bahrainthismonth.com | NOVEMBER 2026 ITALY IN BAHRAIN 23 Racing Force Group’s facility in Sakhir manufactures Bell Racing helmets used in international motorsport, including Formula 1. Combining Italian technology with Bahraini manufacturing, the expanded 12,000 sqm facility employs approximately 400 people and produces more than 115,000 units annually, comprising approximately 50,000 competition helmets and 65,000 collectible miniature helmets. The site handles activities ranging from research and development to manufacturing and safety testing, demonstrating how the partnership supports specialised industrial production within the Kingdom. Italian brands are also becoming increasingly visible in Bahrain’s consumer market. Eataly opened its first Bahraini location at Marassi Mall in 2025, while gelato brand La Romana and historic Roman chocolatier S.A.I.D. have expanded the Italian culinary offering. Pramac, the Italian power equipment manufacturer, has established a regional headquarters in Manama, further demonstrating Bahrain’s appeal as a base for companies serving the wider Gulf. Supporting Trade The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) plays an important role in connecting businesses from both countries. Its Manama Desk, inaugurated at the Italian Embassy in 2021, assists Italian companies entering the Bahraini market while supporting local entrepreneurs seeking commercial partnerships and investment opportunities in Italy. Working alongside the Embassy’s Commercial Office, the Desk facilitates trade delegations, provides tailored business assistance and helps companies identify opportunities in both markets. The agency celebrates its centenary in 2026, a milestone coinciding with a significant Italian presence at Jewellery Arabia. From November 24 to 28, the exhibition at Exhibition World Bahrain will feature the first collective Italian Trade Agency Pavilion, bringing together 16 companies from across Italy. Alongside established exhibitors, more than 30 Italian companies are expected to participate in the event. Located in Hall 3, Booth C50, the pavilion will showcase Italian jewellery craftsmanship and contemporary design, strengthening commercial connections with Bahrain’s jewellery market. Cultural Exchange Beyond business and diplomacy, cultural cooperation remains central to relations between the two countries. The Italian Embassy has supported performances at the Bahrain International Music Festival, including appearances by Italian jazz musicians Luca Velotti and Silvia Manco. Visual arts have provided another platform for collaboration. Crossroads: A Visual Dialogue Between Italy & Bahrain, presented at the Bahrain National Museum, brought together Bahraini photographers Hanan Al Khalifa and Ghada Khunji with Italian artists Loredana Mantello and Valentina Costa. Organised in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the exhibition formed part of the 21st edition of Contemporary Art Day. Italian language and cuisine have also featured prominently in cultural exchanges. The Royal University for Women houses the Grazia Deledda Centre for Italian Language and Culture, while initiatives such as the Week of Italian Cuisine introduce audiences to Italy’s regional culinary traditions. Academic partnerships extend these connections further. The King Hamad Chair for Inter-Faith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence was established at Sapienza University of Rome in 2018, while Bahrain’s Gulf University has developed a partnership with the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli to support research and academic exchanges.
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