In a significant initiative reflecting the growing focus on enhancing industrial and economic integration among Gulf states, the “Made in the Gulf” forum and exhibition was held from October 6 to 8, 2026. Organized by the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the event took place at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain and supported by the leaders of the GCC states.
The Kingdom’s hosting of this event comes at a pivotal time as the Gulf industrial sector undergoes rapid transformation. It provides an opportunity to showcase the industrial capabilities of GCC nations, highlight available investment opportunities, strengthen economic and strategic partnerships, and support the sustainability and integration of supply chains. Furthermore, the forum serves as a platform to demonstrate the evolution and competitiveness of Gulf products and to foster innovation and modern industrial technologies, thereby boosting the presence of Gulf industries in regional and international markets.
Data from Gulf and international databases indicate the substantial scale of the industrial economy within the GCC, spanning the number of establishments, investments, and workforce size to trade volumes. The region is home to approximately 21,969 industrial establishments, with total investments estimated at around US$426 billion and a workforce of 1.7 million. Meanwhile, the value of exports stands at approximately US$423 billion, against imports totaling US$807 billion. These indicators reflect the expanding presence of the Gulf economy across various global industries, most notably the aluminum sector, where GCC countries contribute between 8% and 9% of total global output. The GCC also accounts for 13% to 15% of global production in the petrochemicals sector. Fertilizers represent up to 5–6% of total agricultural nutrient production, with the Gulf contributing approximately 25% of global ammonia output; other key industries and products include cement, construction materials, cables, wires, food products, and automotive manufacturing.
Against this backdrop, the forum addressed nine key themes—with the participation of elite officials, experts, and leaders from the Gulf industrial sector—covering critical issues regarding the future of industry within the GCC. Discussions focused on frameworks for industrial integration, enhancing competitiveness, and strategies for accessing global markets, as well as building a more resilient supply chain ecosystem capable of navigating regional challenges and adapting to global economic shifts.
The dialogue also covered green and smart manufacturing, the importance of industrial financing, workforce development, and the enhancement of industrial infrastructure to strengthen connectivity between ports, roads, and economic and industrial zones. These themes underscore the importance of leveraging the inherent strengths of Gulf industries and building upon existing frameworks to foster the long-term, sustainable development of the industrial sector. The forum sessions went beyond merely reviewing current challenges; they extended to discussing policies and mechanisms designed to drive greater integration between the industrial and business sectors. Furthermore, the discussions explored the future landscape of the Gulf’s industrial economy and outlined scenarios to keep pace with the rapid transformations occurring in global industry and trade.
In parallel, Gulf industrial companies are increasingly striving to balance production requirements with environmental and social sustainability. They are achieving this by utilizing renewable energy sources—particularly solar power projects—and leveraging advanced technologies in manufacturing processes to boost efficiency and productivity.
This trend reflects a significant shift in the concept of Gulf industry: competitiveness is no longer defined solely by production volume or market reach; it now encompasses the ability to adopt sustainable practices and modern technologies that address environmental considerations. Industrial leaders in the Kingdom of Bahrain highlighted several of these trends, emphasizing green industry and sustainable manufacturing as key pathways to enhancing the industrial sector’s competitiveness.
Thus, “Made in the Gulf” represents more than just a forum and exhibition for industrial products; it serves as a platform that unites decision-makers, investors, experts, and Gulf companies around a shared vision for the future of industry in the region. As industrial capabilities grow and diversify, it becomes increasingly important to transform this potential into partnerships and integrative projects that strengthen Gulf value chains, enhance product competitiveness, and open up broader horizons for Gulf industry to access global markets.

Note: This article has been automatically translated, the full article is available in Arabic.

Ali Ebrahim Faqih, Senior Analyst