The much-awaited direct link between two financial capitals has become reality on September 29^th,  as Gulf Air officially launched the route, a milestone as described the Ambassador of Malaysia to Bahrain Dato’ Shazryll Zahiran during a special edition of an interview Diplomatic Encounter with The24X7News (www.twentyfoursevenenews.com) in which at the outset HE Ambassador applauded the leadership level ties between the Prime Minister of Malaysia HE Anwar Ibrahim, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Bahrain and congratulated His Royal Highness for patronizing the inaugural flight to Malaysia ahead of Gulf Air Bahrain F1 Grand Prix taking place between October 2nd to 4^th, 2026.  

Hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang from 2 to 4 October 2026 is a historic milestone for both our nations. Stepping in to co-host this premier event goes beyond sports, it is a bold display of solidarity, deep-rooted trust, and immediate readiness to support a close partner on the global stage. This landmark moment reflects the exceptional fraternal friendship between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, while proving Bahrain’s complete confidence in Malaysia’s world-class operational capabilities.

For Malaysia, HE said, hosting this prestigious international event provides an immediate economic boost, driving increased tourism, elevated international profile, and maximum utilization of the iconic Sepang International Circuit.

“Furthermore, Gulf Air’s decision to launch direct flights creates a larger market for regional connectivity via Malaysia. Crucially, this direct connection leverages Bahrain’s strategic position as a primary gateway to the GCC, broader Middle East, and Europe, while simultaneously promoting Bahrain as a premier tourism and business hub for Southeast Asian travelers.”

Building directly on the momentum of our 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2024, 2025 marked a landmark year of high-level diplomacy between our nations. This included a memorable State Visit to Bahrain by the King of Malaysia celebrating our royal brotherhood and socio-political ties in November 2025; an extensive Official Visit to Bahrain by the Prime Minister of Malaysia in February 2025 focused on expanding economic cooperation, governance, and bilateral trade; and a key visit by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain to Malaysia in May 2025 for the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit.

Looking ahead, Malaysia welcomes the prospect of continued high-level exchanges and reciprocal visits to further solidify our bilateral partnership and reflect our shared strategic vision.

“Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bahrain reached approximately USD93.92 million up to July 2026, demonstrating strong economic resilience despite temporary global supply chain constraints. Malaysian exports to Bahrain recorded significant momentum, surging by 40.3% year-on-year to reach USD 47.85 million compared to the same period in 2025.

“The main drivers behind this trade growth include high demand for Malaysian high-value manufactured metal products, processed foods, electronic items, palm oil products, and chemical/agricultural goods. These trade breakdown figures underscore Malaysia’s position as a reliable trading partner capable of delivering durable supply chains and high-quality manufactured and consumer goods directly to Bahrain.

Beyond trade, education and human capital development form the bedrock of our bilateral relationship. Currently, 135 Bahraini students are studying in Malaysian higher education institutions. Malaysia fully supports expanding this cooperation through joint research initiatives, student mobility programs, exchange of scholarships, and academic staff development.  Building on key partnerships like the memorandum of understanding between universities in Malaysia and Bahrain, Malaysia is eager to share best practices and support knowledge transfer to strengthen both countries higher education sectors. 

 Looking ahead over the next five years, our educational cooperation will directly feed into three transformative sectors. First, in Islamic finance and FinTech, joint programs between the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance and Malaysia’s INCEIF University will train the next generation of financial leaders. Second, in the Halal industry and food security, technical academic exchanges will upskill auditors, food scientists, and supply chain managers. Third, in renewable energy and digital technology, joint university research and vocational training will equip young talent to support green transition goals and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

Building on our strong diplomatic momentum, Malaysia and Bahrain are uniquely positioned to deepen cooperation across both public and private sectors, driven by our strategic roles as regional gateways. In the public sector, key priorities focus on expanding capacity-building and public administration exchanges as well as deepening institutional cooperation in Islamic finance and Fintech. Furthermore, both governments can leverage expanded direct air connectivity to boost bilateral tourism, cultural exchanges, and mutual investment frameworks.

“Bahrain serves as a strategic and accessible gateway for Malaysian enterprises seeking to expand across the dynamic Gulf Cooperation Council market. The Kingdom offers an exceptionally favorable environment for foreign investment, driven by its strategic geographical location, forward-thinking economic policies, and world-class infrastructure. Malaysian businesses increasingly recognize Bahrain not just as a market, but as a long-term hub for regional growth and commercial expansion.

