The UAE is now the third largest contributor to Bahrain's FDI stocks.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) accounted for 10 percent of Bahrain's foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks, ranking third in contributions, according to the latest data. The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) reported that Bahrain received a record $6.8 billion in FDI inflows in 2023, as indicated by the latest World Investment Report (WIR 2024) by the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Bahrain's FDI stocks relative to GDP reached 99.7 percent by the end of 2023, one of the highest ratios globally, significantly surpassing the global average of 46.9 percent. According to Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority, the main contributors to Bahrain’s FDI stocks include Kuwait (36 percent), Saudi Arabia (23 percent), and the UAE (10 percent).

These figures represent a noteworthy increase from the previous year, marking a 148 percent rise from $2.8 billion. Overall inward FDI stocks grew from $36.2 billion in 2022 to $43.1 billion in 2023. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, emphasized the significance of the milestone FDI inflows in 2023, underscoring Bahrain's appeal as a prime business destination for local and global investors, offering competitive operating costs and a strategic location as an ideal gateway to the region and beyond.