His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain's hosting of leading global companies in the automotive sector reflects the attractiveness of the economic environment and its ability to attract global industry, highlighting the sector's role in boosting economic growth and developing the business environment.
This statement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the "Rox Motor" showroom, which belongs to Adamas Motor Company, located in Moda Mall, Manama, attended by several officials from both sides.
Following the inauguration, His Excellency the Minister toured the facility, where he viewed a collection of modern cars and new editions, in addition to reviewing the technical updates and digital tools introduced by the company to enhance the efficiency of its operations and the quality of its performance.
For his part, Mr. Abdullah Touqan, General Manager of Adamas Motor Company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasized the continuous support enjoyed by the automotive sector and industry in Bahrain under a flourishing economic environment that contributes to the development of the automotive industry and its related fields.
"Adamas Motor Company" is considered a global company in the field of car manufacturing and spare parts, and is dedicated to introducing new and advanced categories that meet the requirements of the Bahraini market
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has launched the National Innovation Strategy (2025–2035) during Global Entrepreneurship Week at the American University of Bahrain (AUBH). The Strategy aims to position the Kingdom of Bahrain as a leading regional hub for innovation and to accelerate the shift towards a knowledge- and creativity-based economy.
The launch took place in the presence of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, alongside key national partners from the public, private, and academic sectors, including the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Higher Education Council, the Economic Development Board (EDB), Tamkeen, the University of Bahrain, and the Information & eGovernment Authority.
The Minister affirmed that the Strategy aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to build a diversified and sustainable economy, and with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to support innovation, productivity, and the development of promising sectors. He noted that the Strategy serves as a national roadmap to strengthen integration between government, the private sector, and academia, advancing innovation in education, industry, scientific research, and entrepreneurship, and enhancing Bahrain’s competitiveness regionally and globally.
His Excellency explained that the Strategy is built on four main pillars: supporting the Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem by identifying national priorities, improving policies, supporting research programs, encouraging technology-based startups, and launching a National R&D Award; enhancing education and talent building by integrating STEM disciplines into curricula and offering advanced training in future technology fields; strengthening intellectual property by updating IP laws, expanding cooperation with international patent offices, improving IP registration, and allocating a portion of university revenues to support scientific research; and finally, promoting innovation and data by developing a digital ecosystem, improving mechanisms for measuring R&D and innovation, and requiring institutions to disclose their investments in this area.
The Strategy sets clear performance indicators, including doubling national patent registrations by 2027, increasing industrial design and trademark registrations by 2030, training over 6,000 Bahrainis in innovation fields, raising R&D investment to 2% of GDP by 2035, and positioning Bahrain among the top 50 countries in the Global Innovation Index. A National Task Force comprising representatives from governmental, academic, and private sectors has been formed to oversee implementation and monitor progress. The Minister concluded that the National Innovation Strategy represents a qualitative step towards a more prosperous future built on people, creativity, and knowledge, reinforcing Bahrain’s status as a regional center for innovation and technology and supporting the goals of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the launch of the National Incentive Initiative for owners of commercial shops and establishments. The initiative coincides with the festive season in Bahrain, and is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to stimulate the commercial sector and boost local economic activity during the period of national celebrations.
His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, explained that the initiative, which is implemented by the Ministry’s Consumer Protection Directorate, aims to enable commercial shop owners to expand their promotional activities and revitalize purchasing movement across the Kingdom’s governorates. This will be achieved by exempting commercial establishments from promotional campaign fees and extending the duration of commercial sales and discounts during the current month of December up to the end of 2025.
His Excellency the Minister affirmed that this step embodies the Ministry's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enhancing the commercial sector's participation in national festivities, and simultaneously energizing local markets. Furthermore, it encourages consumers to shop from national stores, thereby contributing to stimulating the economic cycle and raising domestic spending rates.
He invited owners of commercial shops and establishments to take advantage of the facilitations provided by the initiative by coordinating directly with the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Applications for participation can be submitted via email to: promotion_enquiries@moic.gov.bh
His Excellency the Minister also pointed out that the Ministry, through the Consumer Protection Directorate, is committed to regulating promotional campaigns and ensuring commercial establishments adhere to the applicable regulations. This is vital for strengthening confidence in the local market and preserving the rights of both consumers and traders.