“Ultimately, this economic partnership allows Bahrain to serve as Malaysia’s strategic hub for the GCC and broader Middle East, while Malaysia acts as Bahrain’s primary entry point into the wider ASEAN market.

“To actively bridge commercial players from both nations, the Embassy will host its flagship showcase, “Malaysia Fair 2026: Bringing Malaysia to You,” on 20 and 21 November 2026 at Oasis Mall in Juffair. This high-profile event will bring dynamic Malaysian enterprises, high-quality consumer brands, and innovative service providers directly to the heart of Bahrain. By establishing direct business-to-business networking channels, the fair creates immediate avenues for joint ventures, trade deals, and commercial exchange.”

Internationally acclaimed fashion retailer Primark on 23^rd September has officially opened its first store in Bahrain, located in the heart of the business district at City Centre Bahrain, in partnership with leading international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group. The opening marks Primark’s 20th international market entry, and third country in the Middle East following Kuwait in 2025 and UAE earlier this year.

John Hadden, CEO at Alshaya Group, on the sidelines Primark Alshaya Group in an exclusive interview told The2424X7News Bahrain (www.twentyfoursevennews.com) that we have made substantial investments and remains focussed on expansion across the region.

“The message is very clear, business as usual,” he said, adding that Primark second store will be opened at the Avenues Mall, Bahrain.”

Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management joined John saying that the business continuity is very important and we at Majid Al Futtaim would focus on growth and quality of our business lines wherever the Group operates.  

“We would continue to focus on brining quality of worldclass brands to BCC as part of our strategy to stand out as a top destination,” Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management, in exclusive interview on the sidelines of the opening of Primark flagship store in Bahrain in partnership with Alshaya Group, said,

“Today we are here to celebrate the opening of the first Primark in the Kingdom of Bahrain and third in the portfolio of the Majid Al Futtaim, starting with two Primark stores in the United Arab Emirates, City Centre Dubai and Mall of Emirates. This is a flagship Primark in the City Centre Bahrain,”

“We have done a lot to ensure that we remain relevant to the consumer in terms of providing the right experiences the right anchor brands and the right retail makes and that’s the focus of the group.

In addition to this we are focusing on curating new dine in experiences doubling down on wellness and today Primark again a globally renowned brand that has come into this market we have provided lifestyle as well as value led sort of experience through City Centre Bahrain and that’s what the consumers have been wanting all along. What we have done is to respond to the consumers we ensure that we have the right relevant brands experiences within City Centre Bahrain,” he said. By opening of Primark proof of our dynamic approach as complacency has never been an option for us and we need to continue evolving. By evolving means to stay relevant to the consumers of today and tomorrow and we really need to double down on the experiences. Due to the global exposure, the customers follow global trends, and we do everything possible to offer variety of choices, convenience experience and value, that is what the collective effort of Majid Al Futtaim and Alshaya Group by opening of Primark.

Also, he added, we are soon going to open a wellness fitness centre called the Train at the City Centre Bahrain. “Wellness has become an extremely important dimension to the customers which has become a phenomenal global trend for customers. The Train Fitness Centre, which is opening January 2027 will be the largest wellness facility in the Kingdom of Bahrain at the City Centre Bahrain. 

The opening was coincided with Saudi Arabia’s national day celebrations and long queues of shoppers from Bahrain and neighbouring countries, principally from Saudi Arabia, has made the opening festivity incredible in the recent history of Bahrain City Centre.

The flagship Primark store in Bahrain offers over 43,000 square feet of shopping space, set over two floors, and currently has 400 workforce and 250,000 products or units under one roof.

The celebrations included entertainment, giveaways and activations designed to create a memorable shopping journey for customers as they experienced Primark for the first time in the Kingdom.

Primark’s expansion across the GCC is set to continue into 2027, with the first Primark in KSA set to open in March 2027. A new location in Kuwait at Aventura Mall and a second store in Qatar at Villaggio Mall are also set to open in October, further strengthening the brand’s presence across existing markets and bringing Primark to even more communities throughout the region.

The opening celebration coincided with National Day of Saudi Arabia celebrations included entertainment, giveaways and activations designed to create a memorable shopping journey for customers as they experienced Primark for the first time in the Kingdom.

John Hadden, CEO at Alshaya Group, on the sidelines of the opening of Primark in an exclusive interview told The24X7News Bahrain (www.twentyfoursevennews.com) that Alshaya Group would open second store at the Avenues Mall within six months. The expansion will bolster Primark brand’s presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bahrain’s opening marked Primark’s 20th international market entry, and third country in the Middle East following Kuwait in 2025 and UAE earlier this year.

