Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi said the tourism sector now constitutes seven per cent of the kingdom's total GDP. “The World Tourism Index report issued in January 2026 showed that Bahrain ranked third in the Middle East for visitor growth in 2025 compared with 2024, achieving an 11 per cent increase,” she told a Parliament session.
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have declared that Wednesday (February 18) will be the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH.
National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has reported a 4% increase in its net profit attributable to the shareholders for the year ended 31 December 2025, reaching a record BD85.1 million ($225.7 million). The fourth quarter net profit was up 12% to BD18.2 million.
Bahrain's Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry has signed a letter of intent with The Helicopter Company (THC) to operate direct helicopter flights between Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian city of Dammam.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has launched the National Aviation Strategy (2026–2027), aiming to build an integrated aviation ecosystem aligned with global standards. The plan seeks to position Bahrain International Airport as a leading hub and expand destinations from 66 to 100 by 2030.
Bahrain’s Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry has signed a Letter of Intent with premium leisure carrier BeOnd to strengthen cooperation and expand the kingdom’s air connectivity. The airline will explore launching services from Bahrain, linking the kingdom with Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
Veolia, Terra Academia International (TAI) and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) have launched Terra Academia Bahrain, dedicated to ecological transformation, industrial innovation and sustainability. The initiative aims to establish the Middle East’s first university in this field, featuring a campus and online platform, and training 5,000 learners by 2030.
Batelco by Beyon has announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) during Capacity Middle East.
Bahrain is set to sign a major financing agreement with Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to advance the work on Phase Two of the Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Highway project. The total cost of the second phase is estimated at BD128.6 million ($340 million), said a report.
Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum (ITIF 2026) in October. Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Board of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) noted that hosting the event for the first time represents a key milestone in advancing the kingdom’s tourism sector and promoting its development.
