharing and foster meaningful partnerships among organisations and individuals committed to advancing sustainability and climate action in the Middle East.

It also highlighted the contributions of SFME’s Lead Partners in promoting sustainable finance, climate action and practical solutions that support Bahrain’s sustainability ambitions.

During the reception, Lead Partner BBK presented key findings from its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining the bank’s progress in sustainable finance, responsible governance, community investment and environmental stewardship.

Mohamed Alaali, Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of BBK Group, emphasised the bank’s commitment to creating long-term value through the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations and business strategy.

 He also highlighted the role of sustainable finance and responsible business practices in supporting Bahrain’s long-term economic development goals.

The event also featured remarks from Talal Al Araifi, Chief Executive Officer of SAFA, who discussed the growing importance of voluntary carbon markets and carbon offsetting in helping organisations and individuals contribute to climate action and net-zero targets.

He highlighted SAFA’s partnership with SFME, which enables participants to offset carbon emissions associated with attending forum events through the company’s online platform.

The reception provided a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks and explore opportunities for collaboration on key sustainability priorities.

SFME also announced that its fifth edition will be held in Bahrain on January 26–27, 2027, continuing its mission to bring together regional and international stakeholders to drive dialogue, partnerships and action on sustainability, climate resilience and long-term economic prosperity.

SFME’s 2026 activities are supported by Lead Partners: BBK, SAFA and Tabreed Bahrain; Strategic Partners: United Nations Development Programme, Bank ABC, Standard Chartered Bank and Gulf International Bank; Forum Partners: Aluminium Bahrain, National Bank of Bahrain, Boston Consulting Group, Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY), Bahrain Ship Repair & Engineering Company (BASREC), Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill Company (GARMCO), American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) and Gulf Air; Supporting Partners: Tamkeen, Hassan Radhi & Associates, GFH Bank, and United Enterprises; Learning Partners: University of Strathclyde Bahrain and Impact for Learning & Development; and Media Partners: Arab News, Al Ayam Newspaper, OGN, Trade Arabia, BFT Media, and The Butterfly Effect. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service