“As we approach a year since we opened our first Primark store in Kuwait, we are thrilled to open our fifth store here in Bahrain as we continue our partnership with Primark to bring the much-loved brand to the region. The response to the store has been amazing – thank you to our customers in Bahrain and from Saudi Arabia for joining us at the fantastic opening, and his support, and to our partners at Majid Al Futtaim,” John quoted saying at the opening.

Primark’s expansion across the GCC is set to continue into 2027, with the first Primark in KSA set to open in March 2027. A new location in Kuwait at Aventura Mall and a second store in Qatar at Villaggio Mall are also set to open in October, further strengthening the brand’s presence across existing markets and bringing Primark to even more communities throughout the region.

Primark’s recent milestones and global reach (2010 to present) include US debut with opening first store in Boston in 2015; opened a massive flagship store in Birmingham in 2019, recognized as the world’s largest retail fashion store. Digital and Modern Shift: Introduced click-and-collect services and a mobile app while maintaining a strong focus on brick-and-mortar experiences. Today, it operates over 500 stores internationally.

Primark founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1969 by Arthur Ryan under the original name Penneys. Renamed Primark outside of Ireland in 1976 because of a trademark conflict with the American retailer JCPenney.

In recent months, Gulf Air and Bahrain Airport Company delivered a range of educational and development programmes that equipped students and young participants with valuable learning experiences, practical exposure, and first-hand insights into the aviation industry and professional work environments.

Among the key initiatives was the Summer Internship Programmme, which provided 135 university students with hands-on industry experience as part of their graduation requirements. The two-month programmme enabled participants to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting while gaining practical exposure to various aspects of the aviation sector.

The two companies also concluded the second edition of the FLY Summer Internship Programme, which brought together 39 Bahraini school students for an immersive two-week learning experience. Through interactive workshops, training sessions, and site visits, participants gained first-hand exposure to key aviation operations and developed a deeper understanding of the diverse career opportunities available within industry.

Further supporting youth engagement, the Social Work Programme provided 60 participants with valuable workplace exposure and opportunities to develop skills that will support their future educational and career journeys.

In collaboration with INJAZ Bahrain, Gulf Air also launched the I CAMP Programme, an exclusive summer initiative designed to inspire and educate young Bahraini talents. The programme reflects the airline’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of Bahraini youth and the next generation of its employees’ families through engaging experiences that encourage creativity, learning, innovation, and career exploration.

“Investing in young talent is an investment in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s future. Through these development programmes, we are creating meaningful learning opportunities that build skills, broaden perspectives, and inspire future career aspirations. These initiatives reflect our commitment to developing Bahraini talent and supporting the Kingdom’s workforce requirements by preparing capable future professionals who can contribute to Bahrain’s continued growth and success. We are proud of the enthusiasm and achievements demonstrated by all participants and look forward to seeing them play a role in shaping the future of Bahrain’s key industries,” Chief People Officer of Gulf Air Group, Mohamed Matar, said.

Gawdat’s 27-year career spans IBM, NCR, Microsoft, and Google, where he helped launch nearly half of Google’s global operations before becoming Chief Business Officer at Google X, the innovation lab behind moonshot projects including self-driving cars, Project Loon, and Makani. He is also the founder of the One Billion Happy movement, host of Slo Mo: A Podcast with Mo Gawdat, and author of international bestsellers including Solve for Happy, Scary Smart, That Little Voice in Your Head, Unstressable, and Alive. His work on AI, happiness, and human potential has made him one of the world’s most distinctive voices on how advanced technologies can be shaped by human values.

At FF26, Gawdat will take part in a fireside chat titled “When Intelligence Is Everywhere: What Should Humans Still Decide?” The session will explore how AI is being embedded across industries, including financial services, where intelligent systems are increasingly shaping decisions around money, investing, risk, and customer interaction. The discussion will examine what this shift means for judgment, ethics, and accountability, and where human decision-making remains essential as machines become more capable of prediction and action.

“AI is no longer a distant technology; it is becoming part of the infrastructure behind our choices, our institutions, and our financial systems. The real test is not simply how powerful these systems become, but whether we remain clear about the decisions that require human judgment and values. I look forward to joining Fintech Forward 2026 in Bahrain to explore these topics with some of the key players shaping the financial services industry in the region,” Mo Gawdat said.