His Excellency concluded his statement by emphasizing that this national initiative represents a key facet of the partnership between the government and the private sector in supporting the economic development process and establishing Bahrain's position as a thriving and diversified commercial hub that contributes to achieving the Kingdom's future economic and developmental visions.
His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed that Bahrain’s hosting of leading global companies reflects its attractive and dynamic investment climate, supported by ambitious strategies to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a regional gateway for global investment.
During his visit to PwC Middle East at the Bahrain World Trade Center, attended by officials from both sides, the Minister praised the firm’s role in consulting and financial auditing, emphasizing its importance in enhancing the business environment and streamlining regulatory processes.
His Excellency toured the company’s departments and reviewed recent technological updates, including advanced digital tools and AI-driven solutions to boost efficiency and quality.
Mr. Mohammed Al Mahroos, Partner in Charge of PwC Middle East in Bahrain, highlighted the continuous government support for the Kingdom’s thriving business and investment sector.
PwC Middle East has been active in the region since the mid-1970s. It provides consulting services that comply with Bahrain’s laws and regulations. Its clients include leading local companies, global organizations, and government entities across various sectors.
His Excellency Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, took part in the 69th meeting of the GCC Committee for Trade Cooperation and the 55th meeting of the GCC Committee for Industrial Cooperation, held in Kuwait. The meetings were attended by GCC Ministers of Trade and Industry and His Excellency Mr. Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The discussions covered key topics including updates on GCC free trade agreement negotiations with global economic blocs, proposals to regulate cross-border trade in services within the GCC common market, and initiatives to support Gulf entrepreneurs and SMEs’ integration into regional and global markets.
The meetings also reviewed efforts to develop a unified GCC framework for e-commerce and consumer protection, and policies to support national industries—such as measures to counter harmful trade practices and promote advanced and sustainable manufacturing across the region.
On the sidelines, His Excellency joined consultative meetings between GCC Ministers, business leaders, and chambers of commerce to discuss shared priorities and the private sector’s role in driving Gulf economic development.
He also met with His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Othman Al-Kasabi, Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, to discuss ways to strengthen trade relations between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, His Excellency participated in the 10th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardization held in Kuwait. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mr. Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, along with ministers and senior officials from member states, where the committee discussed and approved several key items, including new Gulf technical regulations, the authority’s 2026 budget, its 2026–2030 strategic plan, and the internal regulations of the GCC Accreditation Center.
H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, received Riham Abdelhamid Mahmoud Ibrahim Khalil, Ambassador of Egypt to Bahrain.
The meeting discussed the strong bilateral relations between Bahrain and Egypt and ways to enhance cooperation, especially in economic and investment fields.
H.E. the Minister praised the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening ties and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the Bahraini-Egyptian economic partnership through greater private sector collaboration.
H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, affirmed the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and expand green spaces, especially within industrial zones.
During a tree-planting event in Salman Industrial Area marking Tree Week, H.E. highlighted the Ministry’s cooperation with the private sector and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, noting that over 2,500 trees have been planted so far. He added that 16 industrial companies have joined the greening initiative as part of their social responsibility to advance sustainable development goals.
The Minister also announced updated criteria for the “Green Factory Label”, introducing a new requirement for factories to dedicate at least 10% of their plots to tree planting.
Launched during COP28, the Green Factory Label offers incentives to factories that meet environmental standards, helping them enhance sustainability, access financing, and expand into export markets.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) held its annual meeting under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce. The event brought together senior officials, business leaders, and members to discuss the growing Bahrain–U.S. partnership.
H.E. Fakhro praised AmCham’s role in strengthening investment ties, highlighting the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) as a key step toward deeper economic and security cooperation.
AmCham President Qais Hatim Al Zubi noted a 7% growth in membership and the organization of over 40 events and initiatives aimed at promoting trade and strengthening partnerships between the two countries.
The meeting concluded with appreciation to sponsors including WestPoint Home Bahrain and Chevron for their continued support in advancing Bahrain–U.S. economic relations.