bahrainthismonth.com | NOVEMBER 2026 22 Shared Horizons ITALY IN BAHRAIN A series of major agreements and growing commercial ties have brought fresh momentum to relations between Italy and Bahrain. As cooperation expands across industries and cultural institutions, the partnership is entering a significant new chapter. Strengthening Ties Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, Italy and Bahrain have steadily expanded their cooperation. The opening of the Italian Embassy in Manama in 2002 marked an important milestone, followed by agreements establishing formal channels for political dialogue. A further step came in November 2021, when the two countries signed an agreement establishing a Joint Bilateral Commission. Its first high-level meeting took place in Rome in June 2023, providing a framework for cooperation across trade, investment, education, technology and culture. Recent years have brought significant developments. In January 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the first visit by an Italian Prime Minister to Bahrain, meeting His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. In September 2025, His Royal Highness visited Rome, where the two countries signed a Strategic Investment and Cooperation Partnership involving commitments valued at more than €1 billion. Representing a major step in bilateral economic relations, the agreement identified six priority sectors: energy, logistics, tourism, industry, financial services and information and communication technologies. The relationship was further strengthened in December 2025, when Prime Minister Meloni returned to Bahrain and attended the 46th GCC Summit as Guest of Honour. Her participation also highlighted Italy’s commitment to developing relations between Europe and the Gulf. Business Connections Economic cooperation has become an increasingly important part of the relationship. Bilateral trade grew by 34.9% in 2025, with Bahraini exports to Italy increasing by 71% and Italian exports rising by 3.8%. Bahrain primarily exports raw aluminium and base metals, while Italian exports include industrial machinery, chemicals, jewellery, food products and transport equipment. Several agreements are translating this commercial relationship into industrial opportunities. Bahrain’s Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) has pursued partnerships with Italian companies including Leonardo, De Wave and Fincantieri, covering shipbuilding, vessel maintenance and maritime technology. A separate agreement with Italian technology company Roboze concerns the development of a smart manufacturing facility in Bahrain. The proposed facility would use advanced 3D printing technology to produce specialised engineering components locally. Italian companies are also contributing to Bahrain’s energy and infrastructure sectors. Eni has been active in the Kingdom since 2018, with cooperation extending to sustainability and energy diversification. Prysmian Group is involved in electricity transmission projects, while Leonardo’s activities include aviation safety, radar systems and naval modernisation. Meanwhile, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, has invested in Italian businesses including healthcare operator KOS Group and motorsport equipment manufacturer Racing Force Group. Made in Bahrain One particularly striking example of ItalianBahraini industrial cooperation can be found beside Bahrain International Circuit.
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