Financial services remains Bahrain’s largest economic sector, contributing 17.6% to GDP in 2025, underlining the Kingdom’s role as one of the region’s most established financial centres. Building on more than a century of sector expertise, Bahrain continues to strengthen its fintech ecosystem through innovative financial institutions and a future-proofed talent pool. The Kingdom has also introduced a series of pioneering policies, becoming the first in the region to offer open banking, crypto-asset, and stablecoin regulations, reinforcing its position as a testbed for responsible financial innovation.

Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority (BTEA), and Bahrain Fintech Bay, Fintech Forward 2026 is programmed by Forbes Middle East. The forum will convene global thought leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, and industry executives to examine the forces shaping the future of the industry and the opportunities emerging from intelligent infrastructure.

Based on the results of the examinations, and in accordance with the powers granted to the Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE under the applicable laws and regulations, it has been decided to prohibit all branches of Bank Melli Iran operating in the UAE from conducting any financial transactions to and from Iran, including trade finance and fund transfers.

“The Central Bank continues to enhance its supervisory framework and take the necessary measures to safeguard the soundness and integrity of the financial system in the UAE, and to ensure that financial institutions and entities subject to its supervision comply with the highest standards of compliance, in line with relevant international best practices and standards.”

The inaugural flight arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, opening a new weekly aviation lane operated by a DHL Express B767/F freighter. The route expands DHL’s air connectivity from its Bahrain hub into Sub-Saharan Africa, adding capacity for businesses moving shipments between the Gulf, Africa and international markets.

As trade between Africa and the Middle East develops, businesses need resilient, well-connected logistics networks. The new service provides greater inbound and outbound capacity for South Africa and neighboring countries through the DHL Johannesburg Hub, one of the company’s key gateways on the continent.

The investment also reflects shifting global supply chains, as companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and customer markets beyond traditional corridors. Bahrain’s position as a gateway between Africa, the Gulf and Asia markets make it an important link for businesses seeking faster access to international markets.

“Every new connection we introduce is designed with our customers in mind. As global trade routes diversify and economic ties between Africa and the Middle East continue to strengthen, we are seeing powerful geographical tailwinds creating new opportunities for businesses. Demand is growing across sectors such as healthcare, technology, manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce, all of which rely on fast, reliable international logistics,” Anthony Beckley, Vice President of Operations and Aviation for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said.

“While this first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and South Africa is a significant network milestone, its real value lies in the opportunities it creates for customers.”

South Africa is one of DHL’s Geographic Tailwinds markets, reflecting its growing role as an essential node for future trade growth. Johannesburg remains a critical gateway in DHL’s SSA network, linking South Africa and neighboring markets to global opportunities through Bahrain and the wider DHL aviation network. Through continued investment in routes, aircraft capacity and hub connectivity.

“DHL Express is the only logistics provider operating a dedicated intra-regional air fleet across the Middle East, connecting customers through Bahrain with major global gateways including Hong Kong, Leipzig and Cincinnati,” said Richard Gale, Vice President of Aviation, DHL Express MENA.

“Bahrain’s position at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it an ideal hub for customers seeking faster, more reliable access across these growing trade corridors. We are pleased to add this direct Johannesburg connection as economic ties between Africa and the Gulf deepen.”

DHL remains committed to helping customers seize opportunities opened by changing trade patterns and expanding economic relationships.

The visit forms part of the implementation of Bahrain Bourse’s Capital Market Development Plan 2026–2028, ‘Elevate’, which aims to diversify market offerings, deepen liquidity, streamline market operations, and strengthen the Kingdom’s capital markets infrastructure in line with regional and international best practices.

The visit aimed to strengthen engagement with key stakeholders within Kuwait’s investment community, showcase the investment opportunities available offered by Bahrain’s capital market, and explore ways to increase participation by Kuwait-based institutional investors in listed securities on Bahrain Bourse.

During the visit, Bahrain Bourse’s delegation held discussions with a number of brokerage firms to discuss opportunities for collaboration and exchange expertise, while also exploring mechanisms to facilitate access to Kuwait-based investors to the capital market in the Kingdom of Bahrain. These efforts aim to stimulate trading activity, increase liquidity, and support greater integration among GCC capital markets.

The visit reflects Bahrain Bourse’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the “Elevate” Strategic Plan through proactive engagement with regional investors, further enhancing the attractiveness of the Kingdom’s capital market, and strengthening cooperation and integration with Gulf and regional capital markets.