Bahrain’s industrial sector is set to receive fresh support through a new cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Bahrain Islamic Bank. The memorandum of understanding was signed alongside the Made in GCC 2026 Forum and Exhibition, as the bank introduced financing packages worth a combined USD 32 million for manufacturers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and corporate clients operating in the Kingdom. The initiative is designed to improve awareness of funding options available to industrial businesses and help companies finance expansion, upgrade production capabilities, adopt cleaner technologies and strengthen their ability to manage supply chain pressures.
Agreement signed at Made in GCC event
The agreement was signed for the ministry by Dr. Khaled Alalawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development, while Bahrain Islamic Bank was represented by Ameer Dairi, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer.
Under the MoU, both sides will coordinate efforts to inform industrial enterprises about financing solutions that may support their development plans, subject to the bank’s eligibility requirements and internal procedures.
Three financing pillars
The bank’s Sharia-compliant packages are structured around three themes: Make Local, Make Green and Make Resilient. These focus on increasing local content, helping companies adopt more sustainable production methods, and improving operational continuity during supply chain disruptions.
The financing options include support for solar energy projects, lower-emission technologies, liquidity needs and supply chain funding. Businesses linked to the Takamul local value added programme may also benefit from related incentives.
Focus on competitiveness
Eman Ahmed Al-Doseri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said closer coordination with the financial sector can help manufacturers identify practical opportunities to grow, improve production and raise local value creation.
Fatema AlAlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Islamic Bank, said the USD 32 million allocation is intended to respond to real business needs, from sustainable investment to resilience and expansion planning. She said the partnership would help ensure more enterprises understand and access the available solutions.