Bahrain lands $3.9bn investment deal with DHL, AirAsia and hotel giant Meliá

The Gulf kingdom is backing four major projects that could bring new flights, luxury hotels, jobs and technology businesses to the country as it looks to attract more international investment

Bahrain has secured almost US$3.9 billion (£3 billion) in planned investment from major international businesses, with new aviation facilities, a luxury waterfront hotel and a technology hub among four projects given the green light, it has emerged.

The Gulf kingdom announced the deals at its Gateway Gulf 2026 conference on Sunday, with global delivery giant DHL, AirAsia’s parent company Capital A and Spanish hotel group Meliá among the big names involved.

The investment is expected to support Bahrain’s efforts to attract more visitors, create jobs and expand its economy beyond oil.

One of the biggest developments will see DHL establish a new aircraft maintenance centre at Bahrain International Airport, where engineers will service and repair planes used by the company’s international delivery network.

The facility will be DHL’s first and only regional maintenance, repair and overhaul centre, supporting its growing fleet and helping Bahrain strengthen its role in global air freight.

Meanwhile, Capital A, the Malaysian company behind budget airline AirAsia, is backing three aviation projects that could improve flight connections between Bahrain, Asia and Europe.

The plans also include expanding air cargo operations and developing aircraft maintenance facilities, potentially bringing more international business through the country’s airport.

Spanish hotel company Meliá is also joining forces with investment group Infracorp to build a luxury waterfront development in Amwaj, an area known for its artificial islands, beaches and residential communities.

The development will feature a five-star hotel alongside Meliá-branded homes, adding to Bahrain’s growing collection of high-end accommodation aimed at international visitors and property buyers.

The fourth project, Digital City Bahrain, will create a centre for technology companies, education and innovation, with the aim of attracting businesses and developing new opportunities in the digital economy.

All four projects have received Bahrain’s Golden Licence, a special government scheme introduced in 2023 to encourage large international investments.

The licences give companies additional government support to help them obtain permits, navigate official procedures and get their developments under way more quickly.

Bahrain is increasingly looking beyond its traditional oil industry for economic growth, investing in tourism, aviation, financial services and technology.

According to the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), which organised the conference, industries outside oil and gas now account for approximately 86 per cent of the country’s economy.

“At the heart of Bahrain’s investment environment lies the ‘Team Bahrain’ approach, a unique public-private partnership model that unites government and businesses to create the conditions for investment and enterprise growth,” Bahrain EDB said in a statement.

“Bahrain’s EDB plays a central role in this ecosystem, serving as a bridge between investors and the government and helping to transform opportunities into long-term growth. 

“This collaborative approach is underpinned by Bahrain’s ongoing investment in digital transformation, progressive regulation, and a future-ready talent pool, as well as a diversified economy where non-oil activities account for approximately 86 per cent of GDP, providing a solid foundation for sustainable growth.”

READ MORE: Kuwait deepens capital market reforms as Boursa Kuwait scoops triple honours. Boursa Kuwait has been named Best Exchange of the Year – Middle East, Best Exchange for ESG and Best Exchange for Financial Literacy as Kuwait expands investment products and continues a long-running enhancement of its capital market.

Do you have news to share or expertise to contribute? The European welcomes insights from business leaders and sector specialists. Get in touch with our editorial team to find out more.

_{Main image: An aerial view of Bahrain Bay in the capital, Manama, where the Gulf kingdom has announced $3.89 billion in new investment projects involving DHL, AirAsia’s parent company Capital A and hotel group Meliá, with plans for expanded aviation facilities, luxury accommodation and a new technology hub. Credit: Bahrain Economic Development Board}